PhD position in parasite and virus ecology (fixed-term for 36 months)

Leibniz-Institut für Gewässerökologie und Binnenfischerei (IGB) im Forschungsverbund Berlin e.V.; Brandenburg; On-site; EUR 36,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flat hierarchies

Individual freedom to develop creativity

Career development opportunities

Job summary

A leading research institute in freshwater ecology is seeking a PhD candidate for a position starting April 2026. This role involves studying the ecological roles of parasites and viruses in the Elbe Estuary using biochemical tools. Candidates should have a Master's degree in a relevant field and skills in molecular biology and bioinformatics. The position offers opportunities for career development within an international scientific environment.

Qualifications

• Good knowledge of DNA metagenomics.
• Experience in data analysis and scientific publication.
• A driver's license is useful.

Responsibilities

• Laboratory analysis of microorganisms including shotgun metagenomics.
• Field sampling on Elbe Estuary.
• Bioinformatic and statistical analyses.

Skills

Knowledge of molecular biology

Good English communication skills

Programming and network analyses experience

Ability to work in a team

Education

Master degree in biology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, or similar

Tools

Bioinformatics and statistical tools

Job description

For the Department of Plankton and Microbial Ecology of the IGB at Lake Stechlin, we are looking for a PhD position (f/m/x) as of 1st of April 2026, for a project using biochemical and molecular tools to evaluate the ecological role of parasites and virus in the Elbe Estuary.

The work is carried out as part of the DFG Graduate Program “Biota-Mediated Effects of Carbon Cycling in Estuaries (RTG2530) climatic drivers” which starts earliest in April 2026. The Research Training Group 2530 (RTG 2530) is to fill existing knowledge gaps on biota-mediated effects on estuarine (River Elbe) C cycling under current conditions and with respect to global change scenarios. Embedded into the inspiring academic environment of IGB and the Universität of Hamburg, RTG 2530 provides Doctoral and Postdoctoral Researchers an outstanding platform for their career development. The RTG has been established by an interdisciplinary group of 15 Principal Researchers with scientific backgrounds ranging from terrestrial and marine ecology, via geoscience to microbiology and molecular plant and animal biology. In this subproject, parasites and virus will be studied as drivers of estuarine biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. The position is based at the IGB in Stechlin, Germany.

Your tasks

• Laboratory analysis of planktonic and benthic microorganisms including shotgun metagenomics
• Field sampling on Elbe Estuary along the salinity gradient
• Bioinformatic and statistical analyses
• Relate environmental variables to microbial dynamics
• Meso- und Microcosm experiments
• Contributions to IGB’s scientific activities and publications

Your profile

• Master degree in biology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, or similar
• Good knowledge of molecular biology, e.g. DNA metagenomics
• Knowledge of bioinformatics and statistical tools is needed
• Programming and network analyses experience is useful
• Experience in data analysis and scientific publication
• Ability to work in a team, good English communication skills
• A driver licence is useful

Our offer

We offer an interesting position in an international and dynamic scientific environment. We foster flat hierarchies and active participation. We allow maximum individual freedom, enabling everyone to develop and use their creativity to the best of their abilities. This PhD position is limited to 36 months as part of the DFG research training network BiCEst in the third period from earliest 01.04.2026 to 31.03.2029. Salary is paid according to the German salary scheme for the public service (65% E13 TVöD Bund). The PhD position is not suited for job sharing.

We foster your career development by providing qualification and training opportunities. We actively support the reconciliation of work and family life.

The IGB is committed to diversity. We welcome every qualified application, regardless of sex and gender, origin, nationality, religion, belief, health and disabilities, age or sexual orientation. Severely disabled applicants with equal qualification and aptitude will be given preferential consideration.

Are you interested?

We look forward to receiving your application including a cover letter that details your motivation to study for a PhD and your fit to the profile, a CV, and contact information for 2-3 references in a single pdf file by 31.01.2026 (or until enough suitable candidates are found). Please state the job reference number 28/2025 and apply exclusively via our recruitment platform at www.igb-berlin.de/en/jobs.

Questions can be directed by email to Hans-Peter Grossart([e-mail]).

"Research for the future of our freshwaters" is the mission of IGB – Germany’s largest and one of the leading international centres for freshwater research. In order to investigate different aspects of freshwater ecosystems, their biota and societal relevance, we unit a wide range of disciplines and understand research as a joint effort. With more than 400 employees and guests from all over the world, we conduct research at five locations in Berlin and at Lake Stechlin (Brandenburg). IGB is a member of the German Leibniz Association and the Forschungsverbund Berlin e. V. www.igb-berlin.de