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

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

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

Emploi comme Biologe/Biologin à Bremerhaven , Bremen, Deutschland

Description du poste | Jobbörse Arbeitsagentur

Background
In recent years, packaging materials produced from macroalgal biomass have shown promising results as an alternative to plastic packaging. However, there is very little information on the potential environmental impacts of their biodegradation on aquatic ecosystems after improper disposal (e.g. littering). This project will investigate how rapidly macroalgae-based packaging degrades in aquatic environments, what pathogens and heavy metals adsorb to this packaging, and which absorbed pollutants and pathogens are transferred into the surrounding food webs. Furthermore, the topic will be addressed in a citizen science project to raise public awareness of this new material and its potential as a solution to the plastic waste crisis.
Investigating the rate of biodegradation in different aquatic environments.
Quantifying and identifying pathogenic microorganisms that adsorb or desorb from the material.
Quantifying and identifying heavy metals that adsorb or desorb from the material.
Assessing the potential transfer of these pathogens and heavy metals to the surrounding food webs.
Publishing and disseminating the project results to the scientific community and initiating and coordinating a citizen science project with the AWI school lab and a local school to investigate the degradation of the macroalgae material.

MSc in Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, Environmental Chemistry or other related disciplines
Background in marine microbiology and/or marine chemistry
Background in data analysis, experimental design and/or public relations
A high degree of scientific curiosity and willingness to explore new methods and ideas, the ability to work independently, and an interest in knowledge transfer
Good communication skills in English, both oral and written and a willingness to travel
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 Helgoland.

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.