Doctoral researcher in Biogeochemical Ocean Modelling

About us

The Biogeochemical Ocean Modelling research group at the Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), University of Oldenburg, is an interdisciplinary team of scientists working at the interface of marine biogeochemistry, microbiology, and mathematical modelling. The group focuses on understanding and simulating biogeochemical cycles in the ocean, with particular emphasis on microbial processes and their role in the marine carbon cycle. Research activities span three key areas: the remineralisation of dissolved organic matter, microbial interactions and community dynamics, and the oceanic production and emission of climate-relevant trace gases.

Position overview

We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic doctoral candidate to join our research team in the field of microbial biogeography in marine environments. The successful candidate will contribute to advancing our understanding of the role of microbial communities in marine biogeochemical cycles, with a focus on:

1. Identifying regional differences in the functional potential of oceanic microbial communities,
2. Investigating the mechanisms driving microbial community assembly in relation to environmental gradients and geographical patterns,
3. Translating microbial processes into numerical ocean models to assess their influence on the transformation of organic matter in the marine environment.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of microbiology, oceanography, and modelling within a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment.

Your tasks

• Conducting statistical analyses of large-scale metagenomic datasets across diverse ocean regions,
• Applying advanced statistical methods to complex, multi-dimensional datasets, in order to aggregate information to inform model development,
• Formulating and addressing scientific questions related to microbial biogeography and biogeochemical processes, and interpreting research outcomes,
• Preparing scientific manuscripts for publication and presenting findings at international conferences.

Required qualifications

• A very good to excellent university degree (master’s degree, diploma (university)) or equivalent) in microbiology or a related discipline, preferably with a focus on marine environments,
• Documented programming experience
• Experience in bioinformatics and high performance computing
• Fluency in spoken and written English.

Preferable/Desirable qualifications

• Experience in dynamical modelling, preferably in the field of biogeochemical ocean modelling
• Experience with the analysis of large data sets in a biogeographical context
• Enthusiasm for and willingness to engage in interdisciplinary and international collaborations across many different fields of expertise,
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team,
• Good communication skills

We offer

• A supportive environment to performing doctoral studies as part of an interdisciplinary and international team
• Payment in accordance with collective bargaining law (special annual payment, public service pension scheme, asset-related benefits) incl. 30 days annual leave,
• A family-friendly environment with flexible working hours,
• Benefits from the university\’s health promotion program and possibility to participate in the university sports program,
• The freedom to develop your own research profile within the area of the project and
• Support with strategic planning of your current and future scientific career.

Our standards

The University of Oldenburg is dedicated to increase the percentage of female employees in the field of science. Therefore, female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. In accordance to § 21 Section 3 NHG, female candidates with equal qualifications will be preferentially considered. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference in case of equal qualification.