GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR) is a foundation under public law jointly financed by the Federal Republic of Germany (90%) and the State of Schleswig-Holstein (10%). It is one of the internationally leading institutions in the field of marine research.
Through our research and our commitment to the transfer of knowledge and technology, we contribute significantly to the preservation of the function and protection of the ocean for future generations.
The research unit Marine Evolutionary Ecology of the research division Marine Ecology (PI Prof. Thorsten Reusch) is offering a Seagrass Restoration Ecology Scientist position.
The employment is initially for three years, desired starting date is 1st September 2024, a prolongation for another two years until 2029 is likely.
Background and Project Description
The position is embedded into the BMBF funded project SeaStore phase 2, the first restoration project in German coastal waters dedicated to active habitat restoration in seagrasses. The successful candidate will work together with a large consortium coordinated by University of Hannover (www.seegraswiesen.de) with the primary aim to upscale restoration techniques, stakeholder involvement, decision support tools and citizen science. The specific aim of the GEOMAR work package is to develop a seed-based restoration technique, as well as to continue the monitoring of ecosystem services in restored areas such as blue carbon accumulation and biodiversity enhancement. To this end, a series of laboratory as well as underwater experiments are planned to optimize seed harvesting, overwintering, sowing conditions, density, deployment method and depth. As this project continues to attract considerable media interest, public outreach and media contacts are also important project components. The successful candidate will also keep and expand collaborative contacts to other international groups working on (seed-based) restoration techniques.
Requirements for a successful application are:
- A university degree (Master or equivalent) in biology, ecology, marine sciences or in a related subject
- Knowledge in marine ecology
- Willingness for outreach and media activities
- Research diving qualification
- Proficiency in English
- Car driving license (class B)
Desirable qualifications would be:
- Experience in the design and execution of field experiments
- Experience with seagrass biology and reproductive ecology
- Knowledge in marine nature conservation regulation and management
- Experience with public outreach /media
- Boating license
At GEOMAR, located directly at Kiel Fjord with many leisure and recreational opportunities, we offer:
- An exciting and international work environment with the opportunity to provide important impetus for the development of sustainable solutions
- Integration into the SeaStore network and into the European seagrass restoration science community
- Work in the field of marine restoration, a forward-looking area with social significance
- Good conditions for work-life balance, including the possibility of mobile working and individual working time arrangements
- Vacation courses for the children of our employees, and support in finding a place in a daycare center at the Kiel site
- Support services for professional and personal life situations
- 30 vacation days and additional time off at public holidays
- Company pension plan and capital-forming benefits
The full-time position (39 hrs/week) is available for a period of three years. The salary depends on qualification and could be up to the class 13 TVöD-Bund of the German tariff for public employees. The position can be split in principle. Flexible working time models are possible.
GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel seeks to increase the proportion of female scientists and explicitly encourages qualified female academics to apply.
GEOMAR is an equal opportunity employer and encourages scientists with disabilities to apply. Qualified disabled applicants will receive preference in the application process.
Closing date: July 1, 2024
