The Institute for Fisheries Ecology of the Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute, Federal Research Institute for Rural Areas, Forestry and Fisheries, in Bremerhaven searches as soon as possible limited to December 31st, 2027, subject to final funding approval, a

research assistant (f/m/d)

(Biology, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, Fisheries Science, or a related field)

part-time (65% of regular working hours, currently 25.35 hours/week) to work on the third-party funded project "Age determination of fish using DNA methylation". The position offers the opportunity to gain scientific qualifications with the aim of a doctorate.

The determination of fish age is central to understanding population dynamics and ecological processes. Traditional methods, such as counting annual rings in otoliths, scales, or fin rays, are time-consuming and often associated with significant uncertainties. To reduce these uncertainties and improve age determination in fish, the development of species-specific, so-called epigenetic clocks offers promising possibilities. Epigenetic clocks use specific DNA methylation patterns to estimate the biological age of organisms as accurately as possible. Furthermore, epigenetic data could provide insights into environmental influences on the aging process. As part of the project, this new method will be compared with conventional age determination approaches to assess its accuracy and applicability for fish.

Responsibilities:

• Development and establishment of methods for genetic age determination in fish
• Bioinformatic processing of next-generation sequencing data to investigate DNA methylation patterns for genetic age determination
• Conducting statistical evaluations and data analysis
• Project-related administrative tasks
• Presentation of research findings at national and international conferences
• Publication of research results in international scientific journals

Professional requirements:

• Completed university degree (Univ.-Dipl., Master's) in Biology, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, Fisheries Science, or a related field
• Solid knowledge of molecular biology and experience in the practical application of molecular techniques
• Knowledge of statistical methods and skills in statistical data analysis, especially with R
• Proficient in using statistical, spreadsheet, presentation, and word processing software
• Expertise in the field of epigenetics is an advantage, preferably in connection with age determination or aging research and/or relevant work on fish
• Experience in bioinformatic analysis of next-generation sequencing data is a plus
• Good command of English, both written and spoken _

Personal requirements:

• Willingness to pursue a PhD
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to work interdisciplinary and independently

We offer highly interesting work in applied research with practical and policy-relevant questions, the results of which also attract considerable public interest. You can expect a job in an interdisciplinary team with modern equipment.

The employment relationship is based on the provisions of the collective agreement for the public service (TVöD -Bund). The grouping takes place if the collective agreement and personal requirements are met according to pay group 13 TVöD.

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

The Thünen Institute is committed to inclusion. Applications from people with severe disabilities are therefore expressly encouraged. These are given special consideration in the selection process.

If you have any requests or need additional information, please contact Prof. Dr. Reinhold Hanel  (reinhold.hanel@thuenen.de, +49 471 94460 200) or Dr. Peggy Weist (peggy.weist@thuenen.de, +49 471 94460 278).

Please send your application with a letter of motivation, a tabular CV, description of education and professional career, as well as copies of certificates electronically as a single pdf document under the reference "2024-248-FI" by December 31, 2024 to:

fi-bewerbungen@thuenen.de

Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute

Institute of Fisheries Ecology

Herwigstraße 31, 27572 Bremerhaven

Applications in paper form will not be considered.

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

www.thuenen.de/datenschutzhinweis-bewerbungen.