The Plankton Ecology group at the Institute of Chemistry and Biology of Marine Systems (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, is an interdisciplinary research institute located in Oldenburg and Wilhelmshaven, Germany. We offer a

4-year Postdoc position in Aquatic Ecology
Shifts in the form of a ciliate – microalgae symbiosis in response to altered prey densities, competitor densities and temperature
E13 TV-L, 100 %

within the German Research Foundation (DFG) - funded Research Unit DynaSym (Density-dependent symbiosis in planktonic systems), starting September 2024. The job is suitable for part-time work

The subproject SP4 of the Research Unit DynaSym investigates the symbiosis between a common freshwater zooplankton consumer, the ciliate Coleps hirtus viridis, and the photosynthetic endosymbiotic microalgae Micractinium sp. Using a combination of laboratory experiments and mathematical modelling, this project will study context-dependent shifts in the costs, benefits and the form of the Coleps-Micractinium symbiosis in a food web context under environmental change, targeting gradients of prey and competitor density, temperature and dissolved inorganic nutrients. The consequences of these shifts for the symbiotic partners and other interacting species, ultimately driving community structure and functioning, will be determined. Experimental and modelling work will be complemented by an extensive review of literature on context-dependence of ciliate-microalgae symbioses and finally by data synthesis across all DynaSym subprojects targeting ciliate symbioses.

We are looking for a highly motivated ecologist with strong interest in community and trait-based ecology to join our Plankton Ecology group at the ICBM in Wilhelmshaven. We are looking for a candidate holding an outstanding academic university degree (PhD) in Marine Environmental Science, Ecology or a closely related subject and a Qualifying academic university degree (Master or diploma (not of a University of Applied Sciences)). The candidate must have a strong background in ecological principles and expertise in experimental ecology, in culturing and handling phyto- and zooplankton organisms, including ciliates, and investigating their trophic interactions. Advanced experience in statistical data analysis and excellent writing skills are a premise for this position, experience in research review and synthesis efforts are of advantage. Candidates should be fluent in written and spoken English, should have a strong interest in multidisciplinary research and great enthusiasm for scientific work, as well as good team spirit because a close cooperation with all working groups within this collaborative research effort is required.

The University of Oldenburg is dedicated to increasing the percentage of women in science. Therefore, female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply. In accordance with Lower Saxony legal regulations (NHG §21), equally qualified female candidates will be given preference. Applicants with disabilities will be employed preferentially if equally qualified.

Please send your application including a cover letter, copies of certificates, a list of publications and a CV as a single pdf-file to Dr. Stefanie Moorthi (). All applications must be submitted by July 31st 2024. Our ideal starting date would be September 15th 2024.