Doctoral candidate (gn) - WG Reef Systems

The Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT) GmbH is an independent research and teaching institute providing scientific knowledge for the protection and sustainable use of tropical coastal ecosystems. Working inter- and transdisciplinarily with partners in the tropics, ZMT is a member of the Leibniz Association.

About the role

With Earth warming at an unprecedented pace, the Horizon Europe project SEASTRONG investigates multidirectional pathways connecting mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and coral reefs to understand how ecosystem functioning and service provision can be sustained at seascape scales under different climate-change scenarios. This PhD position focuses on ecological connectivity across mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and coral reefs in Belize, examining how coastal habitat mosaics support reef fish communities and sustain key ecosystem functions, including trophic connectivity, nutrient cycling, and biomass production.

The work will combine underwater field surveys, biological and environmental sampling, stable isotope analyses, and quantitative modelling. The candidate will contribute to fish and habitat surveys, fish sampling, and the integration of multiple datasets to quantify functional links among habitats. The position is based at ZMT in Bremen, Germany, with extended fieldwork in Belize and collaboration with Belizean partners and the European SEASTRONG network.

Responsibilities

• Conduct fieldwork in Belize to identify connectivity pathways between mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and coral reefs.
• Collaborate with researchers from the SEASTRONG consortium to optimise protocols for field data collection.
• Develop code to manage and analyse field data in a fully reproducible format, and conduct analyses of collected data.
• Oversee the preparation and submission of scientific manuscripts based on field data and analyses.
• Contribute to manuscripts by other researchers within the SEASTRONG consortium as needed.
• Present project findings at internal SEASTRONG workshops and scientific conferences.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Marine Biology, Marine Ecology, or a related discipline, with a strong background in marine ecology, functional ecology, community ecology, biogeochemistry, or quantitative ecology.
• Strong quantitative mindset, including skills in data handling and analysis using R or Python.
• Experience with trophic ecology and Bayesian approaches is advantageous.
• Previous scuba-diving experience is required; experience in scientific diving, underwater visual censuses, benthic surveys, or fish identification is highly valued.
• German scientific diving certification is a strong plus but not mandatory at recruitment.
• Scientifically curious, rigorous, and autonomous, with excellent communication and scientific writing skills.
• Comfortable working in an international and interdisciplinary context.
• Motivated by tropical field ecology, quantitative approaches, and linking biodiversity, habitat connectivity, and ecosystem functioning in coral reef seascapes.

Pay

Remuneration is based on Pay Group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service of the Federal States (TV-L). The gross monthly salary ranges from €4,759.37 to €6,764.69 for a full-time position, depending on recognized relevant professional experience. The position is available for part-time employment (2/3 of a full-time position).

Schedule

The position is available for 48 months, starting as soon as possible. The fixed term is for academic qualification according to § 2 (1) WissZeitVG (Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz).

Benefits

• An international, dynamic, and interdisciplinary scientific environment.
• A motivated and committed team from different countries and cultures.
• An open and cooperative working atmosphere.
• Opportunities for personal and professional development.
• Interesting, varied, and challenging tasks.
• Family-friendly working conditions.
• Company pension plan (VBL).
• Company health promotion and the opportunity to participate in company fitness with EGYM Wellpass.

For questions, contact Dr. Sonia Bejarano at sonia.bejarano@leibniz-zmt.de.