Postdoc in Fish and Zooplankton Monitoring in Polar Ocean Observing Systems (f/d/m/x)

Background: You will contribute to two large Horizon Europe initiatives. Beyond Arctic PASSION strengthens the Arctic Observing System of Systems by improving marine and cryosphere observations, integrating autonomous platforms, Indigenous and local knowledge, and interoperable FAIR/CARE/TRUST-compliant data systems. The project SYNCHRONY establishes a coordinated Southern Ocean and Antarctic observatory in support of Antarctica InSync. The position will focus on biodiversity & ecosystem connectivity to monitor climate-change and human impacts on Southern Ocean biodiversity. Across both projects, the position will contribute to polar biodiversity monitoring, data synthesis, indicator development, and the translation of ecosystem observations into accessible products for research, management and policy.

Responsibilities

• Compile, curate and analyse existing Central Arctic Ocean and Southern Ocean datasets on fish distribution and ecosystem parameters, including hydroacoustics, catch data, eDNA, imaging data, phytoplankton and zooplankton
• Contribute to harmonized FAIR-compliant data products from autonomous observatories and other national or international research programmes for scientific, policy, and stakeholder purposes, and support data flows into Copernicus Arctic Hub, EMODnet, GBIF/OBIS, PANGAEA and other polar data repositories
• Prepare scientific publications based on the analysis of these data, addressing knowledge gaps such as the distribution of fish in the Central Arctic Ocean and seasonal dynamics of krill distribution
• Collaborate with project partners across marine ecology, fisheries science, data science, Indigenous/local knowledge interfaces, and science-policy processes

Requirements

• PhD in natural sciences
• Strong background in hydroacoustics, bioinformatics and/or image analysis (ZooScan, UVP)
• Excellent analytical skills, including statistical modelling, mathematical modelling and network analysis
• Proficiency in coding (R, Python, MATLAB)
• Excellent publication record according to career stage
• Good English knowledge (approximately equivalent to CEFR level B1+B2)

Skills

• Experience in AI-based data analysis and data management techniques
• Proficiency with the software Echoview would be advantageous
• Good communication skills
• Experience with stakeholder work, marine management and/or co-design with Indigenous or local knowledge holders

Benefits

• Excellent research environment with access to globally unique infrastructure, comprehensive datasets, and international expeditions
• Opportunity to develop and pursue independent scientific ideas and innovative research approaches addressing societally relevant questions
• Close scientific collaboration and interdisciplinary cooperation within the institute as well as with national and international partners
• An international working environment with daily interaction with colleagues from around the world
• Opportunities for professional and personal development
• Flexible working hours
• 30 days of annual leave (full-time), plus additional days off on December 24th and 31st
• Annual special payment in accordance with the German public sector collective agreement (TVöD Bund)
• Occupational health promotion and company fitness programme with Hansefit
• Support services and an established culture promoting work–life balance, e.g. through our family office offering childcare services (e.g. holiday programmes) as well as advice on family and care responsibilities
• Occupational pension scheme (VBL)