PhD Student Biology, Chemistry - Marine Biology (m/f/d)

Background
Project title: Impacts of changing Arctic cyclones on ocean and sea ice in a warming climate

Arctic cyclones are high-energy weather systems, exerting significant influences on precipitation, air temperature, sea ice and the ocean. Our current understanding of air-ice-ocean interactions during cyclonic events remains limited due to sparse observational data. Previous studies suggest an increasing trend in Arctic cyclone intensity due to climate change. In this project, we will utilise high-resolution climate model simulations to investigate how cyclone-induced impacts on the ocean and sea ice are likely to evolve in a warming climate.
Performing high-resolution climate model simulations and evaluating the outcomes.
Analysing model results and studying the impacts of cyclones on the ocean and sea ice in various climate scenarios.
Disseminating the results in conference papers and peer-reviewed publications.

Master’s in oceanography, meteorology, climate science or a related field
Familiarity with programming languages (Python preferred)
Strong sense of responsibility and self motivation
Experience with analysing model-based simulations advantageous
Good communication skills in English, both oral and written
This position is limited to 3 years. The expected starting date is 1st December 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.
The salary will be paid in accordance with the Collective Agreement for the Public Service of the Federation (Tarifvertrag des öffentlichen Dienstes, TVöD Bund), up to salary level 13 (66%) The place of employment will be Bremerhaven.

All doctoral candidates will be members of AWI's postgraduate program POLMAR or another graduate school and thus benefit from a comprehensive training program and extensive support measures.

The AWI is characterized by

our scientific success - excellent research
collaboration and cooperation - intra-institute, national and international, interdisciplinary
opportunities to develop - on the job and towards other positions
an international environment - everyday contact with people from all over the world
flexible working hours
health promotion and company fitness
support services and a culture of reconciling work and family
occupational pension provision (VBL)



AWI values diversity and actively promotes gender parity, as well as an open, inclusive environment that provides equal opportunities. We are convinced that diverse teams and a variety of perspectives enrich our work and our daily collaboration. In a continuous process of learning and reflection, we aim to ensure that all our employees can be themselves and feel a sense of belonging. We welcome applications from qualified people regardless of binary and non-binary genders, nationality, ethnic and social background, religion, age, physical abilities, neurodivergence, romantic orientation, and other identities.

Applicants with disabilities will be given preference when equal qualifications are present.

AWI fosters work-family compatibility in various ways and has received several awards as a result of this commitment. Our Family Office will be happy to support you - even before you start at AWI.

Project title: PhD position, project “Eco-LTA (m/f/d) - Ecological impacts of low-trophic aquaculture (LTA) at offshore wind farms - implications for food security and ecosystem services”.

The concept of multi-use (MU) has been developed for the use of marine space to maximise the benefits of a shared location while at the same time lowering the impact on and protecting other sites. In Northern Europe, this concept could be applied to low-trophic aquaculture (LTA) species at Offshore Wind Farms (OWFs).

These extractive organisms (EOs), which filter plankton (e.g. Mytilus edulis) or absorb nutrients (e.g. Ulva sp.) from the water column, are noted for providing ecosystem services (ESs) (e.g. carbon sequestration, bioremediation, 3D habitat). At the same time, mass occurrence of EOs may increase the input of (pseudo) faeces or food/nutrient competition, potentially affecting the local ecosystem negatively. Furthermore, OWFs are by their nature artificial hard-bottom habitats, altering the structure and functioning of the initial soft-bottom food web. As such, there is an urgent need to investigate the influence of EOs on the OWF food web (FW) to understand how this MU concept could influence the ecosystem. In this project, an FW model will be developed based on existing data (biotic, abiotic), assessing both the sustainability of LTA species and the effectiveness of EOs.

Reviewing the current state of knowledge: reviewing the existing literature on OWF benthos communities and ecological impacts of Multi-Use.
Developing a new wind farm food web model: setting up an OWF food web model to investigate the effects of LTA species.
Applying the new food web model: identifying and assessing the ecosystem services produced by LTA species at OWFs.

Master’s or comparable degree in marine biology, ecology, aquaculture or related disciplines
Experience in marine ecology, ecosystem processes and/or aquaculture
Willingness to participate in sea-going expeditions on research vessels
Good skills in modelling, R, statistics and experience with handling datasets
Good computer literacy (MS Office products)
Interest in and capacity for teamwork, international, inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration
Good communication skills in English, both oral and written
This position is limited to 3 years. The expected starting date is 1st December 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.
The salary will be paid in accordance with the Collective Agreement for the Public Service of the Federation (Tarifvertrag des öffentlichen Dienstes, TVöD Bund), up to salary level 13 (66%). The place of employment will be Bremerhaven.

All doctoral candidates will be members of AWI's postgraduate program POLMAR or another graduate school and thus benefit from a comprehensive training program and extensive support measures.

The AWI is characterized by

our scientific success - excellent research
collaboration and cooperation - intra-institute, national and international, interdisciplinary
opportunities to develop - on the job and towards other positions
an international environment - everyday contact with people from all over the world
flexible working hours
health promotion and company fitness
support services and a culture of reconciling work and family
occupational pension provision (VBL)




AWI values diversity and actively promotes gender parity, as well as an open, inclusive environment that provides equal opportunities. We are convinced that diverse teams and a variety of perspectives enrich our work and our daily collaboration. In a continuous process of learning and reflection, we aim to ensure that all our employees can be themselves and feel a sense of belonging. We welcome applications from qualified people regardless of binary and non-binary genders, nationality, ethnic and social background, religion, age, physical abilities, neurodivergence, sexual orientation, and other identities.

Applicants with disabilities will be given prefe...

Polar phytoplankton and sea-ice algal communities are usually dominated by diatoms (which take up silicic acid to grow) and flagellates (autotrophs or heterotrophs). Consequently, understanding the silicification degree and the role of mixotrophs in these communities is crucial to predicting how shifts in biodiversity will affect ecosystem services in the polar regions.
The objective of Polar-Flow is to develop a high-throughput methodology for assessing biodiversity, silicification and mixotrophy in polar phytoplankton using imaging flow cytometry, fluorescent tracers, and AI-based classification analysis. This methodology will be applied to answer the following research questions: Which AI classification method is best suited to taxonomically classifying polar phytoplankton composite images obtained with the multispectral Imaging Flow Cytometer? How do Arctic phytoplankton communities differ from Antarctic communities in terms of their species composition, silicification degree and mixotrophy percentage? Under which environmental conditions do mixotrophs thrive and how can this physiological plasticity help them adapt to ongoing climate change?
Participating in two extended sea-going expeditions to the polar regions
Developing novel methods using an Imaging Flow Cytometer
Classifying big datasets of images obtained with Imaging Flow Cytometry
Performing experiments to quantify silicification degree and mixotrophy
Testing different AI tools to classify multi-channel images

Master’s in Biological Oceanography or similar
Experience on ship-based expeditions to the polar regions
Experience with Imaging Flow Cytometers
Experience with classification of images
Good communication skills in English, both oral and written
This position is limited to 3 years. The expected starting date is January 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter. The salary will be paid in accordance with the Collective Agreement for the Public Service of the Federation (Tarifvertrag des öffentlichen Dienstes, TVöD Bund), up to salary level 13 (66%). The place of employment will be Bremerhaven.

All doctoral candidates will be members of AWI's postgraduate program POLMAR or another graduate school and thus benefit from a comprehensive training program and extensive support measures.

The AWI is characterized by

our scientific success - excellent research
collaboration and cooperation - intra-institute, national and international, interdisciplinary
opportunities to develop - on the job and towards other positions
an international environment - everyday contact with people from all over the world
flexible working hours
health promotion and company fitness
support services and a culture of reconciling work and family
occupational pension provision (VBL)




AWI values diversity and actively promotes gender parity, as well as an open, inclusive environment that provides equal opportunities. We are convinced that diverse teams and a variety of perspectives enrich our work and our daily collaboration. In a continuous process of learning and reflection, we aim to ensure that all our employees can be themselves and feel a sense of belonging. We welcome applications from qualified people regardless of binary and non-binary genders, nationality, ethnic and social background, religion, age, physical abilities, neurodivergence, romantic orientation, and other identities.

Applicants with disabilities will be given preference when equal qualifications are present.


AWI fosters work-family compatibility in various ways and has received several awards as a result of this commitment. Our Family Office will be happy to support you - even before you start at AWI.

Background
There is a suite of minerals that form in sea ice and can be released during sea-ice melt. Initial studies suggest that these cryogenic minerals are of great importance for the formation, ballasting, sinking rate and velocity of marine aggregates.

You will analyse data and samples collected during future and past expeditions to evaluate cryogenic mineral distribution and concentration in the sea ice, the water column below the ice, and in algae aggregates. Yoz will carry out simulation-based experiments to determine how pH, temperature and pressure impact the dissolution of cryo-minerals and their ballasting effect on settling organic aggregates. The project’s goal is to understand how different ice conditions impact plankton composition, aggregate formation, and carbon export in the present Arctic Ocean and, hence, provide insights into key biogeochemical processes and carbon sequestration mechanisms for the future Arctic Ocean.
Analysing samples from the ArcWatch 1 and CONTRAST expeditions
Identifying and quantifying cryogenic minerals in diverse samples
Designing techniques to optimise the collection of cryogenic minerals
Carrying out multiple, diverse experiments
Applying and potentially modifying existing models (with aid of AWI PIs)

Master’s degree in biology, geology, or comparable field
Experience with large datasets and programming
Experience with conducting experiments
Ability to work in a team and independently
Basic knowledge of modelling advantageous
Good communication skills in English, both oral and written
This position limited to 3 years. The expected starting date is 1st December 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter. The salary will be paid in accordance with the Collective Agreement for the Public Service of the Federation (Tarifvertrag des öffentlichen Dienstes, TVöD Bund), up to salary level 13 (66%). The place of employment will be Bremerhaven.

All doctoral candidates will be members of AWI's postgraduate program POLMAR or another graduate school and thus benefit from a comprehensive training program and extensive support measures.

The AWI is characterized by

our scientific success - excellent research
collaboration and cooperation - intra-institute, national and international, interdisciplinary
opportunities to develop - on the job and towards other positions
an international environment - everyday contact with people from all over the world
flexible working hours
health promotion and company fitness
support services and a culture of reconciling work and family
occupational pension provision (VBL)



AWI values diversity and actively promotes gender parity, as well as an open, inclusive environment that provides equal opportunities. We are convinced that diverse teams and a variety of perspectives enrich our work and our daily collaboration. In a continuous process of learning and reflection, we aim to ensure that all our employees can be themselves and feel a sense of belonging. We welcome applications from qualified people regardless of binary and non-binary genders, nationality, ethnic and social background, religion, age, physical abilities, neurodivergence, romantic orientation, and other identities.

Applicants with disabilities will be given preference when equal qualifications are present.

AWI fosters work-family compatibility in various ways and has received several awards as a result of this commitment. Our Family Office will be happy to support you - even before you start at AWI.

PhD position "Scenarios of Eukaryotic Microbial Biodiversity and Species Distribution in a Seasonally Ice-Free Arctic Ocean" (m/f/d)

Background
The Arctic sea ice is one of the most rapidly changing components of the Earth system. Some climate model scenarios suggest that the region’s multi-year ice will be replaced by an annually recurring cycle of sea-ice formation and sea-ice melt by 2050, with unforeseen consequences for its marine ecosystems. The overarching goal of this PhD project is to develop scenarios for the spatial distribution patterns of plankton communities and their temporal dynamics in a seasonally ice-free Arctic Ocean, providing a basis for projecting the ecological consequences of summer sea-ice decline. For this purpose, a comprehensive set of 18S biodiversity data is available, collected at relevant spatial and temporal scales in parallel to physico-chemical data over the past two decades.
Processing and annotating eDNA data from samples collected in 2024 in the Arctic Ocean
Harmonising large datasets from different sources for use in integrated analyses (sequencing data and environmental parameters)
Investigating the impact of the physico-chemical environment on Arctic plankton biodiversity and dynamics at different temporal and spatial scales
Developing species distribution models for Arctic marine plankton in response to sea-ice decline
Preparing and participating in expeditions

Master’s in Biology / Informatics or a related subject
Basic background in molecular biology
Basic background in programming (e.g. R), mathematical modelling and machine learning
Experience in multivariate statistics and analyses of large datasets
Good communication skills in English, both oral and written
This position is limited to 3 years. The expected starting date is 1st October 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter. The salary will be paid in accordance with the Collective Agreement for the Public Service of the Federation (Tarifvertrag des öffentlichen Dienstes, TVöD Bund), up to salary level 13 (66%). The place of employment will be Bremerhaven.

All doctoral candidates will be members of AWI's postgraduate program POLMAR or another graduate school and thus benefit from a comprehensive training program and extensive support measures.

The AWI is characterized by

our scientific success - excellent research
collaboration and cooperation - intra-institute, national and international, interdisciplinary
opportunities to develop - on the job and towards other positions
an international environment - everyday contact with people from all over the world
flexible working hours
health promotion and company fitness
support services and a culture of reconciling work and family
occupational pension provision (VBL)



AWI values diversity and actively promotes gender parity, as well as an open, inclusive environment that provides equal opportunities. We are convinced that diverse teams and a variety of perspectives enrich our work and our daily collaboration. In a continuous process of learning and reflection, we aim to ensure that all our employees can be themselves and feel a sense of belonging. We welcome applications from qualified people regardless of binary and non-binary genders, nationality, ethnic and social background, religion, age, physical abilities, neurodivergence, romantic orientation, and other identities.

Applicants with disabilities will be given preference when equal qualifications are present.

AWI fosters work-family compatibility in various ways and has received several awards as a result of this commitment. Our Family Office will be happy to support you - even before you start at AWI.

Project title: PhD position “Drivers and Predictability of Antarctic Sea Ice Extremes - A machine learning approach (DECODE-ICE)” (m/f/d)

In contrast to the rapid decline of Arctic sea ice, Antarctic sea ice (ASI) has displayed a slightly positive trend in recent decades, with pronounced regional differences. However, from 2016 onwards, the ASI extent experienced a complete change, with record-breaking negative anomaly in 2016 and 2023. This could either be due to a general change in the long-term trend (regime shift) or to interannual fluctuations, which have the potential to produce cascading effects on global climate teleconnection patterns.
The overarching goals of DECODE-ICE are two-fold: i) to elucidate the key drivers and feedback mechanisms responsible for extreme Antarctic sea-ice fluctuations, establishing a much-needed knowledge base and delivering a comprehensive mapping of how atmospheric and oceanographic drivers influence Antarctic sea-ice extremes, while also revealing potentially overlooked mechanisms and regional dependencies; and ii) to evaluate and implement a Machine Learning-based approach for a monthly to seasonal sea-ice prediction system, which will offer an interdisciplinary approach to the analysis of various aspects of sea-ice variability. The integration of Machine Learning with traditional modelling holds considerable promise for understanding the complex dynamics of Antarctic sea ice.
Finding significant outliers in Antarctic sea ice (ASI) properties. You will examine satellite data on ice extent, area, type, and movement, along with atmospheric data on surface wind, temperature, pressure, and the transport of heat and water vapour, with a focus on how heat transport and atmospheric drivers influence the occurrence of years with exceptionally low sea-ice cover.
Performing a comprehensive analysis of the spatial and temporal variability of intra-, inter-annual and decadal ASI. To do so, you will use Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), RNNs, LSTMs, designed for time-series data and sequential analysis; Clustering Methods; and Autoencoders, which are specially designed for unsupervised learning, dimensionality reduction and feature extraction, among other methods.
Identifying robust trends in total ASI extent as well as regional patterns across different sectors and exploring relationships between sea-ice trends and atmospheric and oceanic circulation patterns, as well as potential feedback mechanisms.
Analysing sea-ice predictability and improving sea-ice prediction systems by defining key observations and climate parameters and improving technical/scientific approaches to prediction. The statistical forecast model for the ASI will be tested and implemented for a prediction of the sea-ice extent (SIE) or area at monthly and seasonal time scales. The forecasts will be done at the pan-Antarctic level and regional (e.g. Ross Sea, Weddell Sea, Amundsen Sea) level.

Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field such as mathematics, climate sciences, oceanography or physics. Demonstrated programming skills
A solid understanding of machine learning methods and applications are mandatory
Good communication skills in English, both oral and written
This position is limited to 3 years. The expected starting date is 1st November 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter. The salary will be paid in accordance with the Collective Agreement for the Public Service of the Federation (Tarifvertrag des öffentlichen Dienstes, TVöD Bund), up to salary level 13 (100%). The place of employment will be Bremerhaven.

All doctoral candidates will become members of the postgraduate programme MarData (www.mardata.de) and thus benefit from a comprehensive training programme and extensive support measures.

The AWI is characterized by

our scientific success - excellent research
collaboration and cooperation - intra-institute, national and international, interdisciplinary
opportunities to develop - on the jo...

PhD position “Nutrient exchange across Fram Strait and its relevance for the wider Arctic Ocean nutrient budget” (m/f/d)

Background
Fram Strait is one of the main Arctic Ocean gateways. Through it, nutrients are exchanged between the Arctic and North Atlantic. However, little is known about how nutrient temporal variability is reflected in net transports across the strait, hindering our understanding of its relevance for the wider Arctic Ocean nutrient budget.

We propose to investigate temporal variability in nutrient exchange across Fram Strait, determine how it is linked to the Central Artic, and evaluate its relevance for the Arctic Ocean’s nutrient budget within the context of climate change. We aim to do so using data from annual expeditions to Fram Strait, expeditions to the Central Arctic, moored sensors, remote access samplers and model outputs.
Conducting research to achieve the project’s goals
Participating in (a) research cruise(s) and data acquisition at sea (biogeochemistry)
Processing, documenting and analysing oceanographic data
Collaborating with project partners to integrate physical and biogeochemical data
Presenting research ideas/results at seminars, in discussion groups, and/or at conferences, as appropriate. Publishing the results in peer-reviewed journals

Master’s level degree (e.g. MSc) or equivalent in a relevant discipline (e.g. oceanography, physics, mathematics, chemistry, engineering). If the degree has not been awarded yet, please provide a letter from your supervisor stating when the degree will be awarded.
Strong computing skills and familiarity with at least one high-level programming language (e.g. Python or Matlab); experience working in a Unix-like computing environment advantageous.
Desire and willingness to work independently and in a team, within a dynamic physical-chemical-biological interdisciplinary environment.
Background in nutrient and carbon biogeochemistry is ideal, but not a must, as long as you are interested and keen to learn about these topics.
Competence in the English language, both written and spoken (as reference, the equivalent of B2-C1 level or above is ideal).
Thisposition is limited to 3 years. The expected starting date is 1 December 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter. The salary will be paid in accordance with the Collective Agreement for the Public Service of the Federation (Tarifvertrag des öffentlichen Dienstes, TVöD Bund), up to salary level 13 (66%). The place of employment will be Bremerhaven.

All doctoral candidates will be members of AWI's postgraduate program POLMAR or another graduate school and thus benefit from a comprehensive training program and extensive support measures.

The AWI is characterized by

our scientific success - excellent research
collaboration and cooperation - intra-institute, national and international, interdisciplinary
opportunities to develop - on the job and towards other positions
an international environment - everyday contact with people from all over the world
flexible working hours
health promotion and company fitness
support services and a culture of reconciling work and family
occupational pension provision (VBL)



AWI values diversity and actively promotes gender parity, as well as an open, inclusive environment that provides equal opportunities. We are convinced that diverse teams and a variety of perspectives enrich our work and our daily collaboration. In a continuous process of learning and reflection, we aim to ensure that all our employees can be themselves and feel a sense of belonging. We welcome applications from qualified people regardless of binary and non-binary genders, nationality, ethnic and social background, religion, age, physical abilities, neurodivergence, romantic orientation, and other identities.

Applicants with disabilities will be given preference when equal qualifications are present.

AWI fosters work-family compatibility in various ways and has received several a...

The Greenland and Antarctic Ice Sheets are crucial in shaping Earth’s long-term future, driving significant sea-level rise and influencing the climate over centuries to come.
The PhD candidate is expected to conduct simulations with a comprehensive Earth system model covering the next 300 years. The aim of the project is to investigate interactions between the climate system, cryosphere and solid Earth components and to assess the resulting relative sea-level change. The PhD project will also contribute to our team’s technical activities, advancing the interface between ice-ocean and solid Earth components within the Earth system model.
running simulations with the AWI Earth System Model AWI-ESM2 with interactive ice sheets
analysing model results, focusing on interactions between ice sheets and the climate system
deriving global trajectories of relative sea-level change
developing and testing alternative parameterisations and initialisation strategies for the Antarctic ice shelves
publishing project findings in peer-reviewed journals

Master’s degree (or equivalent) in physical oceanography, meteorology, geophysics, physics or a related field
strong background in climate science or glaciology
experience with numerical modelling
strong programming skills
Good communication skills in English, both oral and written
This position is limited to 3 years. The expected starting date is 1st November 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.The salary will be paid in accordance with the Collective Agreement for the Public Service of the Federation (Tarifvertrag des öffentlichen Dienstes, TVöD Bund), up to salary level 13 (66%). The place of employment will be Bremerhaven.

All doctoral candidates will be members of AWI's postgraduate program POLMAR or another graduate school and thus benefit from a comprehensive training program and extensive support measures.

The AWI is characterized by

our scientific success - excellent research
collaboration and cooperation - intra-institute, national and international, interdisciplinary
opportunities to develop - on the job and towards other positions
an international environment - everyday contact with people from all over the world
flexible working hours
health promotion and company fitness
support services and a culture of reconciling work and family
occupational pension provision (VBL)




AWI values diversity and actively promotes gender parity, as well as an open, inclusive environment that provides equal opportunities. We are convinced that diverse teams and a variety of perspectives enrich our work and our daily collaboration. In a continuous process of learning and reflection, we aim to ensure that all our employees can be themselves and feel a sense of belonging. We welcome applications from qualified people regardless of binary and non-binary genders, nationality, ethnic and social background, religion, age, physical abilities, neurodivergence, romantic orientation, and other identities.

Applicants with disabilities will be given preference when equal qualifications are present.


AWI fosters work-family compatibility in various ways and has received several awards as a result of this commitment. Our Family Office will be happy to support you - even before you start at AWI.