The Institute of Baltic Sea Fisheries of the Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute, Federal Research Institute for Rural Areas, Forestry and Fisheries, in Rostock offers a part-time position (19.5 hours/week), subject to final funding approval, at the earliest possible date, limited until 31.12.2027, a

research assistant / PhD student (f/m/d)

(biology, marine biology, fisheries biology, bioinformatics, biometry or similar disciplines)

on the subject of “Concept development for the improvement of pelagic fish surveys”.

The successful applicant will have the opportunity for further academic training, in particular, to write a dissertation. The results of one’s own work can be used for preparing the PhD thesis. 

The Thünen Institute of Baltic Sea Fisheries collects an array of different fisheries-dependent and fisheries-independent data series on fish populations and fisheries in the Baltic Sea. In cooperation with international partners these data are, among other applications, analyzed to deduct the catch quota and management recommendations for the different commercially exploited fish stocks. These efforts include undertaking internationally coordinated research surveys and biological sampling of the commercial fisheries.

The applicant will be expected to advance the research work of the institute for the pelagic species in the Baltic Sea (hence mainly herring and sprat). To this end the applicant will conduct and analyze hydro-acoustic investigations on research vessels and commercial fishing vessels (after thorough introduction). Besides case studies on pelagic fish distributions, a core topic of the project is the development of a concept for improving the existing monitoring approaches through genetic sampling and additionally collected information. The applicant is expected to publish results in project reports and scientific publications and participate in the working groups of the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), with a focus on scientific surveys and population modelling of the pelagic stocks, in particular herring.

Tasks:

• Acquisition and evaluation of fisheries-biological data (among others, fisheries, hydroacoustic and hydrographic data) with a focus on the spatial distribution of herring in the Baltic Sea.
• Undertaking of sea expeditions to investigate the pelagic fish stocks of the Baltic Sea, on research vessels and commercial fishing vessels of all sizes
• Considering genetic information to estimate annual differences in the spatial distribution of herring populations in the western Baltic Sea and their contribution to the total abundance in the area. Development of a concept for the implementation of genetic sampling in future studies and surveys
• Development of own research questions on pelagic fish
• Presenting the scientific results in the framework of national and international working groups and conferences and writing of scientific papers for publication in peer-reviewed, international journals

We expect from the applicant the following qualifications:

• University degree (diploma, M.Sc.) in biology, marine biology, fisheries biology, bioinformatics, biometry or similar disciplines with focus on biometry and statistics
• Experience in fisheries biology research, in the field of hydroacoustic surveys especially in the analysis of hydroacoustic and oceanographic data sets to estimate abundance indices, preferably with the EchoView and SToX software, is advantageous
• Willingness to travel on fishing and research vessels of all sizes (partly self-responsible), if necessary, also with short lead time, and in Germany and abroad
• Proficiency in English and/or German
• Quick wit, even with complex questions, independent development and handling of scientific questions
• High degree of motivation, organizational skills, inventiveness, ability to work in a team and the related communication skills, and the ability to learn
• Experience in guiding staff members (e.g. students) is desired, willingness to guide staff members is required
• Interest in inter- and transdisciplinary research
• Extensive experience in dealing with statistics, spreadsheets, presentation- and word processing routines, advanced experience with the programming language R
• Physical ability to work at sea (seaworthy, lifting and carrying boxes, equipment, and fish boxes)

We offer a highly interesting job in applied research on the interface between science and management of fisheries, often with strong echoes in the media, which provide the basis for a sustainable management of fish stocks; a well-equipped, modern workplace, a large degree of freedom and intense interdisciplinary and international collaboration.

We support the compatibility of work and family life and have been awarded the audit berufundfamilie certificate. In order to support compatibility, the Thünen Institute offers flexible working time models, home office and teleworking, among other things, within the scope of the official possibilities.

The employment is governed by the German Wage Agreement for Public Services (TVöD-Bund). The payment of remuneration is carried out according to tariff category 13 TVöD (tariff area east).

The Thünen Institute promotes professional equality for women and men and therefore expressly welcomes applications from women.

Should you have questions regarding the scientific requirements etc., please address your inquiries by email or telephone to Dr. S. Haase (Email: stefanie.haase@thuenen.de, Tel. +49 (0)381/66099-121).

Send your applications in German or English, combined in one single pdf file, including your CV and copies of your certificates and, if available, publications, using the keyword “2024-256-OF” until 16.12.2024 if possible by e-mail to

of-bewerbungen@thuenen.de

Thünen-Institut für Ostseefischerei

Herrn Dr. C. Zimmermann

Alter Hafen Süd 2, 18069 Rostock

Information in accordance with Article 13 DSGVO on the collection of personal data can be found at

www.thuenen.de/de/thuenen-institut/karriere