Ph.D. position in the Department of Biological Oceanography

The Department of Biological Oceanography at the Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde (IOW) is offering a

Ph.D. position

within the project “HypoWaves - Understanding Episodic Oxygen Loss and Redox Shifts in the Baltic Coastal Zone”.

The fixed-term part-time position (30h/week, 75% position) will start at the earliest date possible (preferably in Nov 2026) and continue for 36 months. Remuneration is paid according to the Public Sector Collective Agreement (TV-L EG 13).

Who are we?

The IOW is an independent research institute within the Leibniz Association, located on the Baltic Sea coast in Warnemünde. The institute actively promotes diversity, career development, and the compatibility of work and family life. Its research focuses on coastal, marginal seas, and on the Baltic Sea. Scientists from the five departments, Physical Oceanography, Marine Chemistry, Biological Oceanography, Marine Geosciences, and Marine Observations, work closely together in an interdisciplinary environment that fosters innovative approaches to understanding marine ecosystems across scales.

The IOW provides world-class research infrastructure, combining state-of-the-art laboratory facilities with advanced observational platforms for coastal and open-ocean research. Core facilities include NanoSIMS for single-cell isotope imaging, mass spectrometry and stable isotope analysis laboratories, high-resolution microstructure profilers, particle cameras, autonomous observing systems, modern oceanographic instrumentation, scientific diving, and access to the institute's research vessels. Together, these facilities provide an outstanding environment for interdisciplinary marine research from the microscale to the ecosystem level.

What will be your tasks?

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join a newly funded project "HypoWaves – Understanding Episodic Oxygen Loss and Redox Shifts in the Baltic Coastal Zone". HypoWaves brings together researchers from the Departments of Biological Oceanography, Physical Oceanography, and Marine Chemistry to investigate the mechanisms, consequences, and predictability of short-lived hypoxic events (hypoxic waves) in the rapidly changing coastal Baltic Sea.

The goal of HypoWaves is to unravel the physical, microbial, and biogeochemical processes that drive episodic oxygen loss and rapid redox shifts in the Baltic coastal zone. Through an interdisciplinary approach, the project integrates high-resolution field observations with laboratory experiments, stable isotope techniques, microbial community analyses, and hydrodynamic–biogeochemical modeling to investigate how hypoxic waves alter nutrient cycling, greenhouse gas production, and ecosystem functioning. By resolving these mechanisms across the water column and sediments, HypoWaves aims to improve our ability to predict the impacts of climate-driven deoxygenation in coastal seas.

Within the HypoWaves project, you will investigate how rapid oxygen fluctuations reshape microbial nitrogen cycling associated to water column particles and surface sediments in the coastal Baltic Sea. Combining high-resolution field observations, including microstructure profiling and underwater particle imaging, with laboratory experiments, you will study how physical transport processes interact with microbial metabolism to regulate nitrogen loss and retention as well as production of the climate relevant trace gas nitrous oxide (N₂O). The project integrates stable isotope tracer incubations, microsensors, molecular techniques, and advanced imaging, offering a unique opportunity to bridge marine biophysics and biogeochemistry across dynamic redox environments.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to:

• Participate and organize field campaigns in the Baltic Sea, including sampling of water column, particles and sediments.
• Design and conduct laboratory incubation experiments under controlled physical and biogeochemical conditions, including defined turbulence, oxygen, and redox regimes.
• Quantify nitrogen transformation processes and greenhouse gas production using stable isotope tracer techniques, microsensors, and gas chromatography
• Develop and apply quantitative approaches to link physical transport processes with microbial activity and biogeochemical cycling.
• Characterize microbial communities using molecular methods and respective interpretation on biogeochemical datasets.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, contribute to interdisciplinary collaborations, and prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

What do we expect from you?

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with an above-average university degree (Master's/Diploma) in Biological Oceanography, Earth System Science, Environmental Microbiology, Geomicrobiology, Biophysics, Biotechnology, or a related discipline.

Experience with relevant experimental and analytical methodologies, stable isotope incubations, and knowledge of physical oceanography or marine biogeochemical cycles are beneficial. A strong interest in, and ideally experience with, biophysics, physical transport processes and their interactions with microbial activity and biogeochemical cycling is desirable.

The candidate must demonstrate good communication skills in English, a high degree of self-dependent working, and a great interpersonal and team-minded skills. Applicants must have experience in fieldwork and/or strong skills in data analysis and scientific writing, and a structured, independent working style with excellent organizational and time-management skills, as well as a strong commitment to continuous professional development.

A broad interest in interdisciplinary science is greatly appreciated.

We particularly welcome applicants with a strong interest in interdisciplinary research. We are looking for a candidate with strong experimental skills who enjoys designing and conducting experiments, analyzing samples and datasets, and publishing scientific results. The successful candidate is expected to complete their PhD within the 36-month duration of the project.

What does the IOW offer? 

The IOW offers an outstanding interdisciplinary research environment on the Baltic Sea coast. Its broad expertise in physical, chemical, and biological oceanography, marine geosciences, and marine observations, together with state-of-the-art laboratories and research infrastructure, provides an excellent framework for cutting-edge marine research. The successful candidate will become part of a vibrant international community of doctoral researchers at the IOW and will be enrolled as a PhD student at the University of Rostock. Through the IOW and University, doctoral candidates benefit from a comprehensive programme of transferable skills courses, workshops, networking events, career development activities, and annual Skill Weeks, complementing their scientific training and supporting their professional development.

Additionally, 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 and time off on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. 

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 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 equal status in your letter of application and enclose a copy of the relevant certificates.

How to apply?

Please send us your application documents (in English), including:

• Cover letter, explaining your work experiences, job motivation, interests, and fit to our research group (1 page).
• Curriculum Vitae, including the contact details of 2 reference persons (2 pages)
• Degree certificates and grades
• One scientific text (preferrably in English) written by the candidate (e.g., a M.Sc. thesis, a paper currently in draft, or a peer-reviewed publication)

We look forward to receiving your application, quoting the keyword:

Bio 01/2026 by August 23, 2026

to bewerbung.biologie(at)iow.de or

Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde

Human Resources Department

Seestraße 15

18119 Rostock 

The interviews are planned to take place in September/October 2026.

Unfortunately, application and travel costs cannot be reimbursed by the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. For further information, please email Jan Henkel (jan.henkel(at)iow.de) and Soeren Ahmerkamp (soeren.ahmerkamp(at)iow.de) head of the Physical Microbiology lab) or visit our website www.io-warnemuende.de. This announcement is also available online at https://www.io-warnemuende.de/job-advertisements-and-scholarships.html

We look forward to receiving your application.