Alfred-Wegener-Institut (AWI) - Helmholtz Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung | Technician (m/d/f) in animal, microalgal, and cell cultivation

Technician (m/d/f) in animal, microalgal, and cell cultivation
Background
You will join the newly established photosymbiosis focus group at the HIFMB in Oldenburg. Photosymbioses between heterotrophic hosts and photosynthetic symbionts have developed repeatedly and independently throughout evolutionary history. These symbioses are crucial for marine nutrient cycles but are particularly susceptible to the impacts of climate change.
Our ERC-funded focus group aims to uncover the fundamental processes that drive the establishment and breakdown of photosymbioses. To achieve this, we employ cutting-edge molecular and imaging techniques to study interactions in symbiotic model systems, such as sea anemones and their microalgal endosymbionts. You will play an integral role in this endeavor, actively participating in all scientific activities. Primary responsibilities will include the isolation and propagation of cultures utilized in our research, such as sea anemones, microalgal symbionts, and invertebrate cell lines. Additionally, you will be trained in essential imaging and molecular workflows, contributing to ongoing research efforts and assisting in the supervision of students.
This work will be conducted within the HIFMB’s international and interdisciplinary research environment. The HIFMB is dedicated to understanding the environmental and social processes that shape or are influenced by marine biodiversity and to establishing a robust scientific basis for marine conservation, governance, and ecosystem management. As a collaboration between the University of Oldenburg (UOL) and the Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI), the HIFMB has access to extensive resources that support advanced research. The newly constructed HIFMB building features state-of-the-art wet lab and computational facilities.
Located in Oldenburg, Northern Germany, the HIFMB benefits from being part of a vibrant research community with numerous institutions focused on environmental and marine studies. These include regular interactions with the Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology in Bremen, the Center for Marine Environmental Sciences (MARUM) at the University of Bremen, and the Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research in Bremen.
We seek a highly motivated technician to join the newly established photosymbiosis focus group at the HIFMB in Oldenburg, Germany. Key responsibilities include establishing and maintaining laboratory cultures, including animals (e.g., sea anemones), microalgae, and invertebrate cell cultures. You will further support ongoing experimental and laboratory work, including imaging and molecular biology workflows, assist with general laboratory maintenance tasks (e.g., ordering supplies), and independently develop new laboratory workflows based on current scientific literature.
Your Tasks
General lab maintenance, including ordering supplies (in German)
Adherence to and enforcement of standard safety protocols
Safe disposal of laboratory waste
Sample and database curation
Feeding, cleaning, and propagation of sea anemone cultures
Isolation, cultivation, and screening of microalgal cultures (on plate and in liquid)
Establishment of primary invertebrate cell cultures
Microscopy analysis (e.g., fluorescence microscopy of tissue sections and cell cultures)
Molecular analyses (e.g., DNA and protein extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, western blot)
Physiological measurements (e.g. quantification of oxygen fluxes, stable isotope incubations)
Develop new laboratory workflows based on scientific literature
Participation in lab group discussions and meetings (in English)
Supervision and training of students
Your Profile
Training as a biological or technical assistant, or equivalent
Previous experience with cell culture and/or standard microbial cultivation techniques
While training for new laboratory instruments and workflows will be provided
Previous experience with routine molecular biology (e.g., DNA and protein extraction, PCR, and western blot) or imaging (e.g., live cell and fluorescence imaging) is beneficial
Good written and oral communication skills in English and German (B2)
Further Information
For any questions you may have, you are very welcome to get in touch with Dr Nils Rädecker ( ).
This is a full-time position, limited to 4 years. It is also suitable for part-time employment. 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 9a. The place of employment will be Oldenburg.
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 with Hansefit and Wellhub
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, race and nationality, ethnic and social background, religion, age, physical abilities, neurodivergence, sexual 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. And as a new international member of our team, you can be sure that we will help you settle in. Our Family Office and International Office will be glad to support you, even before you start at AWI.
We look forward to your application!
Please submit your application by December 31st 2024, exclusively online.
To apply, please submit:
a cover letter (max. 2 pages) in English describing
motivation to join the photosymbiosis focus group
past work experience
qualifications relevant to the position
a CV detailing relevant qualifications, experiences, and skills
2 reference contacts
Reference number: 24/195/G/HIFMB-b