Group Leader - Freshwater Ecosystem-Climate Feedback Modeller (f/m/x)

Leibniz-Institut für Gewässerökologie und Binnenfischerei (IGB) im Forschungsverbund Berlin e.V.; Berlin; On-site; EUR 63,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training and development opportunities

Flexible working hours

Access to substantial technical resources

Job summary

A research institute in Berlin is seeking a group leader focusing on ecosystem-climate feedbacks. The successful candidate will develop innovative research programs integrating ecosystem modelling with empirical data, assess freshwater ecosystem influences on climate, and collaborate with diverse teams. A doctoral degree in quantitative ecology or related fields is required. The role offers a tenure-track position with excellent resources, flexible working conditions, and a commitment to diversity in the workplace.

Qualifications

• Expertise in process-based ecosystem modelling required.
• Experience in field experiments is preferred.
• Evidence of scientific productivity through publications necessary.

Responsibilities

• Develop an innovative research program combining modelling and empirical data.
• Quantify ecosystem-climate feedbacks through integrated models.
• Lead multidisciplinary research teams effectively.

Skills

Ecosystem modelling

Field sampling in freshwater ecosystems

Statistical analysis

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Education

Doctoral degree in quantitative ecology

Job description

The Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB) invites applications for a group leader position with a focus on ecosystem‑climate feedbacks. The position is based at the Department of Plankton and Microbial Ecology located at Lake Stechlin, north of Berlin, with strong opportunities for collaborations across IGB departments. The position will strengthen IGB research on climate change impacts by quantifying ecosystem‑climate interactions, with an emphasis on how freshwater ecosystems affect climate, how this feedback is influenced by global change, and what roles freshwater communities play in these interactions. Feedbacks can involve changes in greenhouse gas emissions and/or carbon sequestration. Drivers may include eutrophication, ecosystem state shifts, climate and land‑use change, recreational activities, or changes in ecosystem connectivity. The research approach integrates numerical modelling (including data‑driven modelling) with empirical studies, linking abiotic and biotic processes to ecosystem‑climate feedbacks. Strong interconnections with other research lines at IGB are encouraged to contribute to the institute’s goal of establishing a leading predictive ecology research program. IGB offers excellent laboratory and field facilities, including large‑scale experimental platforms and long‑term data sets.

Your tasks

• Develop an innovative research program that connects ecosystem modelling with empirical data on biodiversity and biogeochemical processes
• Develop models that integrate biological, biogeochemical and geophysical processes to quantify ecosystem‑climate feedbacks
• Assess the role of ecosystem structure and functioning for freshwater ecosystem‑climate feedbacks, e.g. CH4 & CO2 emissions
• Apply long‑term and high‑frequency monitoring and experimental data for model calibration, validation and projections
• Act as a scientific integrator, connecting between complementary models and diverse datasets, including long‑term biological and environmental time series and experiments at multiple scales, especially at IGB’s large enclosure facility

Your profile

• Doctoral degree in quantitative ecology, environmental sciences, or a closely related field
• Demonstrated expertise in process‑based ecosystem modelling
• Experience in designing and conducting field sampling and/or experiments in freshwater ecosystems
• Additional skills that would be advantageous are:
  • Experience in integrating biological, biogeochemical and geophysical processes
  • Experience of integration and statistical analysis of multiple data streams from ecological and environmental datasets
• Evidence of scientific productivity, including publications and research grants – appropriate to career stage
• Competence to lead a collaborative and innovative research team
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (English)

Our offer

We offer a position with a long‑term perspective according to IGB’s tenure‑track guidelines in a dynamic international scientific environment and with access to substantial technical resources. Flat hierarchies provide a high degree of individual freedom, allowing scientists to develop creative research programs to the best of their abilities. We foster career development by providing training and development opportunities and actively support the reconciliation of work and family life. The working language at IGB is English. Intended as a full‑time tenure‑track position, the position is also suited in principle to job sharing or part‑time work, with at least 31 hours per week. Salary is paid according to the German public sector pay scale (TVöD Bund E14).

IGB is committed to diversity. We welcome all qualified applications, regardless of sex and gender, origin, nationality, religion, belief, health and disabilities, age, or sexual orientation. Reflecting IGB’s commitment to increase the representation of female scientists, applications by women are particularly welcome. Supportive measures for gender equality are especially targeted towards female tenure‑track and tenured researchers. Severely disabled applicants with equal qualification and aptitude will be given preferential consideration.