Postdoctoral investigator (m/f/d) in the area of Marine Biogeochemistry and Biological Oceanography

One scientific focus of the Institute of Coastal Research is the investigation of biogeochemical cycles in the coastal ocean. The Institute uses and develops the coastal observing system COSYNA, one of the densest in-situ measurement systems in the world. Within this framework, the departments Integrated Coastal Observing Systems and Marine Snow and Plankton study carbon cycle dynamics in the coastal regions of the North Sea region. This research encompasses the development of in-situ measurements of biological and carbon system parameters such as nutrients, phytoplankton, pH and alkalinity that are analysed and set in context using observations of physical parameters. These novel techniques are evaluated using automated underway FerryBox systems and cabled underwater observatories. Furthermore, high-resolution imaging is employed to complementary resolve biological and physical factors controlling the biological carbon pump in marine ecosystems.

The EU-funded project JERICO-S3 (European Research Infrastructure of Coastal Observatories: Science, Service, Sustainability) aims at the harmonization and further development of different monitoring platforms, and at improving the understanding of marine biogeochemical processes along European Coasts. JERICO-S3 aims to bring the existing JERICO-Research Infrastructure to the next level of integration to be of relevance for society at large. The overarching target of JERICO-S3 is to provide researchers with continuous and more valuable coastal data and datasets coupling physical and biological information, as well as extending the cooperation with Marine Infrastructures within and outside Europe (e.g., ARGO, EMSO). We are looking for a qualified and motivated postdoc to complete the JERICO-S3 project tasks, focused on the plankton and carbon dynamics in the North Sea and the German Bight regions.

We invite applications for a postdoctoral position (m/f/d) in the area of Marine Biogeochemistry and Biological Oceanography. The position is initially limited to three years starting as soon as possible (June 2020 the latest).

Your tasks:

• scientific evaluation and analysis of a newly established high-resolution time-series of plankton and marine snow from underwater-imaging systems
• development and application of new classification and visualization methods
• participation in scientific activities within JERICO-S3 related to the carbon cycle in coastal regions as well as bio-physical linkages between coast and open ocean
• participation in cruise campaigns
• coordination and completion of the tasks assigned to HZG within various work packages of the JERICO-S3 project
• international collaboration supporting the optimization of European marine monitoring strategies
• scientific publications and presentations at national and international conferences and workshops
• working as an integral part of a motivated multidisciplinary team within the institute and external academic partners

Your profile (essential qualifications):

• a PhD in oceanography, marine chemistry or biology, geosciences, mathematics or related disciplines within the last five years
• strong academic publication record
• profound programming skills (e.g., experience with Matlab, R, C, C++)
• good knowledge of English (written and oral)
• high degree of creativity and flexibility; ability to work under pressure
• good communication skills and ability to work in an interdisciplinary team with scientists, engineers, and technicians

==> Closing date for applications is 3rd, May 2020

==> Further details for this job offer code-no. 2020/KO 3