GIS Scientist Aquatic lightscapes and CDOM fluxes (m/f/x)

The Departments Community and Ecosystem Ecology and Ecohydrology and Biogeochemistry at the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB, www.igb-berlin.de) are inviting applications for the position of GIS Scientist for an immediate start within the ISOLUME project. ISOLUME (Indicators of Changing Lightscapes in Underwater Marine Ecosystems) focuses on assessing how marine lightscapes have changed across European sea basins over decadal timescales, caused by artificial light at night (ALAN) and coastal darkening due to increasing coloured dissolved organic matter (CDOM), and will determine drivers, sources and impacts of these changes at small to large scales. The scientific evidence-based knowledge developed in ISOLUME will be used to develop a roadmap for implementing marine lightscapes as an indicator in management policies, monitoring programmes and essential biodiversity variables. ISOLUME is a collaborative effort between 11 European partners and is supported by the JPI Oceans Changing Marine Lightscapes initiative. ISOLUME has been endorsed by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) as part of the UN Ocean Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021-2030.

Your tasks

Identifying and quantifying the driving factors of changing aquatic lightscapes:

• Identification of critical sources of artificial light at night by analysing georeferenced satellite data and nighttime light image data from the ISS.
• Develop an empirical approach for estimating CDOM fluxes based on the fully set up and pre-calibrated MONERIS model to quantify seasonal and spatial variability in aquatic lightscapes, with validation based on satellite-derived optical data.
• Publication of scientific results, presentation at conferences

Your profile

• PhD in geography, ecology, environmental sciences, physics or a related field
• Experience in analysin remote sensing dta (required)
• Proficiency in GIS Software (required)
• Programming skills (e.g. in R or Phyton) (required)
• Familiarity with light porpagation models (advantageous)
• Experience in catchment modelling (advantageous)
• Understanding of the causes and effects of light pollution (advantageous)
• Sound knowlegde of general ecology and light physics (advantageous)
• Very good English communication skills required; German skills desirable
• Excellent social skills and ability to work in a diverse international team

Our offer

We offer an interesting position in an international and dynamic scientific environment. We foster flat hierarchies and active participation. We allow maximum individual freedom, enabling everyone to develop and use their creativity to the best of their abilities.

Salary is paid according to the German salary scheme for the public sector (TVöD Bund E13). It is a full-time position with 39 working hours per week. The position is principally suited for job sharing or part-time work. It is a fixed-term position, initially limited to 28 months.

We foster your career development by providing qualification and training opportunities. We actively support the reconciliation of work and family life. IGB is committed to increasing the number of women in this field, therefore applications from women are particularly welcome. The IGB is committed to diversity. We welcome every qualified application, regardless of sex and gender, origin, nationality, religion, belief, health and disabilities, age or sexual orientation. Applicants with severe disablities with equal qualification and aptitude will be given preferential consideration.

Are you interested?

We look forward to receiving your application by 29.08.2025 with the usual documents (cover letter, CV, certificates/ references/letters of recommendation). Please state the job reference number 21/2025 and apply exclusively via our recruitment platform at www.igb-berlin.de/en/jobs.

Questions can be directed to PD Dr. Franz Hölker (ALAN) by phone (+49 30 64181665) or by e-mail (franz.hoelker@igb-berlin.de) or to Dr. Markus Venohr (CDOM) by phone (+49 30 63924074) or by e-mail (markus.venohr@igb-berlin.de).

\“Research for the future of our freshwaters\“ is the mission of IGB – Germany’s largest and one of the leading international centres for freshwater research. In order to investigate different aspects of freshwater ecosystems, their biota and societal relevance, we unit a wide range of disciplines and understand research as a joint effort. With more than 400 employees and guests from all over the world, we conduct research at five locations in Berlin and at Lake Stechlin (Brandenburg). IGB is a member of the German Leibniz Association and the Forschungsverbund Berlin e. V. www.igb-berlin.de

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