The Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI) Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research in Bremerhaven, Germany, is inviting applications for multiple Ph.D. Studentships, Postdoctoral Fellowships, and Research Positions (2026–2027). As Germany’s leading polar and oceanographic research institution, AWI conducts groundbreaking investigations into polar marine ecosystems, biological oceanography, deep-sea benthic ecology, and climate-ocean interactions.
About the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI)
Headquartered in Bremerhaven, with research sites in Potsdam, Sylt, and Helgoland, the Alfred Wegener Institute is a member of the prestigious Helmholtz Association. AWI operates world-renowned research infrastructure, including the research icebreaker Polarstern, coastal research cutters (R/V Heincke and R/V Mya II), modern polar stations (Neumayer Station III in Antarctica and AWIPEV in the Arctic), and state-of-the-art marine experimental aquaria. Doctoral candidates benefit from the structured curriculum of the POLMAR Graduate School.
Key Research Themes & Scientific Divisions
Open research opportunities span AWI’s major marine scientific divisions and affiliated centers, such as the Helmholtz School for Marine Data Science (MarDATA) and the Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity (HIFMB):
- Biosciences & Marine Ecology: Phytoplankton blooms, zooplankton trophodynamics, polar marine physiology, deep-sea benthic biodiversity, and environmental genomics.
- Marine Data Science & Bioinformatics: Big data analysis in oceanography, machine learning for plankton imaging, spatial biodiversity modeling, and genomics of Arctic/Antarctic marine fauna.
- Climate Sciences & Physical Oceanography: Southern Ocean and Arctic ocean circulation, sea-ice dynamics, ice-ocean boundary layer physics, and global marine carbon export.
- Geosciences & Marine Biogeochemistry: Sediment biogeochemistry, methane hydrate dynamics, paleoceanography, and nutrient cycling in polar shelves.
- Coastal Marine Systems: Wadden Sea benthic dynamics, macroalgal ecology, and ecosystem resilience to warming at the Wadden Sea Station Sylt.
Remuneration, Contract & Support Package
- Competitive Salary: Employment contracts based on the German Public Service Collective Agreement (TVöD Bund, Salary Grade E13, ranging from 65% to 100% depending on position level), providing an annual gross salary of approximately €45,000 to €58,000.
- Comprehensive Social Security: Complete German statutory pension contributions, unemployment insurance, health insurance, and accident cover.
- POLMAR Graduate School: Comprehensive soft-skills training, scientific workshops, travel grants, and individual mentoring for Ph.D. students.
- Expedition Participation: Unique opportunities to participate in polar and marine research cruises aboard RV Polarstern or RV Heincke.
- Work-Life Balance: Flexible working hours, mobile working options, and dedicated family support services.
Eligibility Criteria
- For Ph.D. Positions: A completed Master’s degree (M.Sc. or equivalent) in Marine Biology, Oceanography, Biological Sciences, Environmental Physics, Bioinformatics, or a related discipline.
- For Postdoctoral Positions: A completed Ph.D. in oceanographic or biological sciences, evidenced by a strong peer-reviewed publication record.
- Excellent command of spoken and written English; knowledge of German is not mandatory for admission.
- Open to international applicants from all countries without restriction. AWI assists successful candidates with German residence and visa formalities.
Application Procedures & Required Documents
Interested candidates must apply online through the official AWI Job Board. Complete application packages generally include:
- Letter of Motivation: Outlining scientific background, research interests, and project suitability (1–2 pages).
- Curriculum Vitae: Detailed CV with full publication list and laboratory/field expedition experience.
- Academic Certificates: Copies of Bachelor’s and Master’s/Ph.D. certificates and academic transcripts.
- References: Contact details of two to three academic referees.
Application Deadlines & Intake Dates
- Application Deadlines: Rolling recruitments and designated deadlines throughout October – December 2026 for early 2027 appointments.
- Contract Duration: 3 to 4 years for Ph.D. positions; 2 to 3 years for Postdoctoral fellowships.
Official Portals & Contact Links
Prospective applicants should consult open positions, individual vacancy reference numbers, and submission details on the official AWI portals:
👉 AWI Official Job Board & Vacancies: https://www.awi.de/en/work-study/out-of-university/jobs.html
👉 POLMAR Graduate School for Polar and Marine Research: https://www.awi.de/en/about-us/organisation/staff-units/polmar.html