Technical Assistant in Biochemical Ecology; m​/f​/x

We invite applications for the position of a Technical Assistant in Biochemical Ecology at the Department of Plankton and Microbial Ecology, with a starting date of 01.10.2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. The department is situated directly at the shores of Lake Stechlin, ca. 80 km north of Berlin. You will work in an international environment with academic research staff at all levels of experience (students, doctoral candidates, post-docs, lead scientists), to perform lab, mesocosm (Lake Lab), and field measurements with a focus on biochemical and microbial parameters.

Our laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment for biochemical and molecular ecology. Your work will include participation in IGB’s long-term monitoring, large-scale mesocosm experiments, measurements of biochemical and microbial variables, maintenance and care of measuring instruments. You will support multiple projects within the department, in particular our new climate feedback modeller group, and collaborative projects with other national and international research institutions.

• Biochemical and microbial analyses of water, sediment and other ecological samples, including analysis of:
  • Greenhouse gases
  • Primary production
  • Elementar analysis (CHNS)
• Active participation in field samplings, mesocosm, and lab experiments
• Maintenance of measuring equipment
• Laboratory organisation, including ordering of consumables, scheduling of space and equipment
• Training of lab users, including students and doctoral candidates
• Performing duties as safety officer (Sicherheitsbeauftragte
  * r)

Essential:

• Completed training as a biological or chemical technical assistant or comparable qualification.
• Professional laboratory experience in biochemistry
• Experiences in data handling
• good knowledge of German and English
• Excellent social skills, service orientation and ability to work in a diverse team

Desirable:

• Experience with analytical equipment, such as gas chromatograph, CHNS analyser, Eddy Covariance approaches
• Training in lab safety/hazardous chemical substances
• Knowledge of working with stable and radioactive isotopes
• Experience in microbial and molecular biological lab works
• Knowledge of ecology/limnology
• Work experience in an international academic research environment
• Driving license class B or higher as well as boat driving licence.

We offer an interesting position in an international and dynamic environment. We foster flat hierarchies and active participation. Salary is paid according to the German salary scheme for the public sector (TVöD Bund), depending on the personal qualifications and the tasks assigned. This is a full-time position.

The position is principally suited for job sharing or part-time work. Although initially a 2-years fixed-term position, we aim at creating a permanent position. Given our commitment to diversity, we welcome all applications, regardless of gender and gender identity, origin, nationality, religion, belief, health and physical disabilities, age or sexual orientation. Various measures are in place at IGB to support gender equality.

We support the reconciliation of work and family life. Applicants with a severe disability will be given preference if they are equally qualified.

Job reference number 12/2026.

Deadline: 08.09.2026.

"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. 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 Leibniz Association and the Forschungsverbund Berlin e. V.