Doctoral Researcher

About the organisation

The Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research GmbH is an independent research and teaching institute that provides scientific knowledge for the protection and sustainable use of tropical coastal ecosystems. To this end, we work in an inter- and transdisciplinary manner with our partners in the tropics. The ZMT is a member of the Leibniz Association.

In the frame of the collaborative Mare:N project ‘Innovative biodiversity pressure state indicators based on a globally unique marine plankton data set and advanced statistical/machine learning techniques’ (INDIFUN-AI), led by the Alfred-Wegener-Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI), and in which several research groups from northern Germany are participating, the ZMT has (subject to release of funds) a vacancy for a Doctoral researcher on science-stakeholder interactions (gn) (Reference: 25-INDIFUN) to be filled as soon as possible.

About the role

Biodiversity forms the backbone of every ecosystem, as the abundance of species buffers fluctuations in the system. Stability is ensured by the interaction of individual species, which allows nutrients to circulate and flow into food webs. Changes in biodiversity can destabilize material flows, which has an impact on the vitality of the ecosystem. The timely and targeted introduction of protective measures can prevent this. However, this requires indicator systems that recognise potential changes at an early stage. This use of indicators is a critical component of monitoring terrestrial, limnic and marine systems. As part of INDIFUN-AI, robust indicators are being developed in a transdisciplinary approach to monitor and assess biodiversity in the special ecosystem of the Arctic pelagic. The development of robust indicators is based on multi-layered data sets that include all important groups of organisms in an ecosystem. Within the joint project, experts for different organisms and stakeholder groups work together to ensure optimal recording, description and functional interpretation of biodiversity.

Your tasks:

• Development of integrated inter- and transdisciplinary methods and instruments
• Creation of indicators for monitoring marine biodiversity
• Involvement of various stakeholders and users of these indicators
• Development and implementation of innovative dialog forums
• Cooperation between scientists and stakeholders
• Epistemological studies on marine biodiversity

Requirements

• Completed university degree (Master, Diploma or a comparable university degree) in one of the following fields: Political sciences, social sciences (e.g. anthropology or human geography) with a coastal or marine ecology focus, or marine biology with a socio-ecological focus, or a comparable interdisciplinary degree programme;
• Native speaker level German skills, plus very good written and spoken English skills;
• Experiences in the methodological conceptualisation and approach to participatory workshops, including various dialogue formats;
• Experience in generating and analysing qualitative data;
• Strong interest in epistemological approaches to science-stakeholder interactions;
• Enthusiasm, creativity, commitment, and an open mind with strategic skills;
• Strong interest in working on an inter- and transdisciplinary research projects, and on developing ideas to improve marine biodiversity monitoring.

Desirable qualifications:

• Experiences with projects in marine/environmental sciences;
• High affinity for information and communication technologies;
• Knowledge of opportunities and challenges of AI use for analyzing larger data sets;
• Communication, co-operation and conflict resolution skills.

Salary and benefits

Salary will be paid according to the German TV-L (EG 13). The position is available for part-time (66,67 % of a full-time position) employment starting as soon as possible with a duration until 31^st August 2027. ZMT is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants with a migration background are welcome. Persons with severe disabilities are given special consideration if they have the same professional and personal qualifications. The ZMT values its diverse workforce and pursues the goal of providing equal opportunity, which incorporates gender neutrality (gn). We will be happy to accept your documents without a photo.

We offer:

• A challenging and varied job in an international, dynamic and interdisciplinary research environment
• A motivated and committed team from different countries and cultures
• An open and cooperative working atmosphere
• Opportunities for personal and professional development
• Interesting, varied and challenging tasks and family-friendly working conditions
• Company pension plan (VBL)
• Company health promotion and the opportunity to participate in company fitness with EGYM Wellpass

Start date

ASAP

How to apply

Please submit your complete application documents (cover letter incl. your motivation for this interdisciplinary PhD, CV, summary of your Masters thesis, the names of two referees; letters of recommendation are also welcome) by 28.10.2024 as a single pdf file with the reference number “25-INDIFUN” to Ms. Carina Seemann, email: bewerbung@leibniz-zmt.de.

For questions please contact Dr. Annette Breckwoldt, email: annette.breckwoldt@leibniz-zmt.de and/or the project coordinator Dr. Alexandra Kraberg, email: Alexandra.Kraberg@awi.de.