PhD candidate in the field of Harmful Algal Blooms and Phycotoxin Analysis

The Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde (IOW) is an independent marine research institute of the Leibniz Association, which is committed to equal opportunities, family friendliness and the compatibility of work and family life. Our research focuses on the coastal and marginal seas, in particular the Baltic Sea. The staff of the five departments Physical Oceanography, Marine Chemistry, Biological Oceanography, Marine Geosciences and Marine Observations work on an interdisciplinary basis in a joint research program.

The Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde (IOW) has a temporary vacancy, to be filled as soon as possible, for a

PhD candidate in the field of Harmful Algal Blooms and Phycotoxin Analysis

for a period of 36 months with 30h/week. Remuneration is paid in accordance with the Tarifvertrag für den öffentlichen Dienst der Länder (TV-L, Public Sector Collective Agreement on Länder) salary scale at level 13 (EG 13, 75%, 30 h/week).

The doctoral thesis will be based in the working group Organic Trace Substances, Dpt. Marine Chemistry, but will be conducted in tight collaboration with colleagues from the working groups Phytoplankton Ecology (Dpt. Biological Oceanography) and Paleoceanography and Sedimentology (Dpt. Marine Geosciences).

About the project:

This doctoral dissertation aims to provide a better understanding of the occurrence and significance of algal blooms caused by phycotoxin-producing phytoplankton taxa (Harmful Algal Blooms, HABs) in the Baltic Sea. First, existing long-term data from nearshore monitoring extending back to the 1980s will be analyzed to identify environmental factors that led to changes in the phytoplankton community resulting in more frequent HABs, as well as to identify HAB taxa relevant for the development of phycotoxin analysis methods. Furthermore, phycotoxins will be analyzed alongside phytoplankton-specific lipids in filter and sediment samples from the Baltic Sea using organochemical analysis to obtain an overview of phycotoxin occurrence. Sediment cores will be analyzed to reconstruct the occurrence of HABs over the past approximately 7,200 years. 

What will be your tasks?

As part of your doctoral research, you will independently perform the analysis of an existing, extensive monitoring data set using multivariate statistical methods. Furthermore, you will develop chemical-instrumental methods (LC-MSMS, GC-MS) for analyzing phycotoxins in filter and sediment samples from the Baltic Sea, based on existing methods for phytoplankton lipid analysis. You will organize and carry out field work to collect quantitative data on phycotoxins and phytoplankton lipids in samples from the Baltic Sea.

You will familiarize yourself with the relevant scientific literature, perform data analyses, present your research results at conferences, and publish them in peer-reviewed journals.

What do we expect from you?

You have a good to very good master's degree in chemistry, chemical oceanography, environmental sciences, marine geology or a related field. You are a team-oriented, loyal person with communication and conflict competence and are interested in interdisciplinary collaboration. We require your willingness to organize and participate in fieldwork for sampling. We expect very good written and spoken English skills.

Ideally, you have knowledge in phycotoxin-producing phytoplankton taxa and a basic understanding of instrumental analysis and, ideally, initial work experience in this field. You are interested in the development of analytical methods and have basic knowledge of data analysis and statistics in a programming language such as R or python.

What does the IOW offer?

The IOW offers you a diverse workplace right on the Baltic Sea coast, with flexible working arrangements, e.g. the possibility of working from home or remotely, company health measures, an annual bonus, a pension plan (VBL), 30 days of vacation per year, time off on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, and opportunities for language training in English and German. A very good infrastructure with modern laboratory and office equipment, including our own research vessel, provide the framework for the best working conditions.

How do we promote equal opportunities?

Our job offers are aimed at all people regardless of their age, gender, physical abilities, religion and beliefs, sexual orientation, or social background. Research benefits from a diverse working environment, which is why we have signed the Diversity Charter of Diversity.

The IOW is committed to actively promoting women in fields where they are underrepresented. For this purpose, the institute has developed a plan to promote equality and has repeatedly been awarded the Total E-Quality award for its commitment. You can find an overview of our measures to support equal opportunities and improve the compatibility of work and family life on our website.

Applications from disabled persons with equal professional and personal suitability will be given preference. Please mention the disability or equality equal status in your letter of application and enclose a copy of the relevant certificates.

How to apply?

Please send us your application documents, including

• cover letter outlining your relevant activities and experiences
• your CV
• copies of your transcripts
• any certificate or reverences

Please provide us with two references that we can contact if necessary.

We look forward to receiving your application, quoting the

keyword: CHE 02/2026

until: August 30, 2026

by email to:  bewerbung.chemie(at)iow.de 

or by mail to: 

Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde

Human Resources Department

Seestraße 15

18119 Rostock

Germany

The interviews are expected to take place on September 22 or 23, 2026.

Unfortunately, we cannot cover your application and travel costs.

For further information, please contact: Dr. Marion Kanwischer (marion.kanwischer(at)iow.de)