Postdoc marine molecular chronobiology

Postdoc for marine molecular chronobiology (f/x/d/m)

The Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI) focuses on polar and marine research in disciplines such as biology, oceanography, geology, geochemistry, and geophysics.

The position will be located in the BICLOPS group, which investigates Biological Clocks in Pelagic Systems. It is part of the Marine Chronobiology working group in the AWI section Polar Biological Oceanography. The focus of the advertised position is on the mechanistic understanding of the circadian clock system in the key North Atlantic zooplankton species, the copepod Calanus finmarchicus
. The goal is to understand how circadian clocks can function in pelagic environments where organisms perform diel vertical migrations that directly determine the environmental cycles they encounter.

• Analysis of the functional interactions of Calanus circadian clock components, including the use of cell culture assays (e.g. Drosophila S2 cells)
• Establishment of Calanus mutant strains via CRISPR-based targeted mutagenesis, including the development/optimisation of microinjections and genotyping protocols
• Phenotype characterisation of Calanus circadian clock mutant rhythmicity
• Possibility to participate in student supervision and teaching activities

• PhD in molecular biology, genetics, marine biology, biotechnology or a related field
• Experience with cell culture work
• Experience with molecular work (e.g. cloning, sequence analysis, gene editing)
• Motivation to explore a new topic (marine chronobiology)
• Ability to work in a team
• Good English knowledge (approximately equivalent to CEFR level B1+B2)

• Experience in chronobiology
• Experience with marine and/or non-model organisms
• Experience with in situ stainings (FISH, immunohistochemistry, HCR)
• Experience with physiological and/or behavioral analysis
• Experience with marine biological field work and/or eDNA

• Contact in day-to-day work: collaboration mainly with more than five people
• Communication: predominantly internal with colleagues and other departments via telephone occasionally, e‑mail frequently, video conferencing occasionally, personal contact daily
• Movement around the workplace: regularly within the building (e.g. between departments or floors)
• Business trips: rather infrequent (once or twice a year)
• Expeditions: may occur

This is a full-time position, limited to 3 years. The intended start date is October 2026. The salary will be paid in accordance with the Collective Agreement for the Public Service of the Federation (TVÖD Bund), up to salary level 13. The place of employment will be Bremerhaven.

• Excellent research environment with access to globally unique infrastructure, comprehensive datasets, and international expeditions
• Opportunity to develop and pursue independent scientific ideas and innovative research approaches addressing societally relevant questions
• Close scientific collaboration and interdisciplinary cooperation within the institute as well as with national and international partners
• An international working environment with daily interaction with colleagues from around the world
• Opportunities for professional and personal development
• Flexible working hours
• Annual special payment in accordance with the German public sector collective agreement (TVÖD Bund)
• Occupational health promotion and company fitness programme
• Support services and an established culture promoting work–life balance, e.g. childcare services and advice on family and care responsibilities
• Occupational pension scheme (VBL)

AWI values diversity and actively promotes gender parity, as well as an open, inclusive environment that provides equal opportunities. We welcome applications from qualified people regardless of binary or non‑binary gender, race and nationality, ethnic and social background, religion, age, disabilities, neurodivergence, sexual orientation, and other identities. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference when equal qualifications are present.

AWI fosters work‑family compatibility in various ways. As a new international member of our team, you can be sure that we will help you settle in. Our Family Office and International Office will be glad to support you even before you start at AWI.