Postdoc position on lake ecosystem modelling (m/f/x)

Leibniz-Institut für Gewässerökologie und Binnenfischerei (IGB) im Forschungsverbund Berlin e.V.; Brandenburg; On-site; EUR 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career development opportunities

Work and family life reconciliation

Diversity and inclusion support

Job summary

Leibniz-Institut für Gewässerökologie und Binnenfischerei (IGB) in Brandenburg is seeking a Postdoc for lake ecosystem modelling. The role involves developing a biogeochemical model, analyzing the phosphorus cycle, and projecting future ecosystem dynamics. Candidates should have a Doctoral degree in a relevant field and expertise in aquatic ecosystem modelling. The position allows for part-time work, offers a fixed-term contract, and is committed to diversity and career development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Strong expertise in ecosystem modelling.
• Experience with model frameworks and coupling models.
• Evidence of scientific productivity.

Responsibilities

• Develop a 1D biogeochemical ecosystem model for Lake Stechlin.
• Quantify environmental factors affecting phosphorus availability.
• Project future phosphorus availability and primary productivity.

Skills

Process-based ecosystem modelling on aquatic systems

Communication skills (English)

Adaptive trait‑based model approaches

Education

Doctoral degree in theoretical ecology or related field

Tools

GOTM

ERGOM

PCLake+

Job description

For the Department of Plankton and Microbial Ecology of IGB at Lake Stechlin, Brandenburg, Germany, we are looking for a Postdoc on lake ecosystem modelling (f/m/x) as of 01.09.2026.

The main task of the position is to use existing lake ecosystem model frameworks in combination with trait‑based plankton model approaches to investigate the effects of anthropogenic influences and climate change on the ecosystem dynamics of deep, stratifying lakes in the temperate climate zone. Particular focus is placed on analysing the phosphorus cycle and changes in the phytoplankton community (trait) composition and vertical distribution in relation to changes in the stratification regime and water residence time. Lake Stechlin will serve as the main study site, having access to more than 50 years of extensive monitoring data which document a history of periods with anthropogenically induced changes and a shift towards the dominance of Planktothrix rubescens, a low‑light adapted cyanobacteria which typically forms deep chlorophyll maxima (DCM) during summer stratification. The main objective of this project is to investigate the influence of phosphorus availability and changes in stratification regime on phytoplankton dynamics with a special focus on factors involved in the proliferation of DCM‑forming species. The model shall also be used to provide projections on changes in phytoplankton composition into the future along different climate change scenarios and to assess consequences for lake productivity and water quality.

The position is part of the research group “Theoretical Ecology” (AG Wollrab). The working place is located at the shore of the beautiful Lake Stechlin, one hour north of the German capital, Berlin. The department offers an active, international, and inter‑disciplinary research community and maintains extensive monitoring data on multiple lakes.

Your tasks

• Developing a 1D biogeochemical ecosystem model for Lake Stechlin, making use of available longterm data and implementing a trait‑based approach to represent the phytoplankton community, involving adaptive traits like buoyancy regulation into the ecosystem model framework
• Quantification of the contribution of different environmental factors (such as changes in stratification regime and water residence time) to observed changes in the P availability and phytoplankton community composition in Lake Stechlin
• Projections on the development of phosphorus availability and primary productivity of Lake Stechlin into the future along different climate change scenarios

Your profile

• Doctoral degree in theoretical ecology, quantitative ecology, environmental sciences, or mathematics/physics with a focus on ecological applications
• Strong expertise in process‑based ecosystem modelling on aquatic systems
• Ideally you have already experience in using model frameworks such as GOTM, ERGOM, or PCLake+ and coupling models via FABM
• Experience in adaptive trait‑based model approaches would be an asset
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (English)
• Evidence of scientific productivity – corresponding to career stage

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.

Salary is paid according to the German salary scheme for the public sector (TVöD Bund, E13). It is a full‑time position with 39 working hours per week. The position is principally suited for part‑time work with at least 30 h/week. It is a fixed‑term position, initially limited to 2 years.

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. Severely disabled applicants with equal qualification and aptitude will be given preferential consideration.