Code: 109/G/Bio-tt
Faculty: Science
Job type: Full time
Location: Bremerhaven

The Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI) is a member of the Helmholtz Association (HGF) and funded by federal and state government. AWI focuses on polar and marine research in a variety of disciplines such as biology, oceanography, geology, geochemistry and geophysics thus allowing multidisciplinary approaches to scientific goals.

The Section Polar Biological Oceanography invites applications for a

Senior Scientist in Sea-ice Biology/Ecology/Biogeochemistry

We seek a polar scientist with outstanding scientific qualifications in the field of biology, ecology, or biogeochemistry of sea-ice, to join the AWI Polar Biological Oceanography Section as a Senior Scientist position. 

Background:
As a member of the Helmholtz Association, AWI receives funding from federal and state governments. AWI is one of the world´s leading institutions working on polar and marine research across the disciplines of biology, oceanography, geology, glaciology and geophysics, and thus provides an ideal framework to employ multidisciplinary approaches. AWI provides excellent working conditions by international standards. The successful candidate will have access to the AWI research infrastructure including the research icebreaker Polarstern, research aircrafts Polar 5 and 6, polar stations AWIPEV (Spitzbergen) and Neumayer station III (Antarctica), and regional as well as global atmospheric and climate models.

Tasks:You will carry out cutting-edge research on sea-ice processes (Arctic and Antarctic) and further our understanding of long-term changes in Polar Regions, linking with other components of the biosphere and climate system. You will have a strong track record designing and executing field observations, as well as the capacity to collaborate closely with both sea-ice physicists and biological oceanographers. We expect the development of close links with other Sections across the Biology, Geosciences and Climate Sciences Divisions, as well as contributions to interdisciplinary research within AWI´s PACES Research Programme.

Requirements:
You require a PhD in oceanography, biogeochemistry, biology, or closely–related field, and outstanding scientific achievements at an international level. You need to demonstrate the ability to conduct field campaigns, coordinate international research projects, and acquire 3rd party funding. An understanding of a wide range of sampling and experimental techniques is also desirable, possibly including chemical and physical sensors, remotely operated vehicles molecular methods, and/or modeling. 

Selection Criteria:

•     Essential:
  1.    PhD in relevant field
  2.    Strong track-record in polar sea-ice biology/ecology/biogeochemistry, including field work
  3.    Ability to organize and manage large field expeditions
  4.    Multidisciplinary understanding and collaborative skills
  5.    Excellent writing and oral communication skills

•     Desirable:
  1.    Persuasive leadership and facility in interdisciplinary research
  2.    Familiarity with a range of methods and approaches in sea-ice
  3.    Experience in writing grants

For further information please contact Prof. Dr. Anya Waite (anya.waite@awi.de).

Employment is initially limited to two years, with the potential for a permanent position. The salary will be paid in accordance with the German Tarifvertrag des öffentlichen Dienstes (TVöD Bund), salary level 14. The place of employment will be Bremerhaven.

We offer you a multi-disciplinary, international, and fascinating professional environment with flexible working hours, state-of-the-art research equipment, and first-rate infrastructure.
AWI aims to increase the number of women in the scientific staff and therefore encourages women to apply. Disabled applicants will be given preference when equal qualifications are present. The AWI fosters the compatibility of work and family through various means. Because of our engagement in the area of work-life compatibility we have been awarded the certificate “Career and Family”.

Please forward your applications with the standard documentation (letter of motivation, CV, list of references, a 1-2 page statement explaining why you are the best candidate, and how you will support the long-term development of sea-ice biogeochemistry and ecology within the Polar Biological Oceanography Section at the AWI) by October 1st, 2017 referencing code 109/G/Bio-tt to: Alfred-Wegener-Institut für Polar- und Meeresforschung, Personalabteilung (human resources), Postfach 12 01 61, 27515 Bremerhaven/Germany or by e-mail (all documents merged into one PDF file) to: personal@awi.de.