Research Associate (PhD Position) – Molecular Marine Biodiversity of German Seas Reef Ecosystems

About us

The Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM) at the University of Oldenburg conducts interdisciplinary research on marine ecosystems, biodiversity and the processes shaping marine environments.

The position is part of the transdisciplinary DBU-funded project “New Monitoring Approaches for the Protection and Management of Reefs in the North Sea and Baltic Sea”. The project aims to improve biodiversity assessment in temperate reef ecosystems by integrating established morphological approaches with innovative molecular techniques, including DNA metabarcoding of organismal samples and environmental DNA (eDNA).

The project combines field-based sampling at selected reef sites in the North and Baltic Seas with laboratory analyses, biodiversity analyses and the development of practical recommendations for future reef monitoring and marine conservation.

Your tasks

• Participation in field campaigns (2027, 2028) to the Baltic Sea and North Sea. This task involves taking and preserving eDNA and benthos samples 
• Conduct molecular biodiversity assessments of benthic reef communities using DNA metabarcoding of organismal samples and environmental DNA (eDNA).
• Process samples collected from natural reef substrates, settlement plates and Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures (ARMS), as well as seawater samples for eDNA analyses.
• Optimise, evaluate and apply laboratory protocols for benthos sample processing and sequencing including multiple genetic marker approaches targeting different taxonomic groups to achieve a comprehensive assessment of reef-associated biodiversity.
• Perform molecular data processing and taxonomic assignment, including the evaluation and quality control of genetic reference sequences.
• Compare molecular and morphological biodiversity assessments to quantify methodological differences, complementarity and the additional taxonomic information gained through DNA-based approaches.
• Contribute to the development of a quality-controlled genetic reference library of reef-associated species from the German North and Baltic Seas.
• Archive genetic samples and make validated reference sequences available through public databases.
• Participate in workshops and communicate project results to stakeholders and partners.
• Publish project results in peer-reviewed journals and prepare project reports.

Your profile

Required qualifications

• A University degree (Master or Diploma, not of a University of Applied Sciences) in Marine Biology, natural sciences or related disciplines.
• Practical experience in molecular biological laboratory techniques with focus on metabarcoding.
• A solid understanding of molecular approaches to biodiversity assessment.
• Experience with high-throughput sequencing workflows and bioinformatic processing of metabarcoding data, preferably using R
• Good communication and organisational skills as well as the ability to work independently and in an interdisciplinary team.
• Willingness to participate in inter- and transdisciplinary work
• Excellent written and spoken English.

Desirable qualifications

• Familiarity with marine benthic biodiversity and marine invertebrate taxonomy.
• Experience with genetic reference databases and taxonomic assignment of sequence data.
• Certified Research Diver / European Scientific Diver 
• Programming skills, particularly in R or Python.
• Experience in marine fieldwork and sample collection.

We offer

• An exciting transdisciplinary research project addressing current challenges in marine biodiversity conservation and reef management.
• The opportunity to develop and apply innovative molecular approaches to biodiversity assessment in temperate marine ecosystems.
• Access to established molecular laboratory infrastructure, genetic reference resources and an extensive marine eDNA archive.
• Collaboration with leading marine research institutions and environmental authorities, including AWI/HIFMB, GEOMAR, the State Agency for the Environment of Schleswig-Holstein (LfU), and State Agency for Coastal Protection, National Park and Marine Conservation Schleswig-Holstein (LKN.SH).
• The opportunity to combine molecular ecology, marine biodiversity research and applied conservation science.
• Opportunities to publish scientific results and present them at national and international conferences.
• The opportunity to pursue a PhD within an interdisciplinary and application-oriented research environment.

Our standards

The University of Oldenburg is dedicated to increase the percentage of female employees in the field of science. Therefore, female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. In accordance to § 21 Section 3 NHG, female candidates with equal qualifications will be preferentially considered. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference in case of equal qualification.

Further information

The application deadline is 30.12.2026, or until the position is filled.

Contact

For further information about the position, please contact:

Dr. Silke Laakmann
Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity at the University of Oldenburg (HIFMB)
Email: ,

Please send your application via e-mail by 30.12.2026 to

Please submit your application, including a cover letter, CV, copies of relevant academic certificates and transcripts, and contact details of two referees, as a single PDF document to Dr. Silke Laakmann, using the reference „DBU Reef Monitoring Project – Molecular Biology”.

Unfortunately, travel expenses incurred in connection with interviews cannot be reimbursed.