Tenure track group leader position Experimental freshwater ecologist; f​/m​/x

Tenure track group leader position – Experimental freshwater ecologist (f/m/x)

Join the Department of Community and Ecosystem Ecology at the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB) in Berlin-Friedrichshagen to lead a group focused on experimental freshwater ecology.

The department conducts research aimed at understanding the response of freshwater communities and ecosystems to global change. We seek a creative and dedicated experimental ecologist with expertise in analysing the impacts of global change on freshwater ecosystem functioning, community composition, food‑web structure and biodiversity. Experiments investigating how benthic or planktonic primary producers and invertebrates interact with each other and respond to multiple stressors are of particular interest.

The successful candidate will combine experiments and field observations to up‑scale results to the ecosystem level, strengthening research on the structure and functioning of inland water ecosystems for sustainable management.

• Develop and lead an independent research group testing ecological concepts through laboratory and field experiments.
• Study interactions of planktonic and benthic primary producers and invertebrates and their response to multiple stressors, and assess their impact on lake ecosystem function.
• Participate in and further develop the long‑term research and monitoring of Lake Müggelsee.
• Integrate creatively into IGB research, working with groups on plankton and benthos ecology, modelling, ecophysiology, genomics and evolution.
• Use regional research infrastructure such as incubators, mesocosms and artificial stream and pond systems, or IGB’s Lake Lab.
• Interact with stakeholders.

• Doctoral degree in biology, ecology, aquatic or environmental sciences, or related fields.
• Strong expertise in experimentally testing the impacts of global change on freshwater ecosystem functioning, community composition or food‑web structure with a focus on benthic or planktonic primary producers and/or invertebrates.
• Strong knowledge in aquatic community ecology.
• Experience in experimental design and modern statistical approaches.
• Experience in taxonomy of at least one group of freshwater primary producers or invertebrates, and knowledge of genomics and/or ecophysiology is a plus.
• Strong publication and funding acquisition track record commensurate with career stage.
• Experience supervising research commensurate with career stage.
• Excellent English language skills (oral and written);
  German for stakeholder interactions is expected.
• Enthusiasm to collaborate in a team of aquatic scientists from diverse backgrounds.

The position is full‑time and follows the IGB’s tenure‑track guidelines (tenure can be granted after two 3‑year periods). Salary is paid according to the German public sector scheme (TVöD Bund E14). IGB offers career development through qualifying and training opportunities, support for work‑family balance, and a commitment to gender equality.

We are committed to diversity and welcome all qualified applicants. Applications from severely disabled candidates with equal qualifications will receive preferential consideration. We particularly welcome applications from women.

Final date to receive applications:
March 15 2026. Please submit a single PDF file including a motivation letter, a completed CV, a statement on your research vision (max 3 pages) and on fostering diversity and gender equality in your team (1 page max), a publication list, copies of relevant degrees and contact details of three references. Apply exclusively via our recruitment platform at , stating the job reference number 32/2025.

Contact:
Sabine Hilt – ;
Jan Köhler –

"Research for the future of our fresh waters" is the mission of IGB – Germany’s largest and one of the leading international centres for freshwater research. IGB operates across five locations in Berlin and at Lake Stechlin (Brandenburg) and is a member of the German Leibniz Association and the Forschungsverbund Berlin e.V.