• Application Deadline: August 31, 2025
• Start Date: October 1, 2025
• Location: Kiel, Germany

About GEOMAR

Located along the scenic Kiel Fjord, GEOMAR is jointly funded by the Federal Republic of Germany and the State of Schleswig-Holstein. The institute plays a key role in advancing global ocean research, focusing on:

• Climate change impacts on marine ecosystems
• Sustainable use of ocean resources
• Conservation of coastal biodiversity

Research Focus

The PhD position is part of the Experimental Ecology research unit, which studies how macroalgae, corals, and bivalves respond to climate-driven stressors like marine heat waves.

The project focuses on Fucus vesiculosus, a foundation macroalga in temperate coastal zones with limited dispersal and strong local adaptation—making it ideal for studying thermal resilience.

This role is embedded in FUBLUC, a multi-institutional project involving around 20 researchers, aiming to:

1. Evaluate the blue carbon potential of Fucus meadows in the Baltic Sea.
2. Develop restoration strategies for degraded algal habitats.
3. Explore the genomic basis of thermal tolerance in algae.

Your Role and Responsibilities

As a Doctoral Researcher, you will:

• Assess thermal tolerance in Fucus juveniles via mesocosm and lab experiments.
• Identify genomic loci linked to heat resilience.
• Conduct field trials in the southwestern Baltic Sea to monitor restored populations.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Genomics, or related fields
• Expertise in molecular lab techniques (nucleic acid extraction, sequencing, Hi-C, ATAC-seq)
• Strong bioinformatics skills for large sequencing datasets
• Proficiency in R for statistical analysis

Desirable Skills

• Experience in genome assembly and annotation
• Knowledge of evolutionary biology
• Background in algal or plant ecophysiology
• Nanopore sequencing expertise

Why Join GEOMAR?

• Work on high-impact climate change research with global relevance
• Access to unique outdoor mesocosm systems for large-scale experiments
• Flexible working arrangements for work-life balance
• 30 vacation days plus Christmas and New Year’s Eve off
• Competitive salary up to E13 TVöD-Bund with pension and benefits

Marine Heat Waves – The Bigger Picture

Marine heat waves are becoming more frequent and intense, threatening coastal habitats. This research will:

• Advance climate resilience strategies
• Enhance marine biodiversity
• Improve blue carbon storage
• Inform global restoration practices for vulnerable ecosystems

PhD in Algal Heat Adaptation – FAQs

1. What is the application deadline?
Applications close on August 31, 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted.

2. When does the position start?
The role begins on October 1, 2025.

3. Where will the research take place?
At the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, with fieldwork in the Baltic Sea.

4. What is the main focus of the project?
Investigating Fucus vesiculosus adaptation to thermal stress, identifying heat-tolerance genes, and restoring degraded habitats.

5. What is the salary range?
Up to E13 TVöD-Bund (75% part-time equivalent) for 3.5 years.

6. Do I need marine biology experience?
A background in biology, molecular biology, or genomics is required. Marine biology knowledge is an advantage but not mandatory.

7. Can I work remotely?
Some flexibility is possible, but lab and fieldwork require on-site presence in Kiel.

8. What career paths can this lead to?
Marine ecology, climate change research, environmental genomics, conservation biology, or academic/government research roles.

9. Is GEOMAR an equal opportunity employer?
Yes. GEOMAR encourages applications from women, underrepresented groups, and scientists with disabilities.

How to Apply

Submit your application via GEOMAR’s online portal by August 31, 2025: Apply Here

For further details, contact:
Prof. Dr. Frank Melzner
fmelzner@geomar.de

About the PhD Program

This competitive PhD program is designed for highly motivated early-career scientists aiming to contribute to cutting-edge research on ocean floor processes and their impact on Earth’s climate, ecosystems, and carbon cycles. The initiative is a collaboration between:

• University of Bremen
• University of Oldenburg
• Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research
• Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology
• Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research
• Constructor University
• Hanse-Wissenschaftskolleg – Institute for Advanced Study

Research Areas: Choose from Innovative Marine Science Topics

Applicants can apply for up to three project areas, selecting and ranking their priorities. Key research themes include:

• Carbon sequestration at the molecular level
• Iron cycling and organic matter dynamics
• Cold-water coral ecosystems
• Arctic hydrothermal systems
• Lateral carbon transport and fluxes
• Deep-sea petroleum seeps
• Pelagic ecosystem forecasting under climate change

Each project contributes to a deeper understanding of the ocean floor’s role in Earth’s systems and future climate scenarios.

Structured PhD Training & Support

Each successful candidate will receive a 4-year employment contract (75% TV-L/TVöD salary scale) with the expectation of completing a PhD. Benefits of the program include:

• Interdisciplinary training in geosciences, biogeochemistry, marine biology, and climatology
• Professional and transferable skill development workshops
• Research exchange visits to partner institutions
• Mentorship from globally recognized experts
• Access to a vibrant, international academic network

Key Benefits

• Competitive salary based on German TV-L/TVöD 13 scale
• Full health, social insurance, and retirement benefits
• 30 days of paid vacation per year
• Flexible work hours and remote work options
• Access to wellness and mental health support programs
• Inclusive environment welcoming international and female researchers

Applicants with disabilities and equal qualifications will be given preference as part of Germany’s commitment to equal opportunity.

Application Details

• Deadline to Apply: July 25, 2025
• Reference Number: A179-25
• Start Date: January 1, 2026 (subject to final funding confirmation)

Required Documents

• Motivation letter
• Updated CV with academic certificates
• List of publications (if applicable)
• Contact details of two referees

Apply via email: office-exc-oceanfloor@uni-bremen.de

Or by post to:

MARUM – Center for Marine Environmental Sciences
University of Bremen
Prof. Dr. Heiko Pälike
Leobener Straße 8,
28359 Bremen, Germany

Note: Do not include personal photographs. Submit only copies of documents; originals will not be returned.

Useful Links

• Explore PhD Projects (EXC1-01 to EXC1-15)
• Cluster of Excellence Website
• For scientific queries: Prof. Heiko Pälike – speaker-exc-oceanfloor@uni-bremen.de
• Learn more about the Early Career Researcher Program

Boost your career in marine sciences and become part of a globally recognized research cluster tackling some of Earth’s most pressing scientific challenges. Apply today and contribute to unveiling the secrets of the ocean floor – our planet’s last uncharted frontier.