Postdoctoral researcher in the area of marine biogeochemistry

The inter-department research project “Effect of anthropogenic modifications and climate change on greenhouse gas emissions along the river-ocean continuum” (AGRIO) examines the transformation of organic matter into the greenhouse gases (GHGs) carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane. Field observations and numerical models of the Elbe–North Sea system will help us understand the impacts of human action on GHG dynamics and develop strategies to mitigate emissions, balancing ecological conservation with human development.

For our interdisciplinary and inter-institutional AGRIO team at Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ), Helmholtz Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung (AWI) and Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon we are seeking

1 PhD (UFZ, 36 months, 65%) aquatic biogeochemistry
1 PostDoc (Hereon, 30 months, 100%) greenhouse gas observation (this position)
1 PostDoc (Hereon, 24 months, 100%) biogeochemical modeling
1 PhD (AWI, 24 months, 100%) hydrodynamic modeling

This particular position will entail collecting and providing GHG flux and other data from the tidal Elbe River, in the surroundings of the Geesthacht weir and the German Bight, as well as being involved in the conceptual framework and dissemination material development. The position will be supervised by Dr Tina Sanders and Dr Holger Brix.

The position is limited to 2 1/2 years (30 months). Anticipated starting time for the position is as soon as possible.

Equal opportunity is an important part of our personnel policy. We would therefore strongly encourage qualified women to apply for the position. In principle, the full time position (39 h/week) is also sharable.

• collection of data including field samples of GHGs and other relevant oceanographic parameters (production, consumption and emission of CO₂, CH₄, and N₂O)
• analysis of data and samples in the context of other relevant data sources (satellite, in situ, regional model results), especially focussing on the regulation of GHG fluxes by relevant drivers (nutrients, temperature, light) in water and sediments
• investigation of biogeochemical processes in the presence and context of anthropogenic influence and infrastructures
• develop conceptual framework for GHG fluxes in coastal regions under anthropogenic influence
• develop dissemination materials for various stakeholder groups
• planning, participation, and evaluation of research cruises
• scientific publication and presentations
• working as an integral part of a motivated multidisciplinary team within the institute, within the Helmholtz Association and with external academic partners

Essential qualifications:

• a doctoral degree in oceanography, marine chemistry or biology, geosciences, mathematics or related disciplines
• knowledge of processing and interpretation of observational data
• profound programming skills in at least one scientific program language (e. g., FORTRAN, C, C++, R, Matlab, Python) and experience in data processing and analysis
• ability and willingness to participate in seagoing research
• strong academic publication record
• good communication skills in English
• high degree of creativity and flexibility
• drivers licence for passenger vehicles (equivalent EU class B)

Desirable qualifications:

• knowledge of coastal and shelf sea biogeochemical processes or biological-physical interaction
• experience in measuring greenhouse gases
• practical experience in seagoing research
• training in handling samples and in laboratory work
• international research experience
• good communication skills and ability to work in an interdisciplinary team with scientists, engineers, and technicians.
• desire to acquire solid communication skills in German

• an exciting and varied job in a research centre with around 1,000 employees from more than 60 nations
• a well-connected research campus (public transport bus) and best networking opportunities
• individual opportunities for further training
• social benefits according to the collective agreement of the public service and remuneration
• an excellent technical infrastructure and modern workplace equipment
• 6 weeks holiday per year; company holidays between Christmas and New Year's Day
• very good compatibility o private and professional life; offers of mobile and flexible work
• family-friendly company policy with childcare facilities, e. g. nursery close to the company
• free assistance program for employees (EAP)
• Corporate benefits
• a varied offer in the canteen on campus