The Institute of Baltic Sea Fisheries of the Johann Heinrich von Thünen-Institute, Federal Research Institute for Rural Areas, Forests and Fisheries, in Rostock searches for a limited term from January 1st, 2025 to December 31st, 2027 a

Research assistant (f/m/d)
(PhD student in fisheries biology or marine engineering)

in part-time with 50 percent of the regular working hours (currently 19.5 hours per week) in the project “EMFAF”.

The vacancy is aimed at applicants who, in addition to their employment, wish to pursue their own scientific further education, in particular a doctorate. The Thünen-Institute cooperates with several universities in this context.

The Institute of Baltic Sea Fisheries advises the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) on the implementation of the European Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), particularly in the Baltic Sea region. It develops the scientific basis for the sustainable utilisation of fishery resources in the Baltic Sea. The fisheries and survey working group develops methods to minimise the impact of fishing on the marine ecosystem and to collect marine environmental and catch data efficiently and automatically.

The applicant will support us in developing and testing alternative fishing gears for coastal fishing in the North and Baltic Seas. In particular, the possibility of passive crab fishing in the North Sea will be investigated. The work includes both biological aspects (e.g. investigation of fish/shrimp behaviour) and technical aspects (technical development and testing of fishing gear). The work is integrated into the Institute's other programmes and into international collaborations and working groups. Further information on the institute and the working group: www.thuenen.de/en/geartech

Your task:

• review of previous technical solutions
• development of own research questions and their processing
• leadership in (further) development and testing of alternative fishing gears for the North Sea shrimp fishery
• self-responsible testing of these developments on research vessels and commercial fishing vessels
• intensive cooperation with other (project) staff and international scientific institutions (e.g. Denmark, Netherlands, Belgium)
• preparation of scientific publications
• public relations work with target groups (e.g. fishermen)
• support with project management (e.g. preparation of project reports and financial overviews)

Professional requirements profile:

• university degree (Master's or Univ. Diploma) in relevant fields, in particular fisheries biology or marine engineering
• technical background or experience in practical or experimental work in the field of fisheries/fishing technology/marine technology is an advantage
• knowledge of English, willingness to learn German if necessary
• experience in the use of appropriate software, e.g. statistical, spreadsheet, presentation and word processing software
• knowledge in the use of technical drawing programmes and design technology is an advantage

Personal requirements profile:

• creativity, a wealth of ideas and a high degree of independence, including in the development and processing of scientific and technical research questions
• a high degree of teamwork and communication skills, motivation and organisational skills
• sociability and an affinity for fishing issues and the commercial fishing environment
• physical ability to work at sea (seaworthiness, lifting and carrying equipment, fish boxes, etc.)
• willingness to take part in business trips (national and international) and sea cruises lasting several days and, due to the short planning times, a high degree of flexibility and commitment

We offer a highly interesting job in applied research on the interface between science and fisheries management, often with strong echoes in the media, which provide the basis for a sustainable management of fish stocks; a well-equipped, modern work place, a large degree of freedom and intense interdisciplinary and international collaboration. It is also possible to use your own data for a doctorate.

We support the compatibility of work and family and hold the berufundfamilie audit certificate. In order to support compatibility, the Thünen Institute offers, among other things, flexible working time models, home office and teleworking within the scope of business opportunities. Part-time employment is generally possible. The employment relationship is based on the provisions of the public service collective agreement (TVöD-Bund, Eastern collective bargaining area). The salary is paid if the collective agreement requirements are met and, depending on your personal professional qualification, up to salary 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.

Should you have questions regarding the scientific requirements etc., please address your inquiries by email or telephone to Dr. Daniel Stepputtis (Emai: Daniel.stepputtis@thuenen.de, Tel. +49 (0)531/25701271).

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 “2023-226-OF” until 31.10.2024 if possible by e-mail to

of-bewerbungen@thuenen.de

Thünen-Institut für Ostseefischerei

Herrn Dr. C. Zimmermann

Alter Hafen Süd 2, 18069 Rostock

Informations about Artikel 13 DSGVO: www.thuenen.de/de/thuenen-institut/karriere