The MARUM - Center for Marine Environmental Sciences at Bremen University 
is looking for a

Postdoctoral Research Scientist (f/m/d)

in the field of oceanography,

salary scale (German) 13 TV-L; full-time (39.2 hours); temporarily limited for 26 months, but until 31.07.2027 at the latest (according to § 2 WissZeitVG)

starting at the next possible date.

Project description

The project LOUISVILLE RIDGE aims to study the development and composition of ferromanganese crusts and biological communities in association with hydrographic features on the Louisville Ridge seamount chain in the SW Pacific. Seamounts are common and prominent features in the deep ocean. Environmental parameters together with seafloor characteristics that vary with depth are believed to determine species composition on seamounts. The physical structure of seamounts together with their spatial separation enable the formation of localized hydrographic features which may contribute to faunal isolation at some seamounts and accumulation at others. In this project, an international team of geologists, biologists, geochemists, and physical oceanographers collaborate to investigate the key determinants of benthic species distribution on the Louisville Ridge in relation to the occurrence and composition of ferromanganese crusts and to localized hydrographic features. 

Your tasks

The scope of this PostDoc position is a combination of observations and modelling. We are looking for a researcher with a keen interest to apply their training and experience on interdisciplinary problems: Within the project, you will participate in the research expedition SO313 to Louisville Ridge, where you will work with the project team to obtain hydrographic data (profiles and time series of stratification and currents) from the seamount chain, in combination with geochemical, biological, and geological data. Post-cruise, you will set-up a regional hydrodynamic model based on the MITgcm for the working area of the expedition, using the observational data for validation. You will implement a module for the dispersal of larvae, and conduct sensitivity studies with the aim to determine the physical connectivity in the study region (to be compared with the genetic connectivity). For the interpretation of the results, you will closely collaborate with the partners of the project, in particular the biologists. You will present the results at scientific conferences and publish them in scientific journals. 

The position is located in the Physical Oceanography group at MARUM, University of Bremen. We offer you the opportunity to work in cutting-edge marine science research in an interdisciplinary team in the vibrant city of Bremen in northern Germany. 

Your profile

• Completed scientific university degree (Master's/University Diploma) in physical oceanography, physics, applied mathematics or similar relevant subject. 
• PhD in oceanography or a closely related subject.
• Proficiency in scientific computer programming (e.g. Matlab, Python, or similar).
• Experience with numerical modelling is of essential importance. 
• Genuine interest in interdisciplinary research in the fields of oceanography and numerical modelling, and publication of scientific results.
• Willingness and ability to participate in research expeditions.
• Applicants should be proficient in English, and enjoy working in an international and interdisciplinary team.
• Any experience in one or more of the following is considered advantageous: seamount circulation, ecosystem connectivity/larvae dispersal, hydrography of the SW Pacific, regional ocean modelling, bio-physical modelling, obtaining and processing field measurements, handling large datasets and/or reanalysis/model datasets.

General information

MARUM (www.marum.de) has developed into an internationally recognised centre for marine research with a geoscientific focus, which is anchored at the University of Bremen. MARUM aims to support its PostDoc scientists in their professional development and personal fulfilment in order to advance their independent research as well as their professional and academic careers (https://www.marum.de/en/education-career/postdocs.html).

Open to unconventional approaches in research and teaching, the University of Bremen has retained its character as a place of short distances for people and ideas since its founding in 1971. With a broad range of subjects, we combine exceptional performance and innovative potential. As an ambitious research university, we stand for research-based learning approaches and a pronounced interdisciplinary orientation. We actively pursue international scientific cooperation in a spirit of global partnership.

Today, around 23,000 people learn, teach, research and work on our international campus. In research and teaching, administration and operations, we are firmly committed to the goals of sustainability, climate justice and climate neutrality. Our Bremen spirit is expressed in the courage to dare new things, in supportive cooperation, in respect and appreciation for each other. With our study and research profile and as part of the European YUFE network, we assume social responsibility in the region, in Europe and in the world.

The university is family-friendly, diverse and sees itself as an international university. We therefore welcome all applicants regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion/belief, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity. 

As the University of Bremen intends to increase the proportion of female employees in science, women are particularly encouraged to apply. 

Disabled applicants will be given priority if their professional and personal qualifications are essentially the same.

If you have any questions about the position, please contact maren.walter@uni-bremen.de. 

Please send your application documents (cover letter detailing your research interests, CV incl. publication list, and copy of your degree certificates) and the names of at least two references with reference to job advertisement numberA114-25 until 26.02.2025 as a single PDF file by e-mail to bewerbung-a11425@marum.de

or by post to

University of Bremen
Dr. Maren Walter
Otto-Hahn-Allee 1
28359 Bremen

We kindly ask you to send us only copies (no portfolios) of your application documents as we cannot return them. They will be destroyed after the selection process has been completed. Any application costs cannot be reimbursed.