PhD position in marine molecular chronobiology (f/x/d/m)

The Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI) is a member of the Helmholtz Association (HGF) and funded by federal and state government. AWI focuses on polar and marine research in a variety of disciplines such as biology, oceanography, geology, geochemistry and geophysics allowing multidisciplinary approaches to scientific goals. PhD position in marine molecular chronobiology (f/x/d/m). Background The position will be located in the BICLOPS group, which investigates Biological Clocks in Pelagic Systems. Affiliated with the Marine Chronobiology working group, it is part of the AWI section Polar Biological Oceanography, which uses a wide spectrum of physiological and genetic analyses to understand biological processes in the open ocean. The focus of the advertised position is on the molecular/mechanistic understanding of light sensing and internal clock control in a key North Atlantic zooplankton species, the copepod Calanus finmarchicus. Like countless other pelagic organisms, the copepods perform diel vertical migrations that shape the daily light cycles they encounter. As light synchronizes internal clocks, and clocks affect migration behavior, this creates a chicken-and-egg paradox. We explore how clocks can function in such self-made pelagic environments. Your Tasks Locate sites of light receptor (opsin) and clock gene expression within the Calanus body Characterize the spectral sensitivity of selected opsin light receptors Explore how different light characteristics (intensity/spectrum) affect Calanus diel rhythms of clock, physiology, and behavior Possibility to participate in student supervision and teaching activities Your Profile MSc in either molecular biology, marine biology, genetics or a related field Experience with in situ stainings/imaging and/or cell culture work Experience with molecular work (e.g. cloning, sequence analysis, qPCR) Motivation to explore a new topic (zooplankton chronobiology) Ability to work in a team Good English knowledge (approximately equivalent to CEFR level B1+B2) Preferred Qualifications and Skills Experience in chronobiology Experience with marine and/or non-model organisms Experience with physiological and/or behavioral analysis Further Information Contact in day-to-day work: collaboration mainly with more than 5 people. Communication predominantly internal with colleagues and other departments Movement around the workplace: regularly within the building (e.g. between departments or floors) Business trips: rather infrequent (once or twice a year) Expeditions may occur Salary and Location This is a full‑time position, limited to 3 years. The intended start date is October 2026. The salary will be paid in accordance with the Collective Agreement for the Public Service of the Federation, up to salary level 13 (66 %). The place of employment will be Bremerhaven. Benefits Excellent research environment with access to globally unique infrastructure, comprehensive datasets, and international expeditions Opportunity to develop and pursue independent scientific ideas and innovative research approaches addressing societally relevant questions Close scientific collaboration and interdisciplinary cooperation within the institute as well as with national and international partners An international working environment with daily interaction with colleagues from around the world Opportunities for professional and personal development Flexible working hours Annual special payment in accordance with the German public sector collective agreement (TV öD Bund) Occupational health promotion and company fitness programme with Hansefit Support services and an established culture promoting work–life balance, e.g. through our family office offering childcare services such as holiday programmes as well as advice on family and care responsibilities Occupational pension scheme (VBL) Equal Opportunity Statement AWI values diversity and actively promotes gender parity, as well as an open, inclusive environment that provides equal opportunities. We are convinced that diverse teams and a variety of perspectives enrich our work and our daily collaboration. In a continuous process of learning and reflection, we aim to ensure that all our employees can be themselves and feel a sense of belonging. We welcome applications from qualified people regardless of binary and non‑binary genders, race and nationality, ethnic and social background, religion, age, disabilities, neurodivergence, sexual orientation, and other identities. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference when equal qualifications are present. AWI fosters work‑family compatibility in various ways and will help you settle in as a new international member of the team. Our Family Office and International Office will be glad to support you, even before you start at AWI. #J-18808-Ljbffr Society for Research on Biological Rhythms