The GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel in Germany, one of the world’s leading oceanographic institutions and a member of the prestigious Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres, invites applications for Postdoctoral Research Fellowships and Doctoral Research Positions for 2026/27.
About GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel
Located on the Baltic coast in Kiel, Germany, GEOMAR investigates the chemical, physical, biological, and geological processes of the world ocean and their interaction with the seafloor and atmosphere. GEOMAR operates world-class research infrastructure including major German oceanographic research vessels (RV Meteor, RV Maria S. Merian, RV Sonne, and RV Alkor), deep-sea manned submersibles (JAGO), autonomous underwater vehicles (Abyss), and the deep-diving robotic system ROV KIEL 6000.
Primary Research Themes & Opportunities
- Biological Oceanography & Marine Food Webs: Pelagic plankton community dynamics, trophic interactions between zooplankton and larval fish, and biological responses to climate-induced marine heatwaves.
- Marine Biogeochemistry & Ocean Deoxygenation: Biogeochemical dynamics of tropical and temperate Oxygen Minimum Zones (OMZs), nitrogen fixation, trace metal bioavailability, and oceanic carbon sequestration mechanisms.
- Marine Ecology & Benthic Biota: Biodiversity and metabolic adaptations of deep-sea cold seep and hydrothermal vent ecosystems, alongside benthic macroalgal community resilience in the Baltic Sea.
- Physical-Biological Coupling & Ocean Upwelling: Mesoscale and submesoscale eddy dynamics, coastal upwelling systems off West Africa and South America, and their impacts on commercially vital pelagic fisheries.
- Marine Microbial Ecology & Natural Products: Functional genomics of marine microorganisms, secondary metabolite synthesis, and microbial enzymatic degradation of marine organic matter.
Remuneration & Fellowship Package
- Attractive Remuneration: Full-time German public service salary according to TV-L E13 (annual gross earnings between €52,000 and €62,000 depending on postdoctoral experience).
- Comprehensive Benefits: Full German statutory social security coverage, including comprehensive health insurance, parental leave, pension scheme (VBL), and paid vacation (30 days/year).
- Research Fleet Access: Direct participation as cruise scientist aboard German research fleet scientific expeditions in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic oceans.
- Career Development & Mentoring: Dedicated support through the GEOMAR Postdoc Center, professional leadership training, and international conference travel funding.
Eligibility & Application Procedure
Applicants worldwide must hold or be close to completing a Ph.D. in Biological Oceanography, Marine Biology, Fisheries Science, Marine Ecology, or Aquatic Biogeochemistry. Applications require a detailed CV, letter of motivation aligning with GEOMAR research units, publication list, and contact details for two academic referees.
To browse active vacancies and submit online applications, visit: GEOMAR Careers Portal (www.geomar.de/en/service/career/open-positions).