Research Associate for the Project “Decarbonisation and rapid evolution in ubiquitous phytoplan[...]

Research Associate for Decarbonisation and Rapid Evolution in Ubiquitous Phytoplankton (M5D, CLICCS II) § 28 Subsection 3 HmbHG

Apply for the role of Research Associate for the project “Decarbonisation and rapid evolution in ubiquitous phytoplankton” at the Hamburg Center for Health Economics (HCHE).

Institution: Cluster of Excellence “Climate, Climatic Change, and Society” (CLICCS) – Climate research, Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Department of Biology, Institute of Marine Ecosystem and Fishery Science (IMF).

Salary level: EGR. 13 TV‑L

Start date: 01.01.2026 – fixed until 31.12.2028 (fixed‑term contract in accordance with the academic fixed‑term labour contract act).

Application deadline: 11.11.2025

Scope of work: part‑time

Weekly hours: 65 % of standard work hours per week

The Cluster of Excellence “Climate, Climatic Change, and Society” (CLICCS) investigates climate dynamics and climate‑related social dynamics, as well as their interactions. We seek colleagues from a wide range of disciplines, including natural and social sciences, to work together in an integrated manner.

Your responsibilities

Duties include academic services in the project named above. Research associates may also pursue independent research and further academic qualifications, and may also pursue doctoral studies outside of working duties.

The doctoral researcher will be a part of CLICCS and a member of the lab of Phytoplankton Ecology and Evolution at the Institute of Marine Ecosystem and Fishery Science within the University of Hamburg. They will investigate the capacity of an ubiquitous phytoplankton to evolve in a decarbonised world. The project aims to first evolve phytoplankton under conditions simulating aspects of the climate crisis, and then gradually adjust settings to decarbonisation scenarios, to test which phenotypes the phytoplankton evolve under decarbonisation scenarios would differ from present‑day phenotypes, and what this may mean for the biological carbon pump.

Your profile

A university degree in a relevant field. The successful candidate should have experience in handling naïve phytoplankton cultures and those from long‑term culture under sterile conditions. They must have experience in phytoplankton phenotyping, e.g. flow cytometry, FRRF, or methods for measuring photosynthesis and respiration rates. Familiarity with ecophysiology and experimental evolution, experience analysing large datasets (ideally in R or Matlab), high proficiency in English and/or German, and ability to work well in a diverse team are required. A general understanding of ecosystem models and experience with routine molecular biology tasks (DNA extraction, gel electrophoresis) are advantageous.

We offer

• Reliable remuneration based on wage agreements
• Continuing education opportunities
• University pensions
• Attractive location
• Flexible working hours
• Work‑life balance opportunities
• Health management, EGYM Wellpass
• Educational leave
• 30 days of vacation per annum

The University of Hamburg is committed to equity. Diversity enriches our university life, whether in our studies, research, teaching, education, or workplace. We therefore welcome all applications, regardless of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic or social background, age, religion or belief, disability, or chronic illness.

Severely disabled and disabled applicants with the same status will receive preference over equally qualified non‑disabled applicants.

Instructions for applying

Use only the online application form to submit your application with the following documents: cover letter, CV, copies of degree certificate(s).

Contact

Elisa Schaum
elisa.schaum@uni-hamburg.de
+49 40 42838‑6625

Reference number: 325

Location: Olbersweg 24, 22767 Hamburg

Application deadline: 11.11.2025