The Institute of Baltic Sea Fisheries of the Johann Heinrich von Thünen-Institute, Federal Research Institute for Rural Areas, Forestry and Fisheries, offers (subject to the commitment of funds) limited until 31.12.2028 in Rostock to be filled on 1st of October 2025 or as soon as possible for a Scientist / PhD student marine biology, fisheries biology, bioinformatics (f/m/d) on the subject of “Habitat utilization and migration patterns of herring in the Western Baltic Sea”, with 65% of the regular weekly working hours (currently 25,35 hrs).
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, analysed 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 institute’s research work on herring in the Western Baltic Sea. To this end the applicant will conduct and analyse tagging experiments with herring, hydro-acoustic investigations on research vessels and commercial fishing vessels (after thorough introduction) and investigations of the spatio-temporal distribution of herring at the coast of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. An overarching goal of the project is to establish a scientific basis and develop recommendations for action for the decision-making institutions of the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
The applicant is expected to publish results in project reports and scientific publications, to present the results at scientific conferences, collaborative workshops and to the interested public and to participate in the working groups of the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES).
Your Tasks:
- Acquisition and evaluation of data (e.g. fisheries data, hydroacoustic and hydrographic data, biological data) with a focus on the spatial distribution of herring in the Western 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
- Design, organisation, implementation and analysis of field sampling campaigns to investigate the spatial and temporal distribution of juvenile and adult herring in coastal waters
- Participating in and analysing of acoustic tagging experiments with adult Baltic herring
- Development of own research questions on herring ecology
- Presenting the scientific results in the framework of national and international working groups and conferences
- Writing of scientific papers for publication in peer-reviewed, international journals
Your Profil:
- University degree (diploma, M.Sc.) in biology, marine biology, fisheries biology, bioinformatics, biometry or similar disciplines with focus on biometry and statistics
- Experience in marine and/or fisheries biology research, in the field of coastal ecology and coastal fish sampling, acoustic tagging of fish, hydroacoustic surveys (experience in the analysis of hydroacoustic data or the willingness to acquire the corresponding skills) is advantageous
- Knowledge of the specific ecology of the Baltic Sea, particularly regarding the fish fauna, is desirable, the willingness to catch wild fish and to work with live captive animals is mandatory.
- Experience in applying for and conducting animal experiments is an advantage. Otherwise, applicants are expected to be willing to acquire the necessary skills and certificates.
- Experiences in the use of device specific hard- and software (e.g. CTD and Hydroacoustic operating and analysing software) or the willingness to learn these in a short period of time
- 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) and willingness to travel frequently in connection with sampling and the participation in meetings, workshops and conferences
- Driver’s license (at least category B) and willingness to drive the institute’s cars is mandatory
- Boat licenses (SBF-SEE, SBF-Binnen, SRC, SKN) and fishing license is advantageous
- Proficiency in English (and German or the willingness to acquire at least basic skills in German)
- Quick wit, even with complex questions, independent development and handling of scientific questions
- A high degree of motivation, organizational skills, inventiveness, ability to work in a team and in close collaboration with fishermen and other research institutions, the related strong 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 trans–disciplinary 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)
Our offer:
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.
The Thünen Institute is an equal opportunity employer and is thus especially interested in applications from women.
The Thünen Institute is committed to inclusion. Applications from people with severe disabilities are therefore expressly encouraged. They will be 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. P. Kotterba (Email [email protected], Tel. +49 (0)381/66099-118).
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 “PhD HERRING MIGRATION” until 31.08.2025 if possible by e-mail to [email protected].
