Research Associate for the Project “Decarbonisation and rapid evolution in ubiquitous phytoplankton” (M5D, CLICCS II) § 28 Subsection 3 HmbHG
InstitutionCluster 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
Start date01.01.2026, fixed until 31.12.2028 (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).
Application deadline11.11.2025
Scope of workpart-time
Weekly hours65 % 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 the interactions between the two. To this end, we are looking for colleagues from a wide range of disciplines, including the natural sciences as well as the social sciences. We are proud to work together in a truly integrating manner. Our partners, e.g. the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology, Helmholtz Centre Hereon or the German Climate Computing Centre are also hiring. All jobs:.
Your responsibilities
Duties include academic services in the project named above. Research associates may also pursue independent research and further academic qualifications. They 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 to then gradually adjust settings to decarbonisation scenarios, to test to which extend the 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 some experience in phytoplankton phenotyping, for example flow cytometry, FRRF, or methods for measuring photosynthesis and respiration rates. They should be familiar with the concepts of ecophysiology and experimental evolution and have experience analysing large datasets (ideally in R or Matlab), speak and write English and/or German to a high level, and be able to work well in a diverse team. A general understanding of ecosystem models is of advantage as is some experience with routine molecular biology tasks (DNA extraction, gel electrophoresis).
We offer
1. Reliable remuneration based on wage agreements
2. Continuing education opportunities
3. University pensions
4. Attractive location
5. Flexible working hours
6. Work-life balance opportunities
7. Health management, EGYM Wellpass
8. Educational leave
9. 30 days of vacation per annum
Universität Hamburg—University of Excellence is one of the strongest research educational institutions in Germany. Our work in research, teaching, educational and knowledge exchange activities is fostering the next generation of responsible global citizens ready to tackle the global challenges facing us. Our guiding principle “Innovating and Cooperating for a Sustainable Future in a digital age” drives collaboration with academic and nonacademic partner institutions in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region and around the world. We would like to invite you to be part of our community to work with us in creating sustainable and digital change for a dynamic and pluralist society.
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.