The Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI) Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research in Bremerhaven, Germany, one of the world’s foremost scientific institutions dedicated to high-latitude oceanography and polar marine ecosystems, invites applications for Postdoctoral Research Fellowships and Doctoral Research Appointments for 2026/27.
About the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI)
AWI coordinates German polar research across the Arctic, Antarctic, and temperate seas. Operating the legendary research icebreaker RV Polarstern alongside stations in the Antarctic (Neumayer Station III) and Arctic (AWIPEV), and specialized marine stations in Helgoland and Sylt, AWI delivers fundamental research into marine biology, ocean climate dynamics, deep-sea benthic ecosystems, and polar biogeochemistry.
Primary Research Thrusts & Opportunities
- Polar Biological Oceanography & Sea Ice Ecology: Investigating sympagic algae communities, primary productivity under retreating sea ice, phytoplankton bloom phenology, and high-latitude biological carbon export.
- Polar Marine Food Webs & Fisheries Dynamics: Trophic ecology, overwintering physiology, and lipid biochemistry of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba), polar copepods, and high-latitude pelagic fish assemblages.
- Marine Biogeochemistry & Ocean Acidification: High-latitude carbonate chemistry, air-sea gas exchange in icy waters, microbial loop dynamics, and marine organic carbon burial.
- Deep-Sea Benthic Ecology & Extreme Marine Habitats: Long-term ecological monitoring at the HAUSGARTEN deep-sea observatory in the Fram Strait, benthic macrofaunal biodiversity, and hydrothermal vent ecology in polar basins.
- Autonomous Polar Marine Observation: Deployment of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), bio-optical moorings, and ice-tethered profilers for uninterrupted winter oceanographic observations.
Remuneration & Fellowship Package
- Competitive Public Service Salary: Full-time German public service compensation according to TVöD Bund pay scale E13 (annual gross earnings between €52,000 and €64,000 depending on postdoctoral experience).
- Comprehensive Statutory Benefits: Comprehensive German social security including statutory health insurance, nursing care, unemployment, and employer-funded VBL retirement pension scheme.
- Expedition Access: Guaranteed opportunities to participate in polar scientific cruises aboard the research icebreaker *RV Polarstern* and research vessels *Heincke* and *Mya II*.
- Mentorship & Training: Professional development through the AWI Postdoc Office and Helmholtz Association career development academies, with dedicated research travel budgets.
Eligibility & Application Procedure
Applicants worldwide must hold or be close to completing a Ph.D. in Biological Oceanography, Marine Biology, Fisheries Science, Limnology, Marine Ecology, or Aquatic Biogeochemistry. Applications require an up-to-date CV, list of scientific publications, a statement of research interests aligned with AWI scientific divisions, and contact details for two academic referees.
To browse open vacancies and submit formal online applications, visit: AWI Careers Portal (www.awi.de/en/work-study/career/job-offers.html).