Stellenangebot / Job offer
PhD Position (m/f/d) in the area of phytoplankton diversity and productivity
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. The departments “Remote sensing“, “Integrated Coastal Observing Systems” and “Marine Snow and Plankton” study ocean colour, coastal carbon cycle dynamics, and productivity.
We invite applications for a PhD position (m/f/d) in the area of phytoplankton diversity and productivity. The successful applicant will work in the recently funded project “PhytoDive” (Global Phytoplankton Diversity and Productivity in the Coastal Ocean) aiming to resolve species’ diversity and productivity of (harmful) phytoplankton blooms and their impact on (1) the carbon cycle in the coastal ocean and (2) food web dynamics. This research encompasses a multi-disciplinary approach including hyperspectral remote sensing as well as physical, biogeochemical and biological processes. A focus is on primary production and phytoplankton diversity estimates from ocean color satellites and autonomous FerryBoxes, as well as plankton and marine snow observations from high-resolution in-situ imaging at cabled underwater observatories. The combined observations across various spatial scales will be used as a link to higher trophic levels and particulate organic carbon flux and to resolve small- to mesoscale ocean dynamics.
We are looking for a qualified and motivated PhD student to complete the multifaceted project tasks of PhytoDive. The position is initially limited to three years. Anticipated starting date is January 1st, 2021.
Your tasks:
- scientific evaluation and analysis of physical, biogeochemical and biological data from e.g. remote sensing, FerryBoxes and underwater-imaging systems with respect to phytoplankton diversity and productivity
- participation in cruise campaigns
- scientific publications and presentations at national and international conferences and workshops
Your profile:
- a master´s degree in marine chemistry or biology, geosciences, mathematics or related disciplines
- solid understanding of biogeochemical and biological productivity dynamics
- profound programming skills (e.g., experience with MATLAB, R, or Python)
- willingness to participate in research cruises
- good knowledge of English (written and oral)
- good communication skills and ability to work in an interdisciplinary team with scientists, engineers, and technicians
- high degree of creativity and flexibility
