The Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity (HIFMB) is a research institute located in Oldenburg. It studies marine biodiversity and its importance for the function of marine ecosystems, the people linked to those ecosystems, and their governance. In doing so, it develops the basis for marine nature conservation and management. The HIFMB was founded in 2017 and is an institutional cooperation between the Alfred Wegener Institute in Bremerhaven, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI), and the Carl von Ossietzky University in Oldenburg linked to the Institute of Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM) and Institute for Social Sciences (IfSol). Postdoc in "Decoding cellular signaling in Photosymbiosis" (m/f/d/x) Background Photosymbioses between heterotrophic host and phototrophic endosymbionts have played central roles in the radiation of complex life and are critical to global nutrient cycles. Yet, global change is pushing these symbioses and the ecosystems they support to the brink of ecological collapse. Join us to unravel the fundamental mechanisms underlying the establishment, maintenance, and breakdown of photosymbioses. We are seeking a curiosity-driven postdoctoral researcher to join the newly established Photosymbiosis Focus Group at the Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity (HIFMB). You will combine state-of-the-art OMICS approaches, cell biology, and advanced imaging to dissect the cellular signaling and regulatory networks that control photosymbiosis between cnidarian hosts and their microalgal symbionts. The Project - PhagoPhoRe This position is embedded in the ERC-funded project PhagoPhoRe, which aims to decode the cellular and molecular language of photosymbiotic interactions. By focusing on the interplay of symbiotic nutrient cycling and host phagosome maturation, PhagoPhoRe aims to unravel: How host cells recognize beneficial algal symbionts How mutualistic metabolic interactions are (de)stabilized How algal symbionts evade host immune responses By combining transcriptomics, immunohistochemistry, advanced imaging, and physiological assays across, we aim to elucidate the fundamental processes underlying the evolutionary success and ongoing ecological collapse of photosymbioses. To achieve this, PhagoPhoRe builds on a large network of collaborators across the HIFMB, Germany, France, Czech Republic, and Switzerland. Your Tasks As a postdoctoral researcher, you will play a central intellectual role in shaping experiments, generating and analyzing high-dimensional data, and integrating single-cell insights with complementary datasets produced within the project. You will: Design and execute single-cell and/or spatial transcriptomic experiments Integrate transcriptomic data with imaging and physiological datasets Contribute actively to conceptual development and manuscript writing Mentor students and engage in collaborative lab projects Present your work at international conferences This is a position is ideal for someone who wants ownership, visibility, and scientific freedom. Your Profile PhD in molecular biology, bioinformatics, marine biology, or a related field Strong skills in R and/or Python and custom data analysis workflows Good English knowledge (approximately equivalent to CEFR level B1B2) A collaborative mindset Preferred Qualifications and Skills Hands-on experience with single-cell or spatial transcriptomics Experience with tissue dissociation, FACS, immunohistochemistry, or microscopy Interest in host–microbe interactions and symbiosis We are looking for curiosity-driven candidates interested in combining laboratory and bioinformatic workflows. Further Information Contact in day-to-day work : with up to 5 people Communication : almost equal share (internal/external) in the following ways By telephone: almost never (only in very rare cases) E-mail: frequently (daily or several times a week) Video conferencing (e.g., Webex): frequently (daily or several times a week) Personal contact in presence: frequently (daily or several times a week) Movement around the workplace: regularly within the building (e.g., between departments or floors) Business trips: rather infrequent (once or twice a year) Expeditions : do not occur Please note that the general conditions listed serve as a guide and may vary depending on the specific area of application. For further information on the specific position, please reach out to Dr Nils Rädecker ( nils.raedecker@hifmb.de ; 49 471 4831-2540). If you have any general questions about the application process, our Recruiting team will be glad to support you – please contact Elisabeth Wildt ( bewerbungsmanagement@awi.de, 49(471)4831-2236). In this overview you will find further contact persons for various matters. This is a full-time position, limited to 3 years. It is also suitable for part-time employment. The salary will be paid in accordance with the Collective Agreement for the Public Service of the Federation (Tarifvertrag des öffentlichen Dienstes, TVöD Bund), up to salary level 13. The place of employment will be Oldenburg. All postdocs will register with AWI's postdoc office PROCEED and thus gain access to a set of tailor-made career development tools. The AWI is characterized by our scientific success - excellent research collaboration and cooperation - intra-institute, national and international, interdisciplinary opportunities to develop – on the job and towards other positions an international environment – everyday contact with people from all over the world flexible working hours health promotion and company fitness with Hansefit and Wellhub support services and a culture of reconciling work and family occupational pension provision (VBL) AWI values diversity and actively promotes gender parity, as well as an open, inclusive environment that provides equal opportunities. We are convinced that diverse teams and a variety of perspectives enrich our work and our daily collaboration. In a continuous process of learning and reflection, we aim to ensure that all our employees can be themselves and feel a sense of belonging. We welcome applications from qualified people regardless of binary and non-binary genders, 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. We look forward to your application! Please submit your application online only by April 1st, 2026. We kindly ask you to apply in English. No photo is required – we value your qualifications and experience. To apply, please submit: A cover letter (max. 2 pages) in English addressing: Your motivation to join the Photosymbiosis Focus Group Your previous research experience Your qualifications relevant for this position A CV, including publication list Contact details of two academic referees Reference number: 26/21/D/HIFMB-b