Postdoc on Spatial Modelling of Litter Dynamics in Streams (f/m/x)

The Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB) invites applications for a postdoctoral position in computational stream ecosystem science. The project aims at developing and applying a spatially explicit model on litter dynamics considering the processes of litter supply, retention and decomposition in tandem with information on environmental conditions, riparian vegetation, and the spatial distribution of litter decomposers in stream networks.

The position is based in the Gessner lab at IGB’s Department of Plankton and Microbial Ecology located one hour north of Berlin, Germany. The lab holds data and long-standing expertise related to litter dynamics in streams, which is complemented by expertise on ecological modelling, spatial catchment analyses, and species distribution modelling in the Wollrab, Venohr and Domisch labs of IGB.

Your tasks

• Develop a process-based model on litter dynamics in streams
• Couple the model to existing spatial models on environmental conditions and species distributions in river networks
• Calibrate and validate the model with existing data
• Develop scenarios for stream litter dynamics in the face of changing flow and temperature, shifting species distributions and other environmental changes
• Collaborate in an interdisciplinary team

Your profile

• Doctoral degree in computational ecology, ecological modelling, physical geography, geophysics, environmental engineering or a related field
• Expertise in numerical ecosystem modelling
• Experience in spatial analyses and GIS programming
• Excellent writing and communication skills in English
• Competitive academic record
• Interest in stream ecosystem science
• Strong intrinsic motivation and good team spirit

Our offer

We offer a two-year postdoctoral position in an inter­disciplinary team. The working language in the team and at IGB in general is English. The position is full-time. The position is principally suited for part-time work. Salary is paid in accordance with the German public sector pay scale (TVöD Bund E13).

We encourage [career development](https://www.igb-berlin.de/en/career "https://www.igb-berlin.de/en/career") by providing training and development opportunities. We actively support the reconciliation of [work and family life](https://www.igb-berlin.de/en/equal-opportunities).

The IGB is committed to [diversity](https://www.igb-berlin.de/en/equal-opportunities). We welcome every qualified application, regardless of sex and gender, origin, nationality, religion, belief, health and disabilities, age or sexual orientation. IGB is committed to increasing the number of women in this field and therefore particularly welcomes applications from female scientists. [Disabled applicants](https://www.igb-berlin.de/en/colleagues-with-disabilities) with equal qualification and aptitude will be given preferential consideration.

Are you interested?

We look forward to receiving your application as a single PDF file, including a letter of motivation, full CV, list of publications, copies of relevant diplomas and contact details of three referees by 30 June 2024. Please apply exclusively via our recruitment platform at [www.igb-berlin.de/en/jobs](http://www.igb-berlin.de/en/jobs "http://www.igb-berlin.de/en/jobs"), stating the job reference number 19/2024. Any questions can be directed to Mark Gessner apply.job.21371025@hokifyjob.comapply.job.21371025@hokifyjob.com

"Research for the future of our freshwaters" is the mission of IGB – Germany’s largest and a leading international centre for freshwater ecological research ([www.igb-berlin.de](http://www.igb-berlin.de/)). IGB is a member of the Leibniz Association ([www.wgl.de](http://www.wgl.de/)) and has close links with Berlin’s three main universities. More than 350 employees and guests from around the world joint efforts to study a variety of freshwater ecosystems and biota as well as their societal relevance across a range of disciplines. IGB offers modern research facilities and maintains long-term research programs and data sets. International staff, inter-disciplinary collaboration, flat hierarchies and specific programs for early career scientists contribute to a creative exchange, support of young talents and career advancement.