Global Change Evolutionary Ecologist (f/m/x)

The Department of Evolutionary and Integrative Ecology at the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB) in Berlin invites applications for a tenure track group leader position on Global Change Evolutionary Ecology. The new group leader is expected to start a research program on global change evolutionary ecology contributing to a mechanistic understanding of responses to environmental change through trait-based analyses. A zooplankton focus is preferred but we are open to applicants working on other aquatic organism groups. The expected research program involves experimental work on trait changes through evolution, epigenetics, or plasticity, combined with analyses of field data and potentially modelling. This position fits in the strategic development of IGB to empower its capacity for predictive ecology, through a better mechanistic understanding of the structure and functioning of freshwater systems, informing projections on future scenarios and its implications for the distribution and abundance of organisms, and for using mechanistic insights to optimize management of our freshwater resources.

Your role

• Development of an independent research group on evolutionary and trait-based ecology of freshwater invertebrates, testing ecological theory and novel concepts in the ecology of lakes and ponds.
• Analysis of global change responses of freshwater ecosystems, ideally with a focus on zooplankton and their abiotic and biotic interactions.
• Linking trait-based mechanistic insights to management of standing waters and future scenario development.
• Participation in and further development of IGB’s long-term monitoring program of lakes.
• A creative and cooperative integration into the research of IGB, especially with groups working on microbial ecology, plankton, fish and lake ecosystem ecology, and modelling.
• A proactive collaboration to use the regional research infrastructure from small-scale incubators or mesocosms to artificial pond systems or IGB’s LakeLab.

Your profile

• Doctoral degree in biology or ecology, or equivalent
• Substantial experience in freshwater and ecology and ecophysiology of aquatic organisms; experimental design and modern statistical approaches
• Strong analytical and synthetic skills
• Strong publication and project acquisition track record commensurate with career stage
• Experience of research supervision commensurate with career stage
• Excellent English language skills, both written and spoken; learning German to facilitate interactions with stakeholder is expected
• Enthusiasm to collaborate in a team of aquatic scientists from diverse backgrounds

Our offer

We offer an interesting position with a long-term perspective according to IGB’s tenure-track guidelines in a dynamic international scientific environment. The working language is English. We have flat hierarchies, encourage active participation, and provide high individual freedom, enabling scientists to develop their creativity to the best of their abilities.

The position is full-time with an option for temporary or permanent work time reduction. It is based at IGB’s Department of Evolutionary and Integrative Ecology. Salary is paid according to the German salary scheme for the public sector (TVöD Bund E14). We foster career development by providing qualification and training opportunities. Given our commitment to diversity, we welcome all applications, regardless of gender and gender identity, origin, nationality, religion, belief, health and physical disabilities, age or sexual orientation. IGB is committed to increasing the number of women in this field, therefore applications from women are particularly welcome. Various measures are in place at IGB to support gender equality. We support the reconciliation of work and family life. Applicants with a disability will be given preference if they are equally qualified.

Are you interested?

We look forward to receiving your application as a single PDF file, including a motivation letter, complete CV, a statement on your vision for research (including links to other IGB research groups; max 3 pages) and on how to foster diversity and gender equality in your team (1 page max), publication list, copies of relevant degrees and contact details of three references by 10 November 2024. Please apply exclusively via our recruitment platform at www.igb-berlin.de/en/jobs, stating the job reference number 31/2024. Any questions can be directed to Luc De Meester (Luc.DeMeester(at)igb-berlin.de) or Jonathan Jeschke (Jonathan.Jeschke(at)igb-berlin.de).

"Research for the future of our freshwaters" is the mission of IGB – Germany’s largest and one of the leading international centres for freshwater research. In order to investigate different aspects of freshwater ecosystems, their biota and societal relevance, we unite a wide range of disciplines and understand research as a joint effort. With more than 350 employees and guests from all over the world, we conduct research at five locations in Berlin and at Lake Stechlin (Brandenburg). IGB is a part of the German Leibniz Association and the Forschungsverbund Berlin e. V. www.igb-berlin.de