We are a young and dynamic technical university in the heart of Lusatia, developing practical, science-based solutions to address major future challenges and global transformation processes.
The Department of Aquatic Ecology of the BTU in Bad Saarow integrates basic and applied aspects in their research and teaching of aquatic ecology. The major goals are to identify ecological relationships in standing and flowing waters against the backdrop of climate change and ever-increasing anthropogenic influences, as well as to develop protective measures and action plans.
Ecosystem metabolism (gross primary production and ecosystem respiration) is increasingly used to quantify freshwater functioning, yet its links to organismal dynamics and food-web structure remain poorly understood. The DFG-funded project MetaBoxWeb aims to connect high-frequency metabolism data with consumer production and ecological traits at unprecedented spatial and temporal scales
The Department of Aquatic Ecology within the Faculty of Environmental and Natural Sciences is looking to fill a position within a third-party funded project as:
Academic Staff member (m/w/d)
Specifically, a postdoctoral researcher in the area of ecosystem metabolism
Your area of responsibility includes in
particular:
- Compile published high-frequency metabolism data, including quality control metrics of metabolism estimations and environmental metadata
- Collect additional high-frequency sensor datasets (DO, light, temperature, discharge) and environmental metadata, including data QA/QC, and model daily ecosystem metabolism (GPP and ER) using R packages such as streamMetabolizer and BASE and compare modelling frameworks.
- Link metabolic regimes to consumer traits, food-web complexity, and patterns of secondary production in close collaboration with a second postdoc.
- Investigate temporal dynamics (seasonality, development periods, resource pulses) in metabolism–consumer relationships.
- Contribute to the development of functional indicators that integrate metabolic processes and food-web properties.
- Coordinate with collaborating research groups, and lead and co-author scientific publications and presentations.
- Contribute to additional research related administrative tasks
Your requirements profile:
- Completed scientific higher education studies (Master / university Diploma / similar) in the area of the department (biology, ecology, environmental sciences, or similar)
- relevant doctoral degree
The following skills are highly desirable:
- Excellent programming skills in R including handling of large datasets, experience with QA/QC of sensor data, and modeling of metabolism rates (e.g., streamMetabolizer, BASE)
- Strong communication skills in English required
Preferred personal skill set:
- Ability to conduct independent scientific research, flexibility, and communication within an interdisciplinary team
What we offer!
- excellent conditions for academic qualification and research
- possibility of a research stay abroad for international networking and further academic training
- 30 days of vacation and flexible, family-friendly working hours
- option for remote work
- job ticket for public transportation
- comprehensive professional development and health programs
- and much more