The GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Germany, is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Seagrass-Pathogen Interactions under Global Change. This full-time position is funded for 20 months, with a preferred starting date of May 1, 2026. It is an exceptional opportunity for marine biologists and evolutionary ecologists looking to contribute to cutting-edge research in coastal ecosystem preservation.
The research will be conducted within the Marine Evolutionary Ecology research unit (Division of Marine Ecology), under the supervision of PI Prof. Dr. Thorsten Reusch. The position is part of the German Research Foundation (DFG) Research Unit “PlantsCoChallenge”, which explores stress tolerance mechanisms across terrestrial and aquatic plants.
Project Scope & Research Focus
The project focuses on the widespread eelgrass species Zostera marina. While eelgrass exhibits broad tolerance to abiotic stressors like marine heatwaves and oxygen-free sediments, the impact of biotic stressors—specifically microbial pathogens like endophytic protists—remains poorly understood. The postdoctoral researcher will examine resource allocation, defense responses, and host-pathogen dynamics using advanced transcriptomic, metabolomic, and systems biology approaches.
Key collaborators include Prof. Dr. Sabine Hilt at the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB) Berlin, working on comparative freshwater macrophyte systems.
Key Position Details
- Institution: GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Germany
- Duration: 20 months
- Compensation: Up to TVöD-Bund E13 scale (German public service tariff)
- Target Start Date: May 1, 2026
- Application Deadline: March 1, 2026
Qualifications & Requirements
Required:
- A PhD (doctoral degree) in Biology, Marine Science, Ecology, or a related discipline.
- Hands-on experience in plant-pathogen interactions or plant-microbe research.
- Strong knowledge of plant physiology or plant stress ecology.
- Excellent written and spoken English skills.
Preferred/Desirable:
- Experience designing and executing eco-evolutionary experiments.
- Basic programming/scripting skills (e.g., Python, PERL, or R statistical package).
- Familiarity with metabolomics, transcriptomics, or high-throughput microbiome analysis.
- Knowledge of seagrass ecosystems and macrophyte biology.
What GEOMAR Offers
- An exciting international research environment situated right on the scenic Kiel Fjord.
- Excellent work-life balance options (mobile working, flexible hours, child care support).
- 30 days of annual leave plus additional time off on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
- Company pension plan and capital-forming benefits.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application (cover letter and detailed CV) online through the GEOMAR recruitment portal by March 1, 2026.
To apply online, please visit: Official GEOMAR Application Portal.
For inquiries regarding the scientific project, contact Prof. Dr. Thorsten Reusch at treusch@geomar.de. For general application inquiries, email bewerbung@geomar.de (referencing the keyword “PlantsCoChallenge”).