Postdoc position: biotic interactions in explaining species distribution patterns (f/m/x)

Leibniz-Institut für Gewässerökologie und Binnenfischerei (IGB) im Forschungsverbund Berlin e.V.; Brandenburg; On-site; EUR 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Career development opportunities

Support for work-life balance

Job summary

A leading research institute in freshwater ecology in Brandenburg is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to model and project freshwater biodiversity patterns. The role involves analyzing species occurrence along environmental stress gradients, collaborating within a DFG-funded program, and leading research publications. Candidates should hold a PhD in relevant fields and possess strong statistical and GIS skills. This full-time position offers competitive salary and benefits, with opportunities for career development.

Qualifications

• Experience with handling and harmonizing large and variable datasets.
• Publication experience in relevant research areas.
• Strong interest in working with aquatic organisms.

Responsibilities

• Compile and curate ecological datasets across Germany.
• Analyze freshwater species occurrence patterns.
• Lead high-quality papers in this research area.
• Collaborate with team members and supervise students.

Skills

Statistical analysis

Species distribution modeling

Handling large datasets

Communication skills in English

R/Python expertise

GIS knowledge

Education

PhD in environmental science, ecology or related fields

Tools

R

Python

QGIS

GRASS GIS

Job description

For the Department of Ecosystem Research of IGB in Berlin we are inviting applications for the position of a postdoctoral researcher starting as soon as possible.

The position will be embedded in the Collaborative Research Center 1439 RESIST (“Multilevel response to stressor increase and release in stream ecosystems”). The successful candidate will lead research efforts to model and project freshwater biodiversity patterns, utilizing both spatial and statistical expertise. At this stage of the subproject of the CRC the project aims to evaluate whether ecological patterns previously identified in the RESIST model catchments (Kinzig and Boye catchments) are consistent across a broader set of river catchments that encompass higher environmental variability, larger species pools, longer time series, and differing spatial resolutions. Using catchment‑scale ecological and water quality data, the project aims to assess how abiotic drivers, biotic interactions, and stochastic processes jointly shape species occurrences along gradients of anthropogenic stress. Additionally, dispersal and connectivity information will be included to enhance SDM performance. Our aim is to integrate abiotic and biotic factors, assessing model performance, and analyzing the influence of different drivers on the distribution of species across different degradation gradients.

Your key responsibilities

• Compile, harmonise, and curate larger‑scale ecological, biological, land‑use, and water quality datasets across Germany; perform model calibration using existing data and iteratively update models as new datasets become available
• Analyse freshwater species occurrence patterns along gradients of environmental stress to quantify the relative roles of abiotic drivers, species interactions, and stochastic effects; validate species–environment relationships at finer spatial scales and compare patterns across catchments representing different levels of ecological degradation.
• Lead high‑quality papers in this research area
• Contribute to the project’s interim reports and application for a 3rd phase of the CRC.
• Collaborate with other team members, including supervising students and sharing skills.
• Document workflows, ensure reproducibility of analyses

Your profile

• A PhD e.g. in environmental science, ecology or related fields of biology or geography (or equivalent), or you have submitted your PhD thesis for assessment
• Essential is experience with handling and harmonizing large and variable datasets, statistical analysis, species / habitat distribution modelling, use of R/Python, GIS, preferably open source GIS (e.g. QGIS, GRASS)
• Essential is publication experience
• Essential is a strong interest in working with aquatic organisms (diatoms, aquatic invertebrates, fish)
• Essential are very good verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Willingness to cooperate within RESIST and develop cooperation with scientists within the CRC

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.

The position will be embedded in the DFG‑funded CRC RESIST Phase II program, creating a superb scientific network. RESIST is coordinated by the University of Duisburg‑Essen with the participation of the Ruhr‑Uni­­­r­­-University of Bochum, Christian‑Albrechts‑Universität zu Kiel, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ), and IGB.

Salary is paid according to the German salary scheme for the public sector (TVöD Bund, E13) offering a wide range of benefits, including health insurance. The position is offered on a full time, fixed‑term basis until December 2028. The position is principally suited for job sharing or part‑time work. 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. IGB is committed to increasing the number of women in this field, therefore applications from women are particularly welcome. Disabled applicants with equal qualification and aptitude will be given preferential consideration.

Are you interested?

We look forward to receiving your application with a letter outlining your motivation and suitability for the position, including a paragraph on your envisioned research for the postdoc research project (1 page), a detailed CV (including publications and if available solicited funding), contact details of two referees, and copies of relevant degrees. Please provide all documents as a single PDF file by 15.01.2026. Please state the job reference number 33/2025 and apply exclusively via our recruitment platform at www.igb-berlin.de/en/jobs.

Questions can be directed to Prof. Dr. Sonja Jähnig by phone [phone]) or by e‑mail [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 350 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