[ES_JOBS_NET] Postdoctoral position in marine biogeochemistry at the Institute of Coastal Research, Geesthacht, Germany

[Holger Brix]

The Institute of Coastal Research at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht 
develops and operates the coastal observing system COSYNA 
(www.cosyna.de), one of the densest in-situ measurement systems in the 
world. One major component of COSYNA is the automated underway FerryBox 
system mounted on “Ships of Opportunity”. The Institute of Coastal 
Research has developed new technologies for in-situ measurements of 
biological and carbon system parameters such as nutrients, 
phytoplankton, pH and alkalinity that are combined with observations of 
physical parameters.

We are looking for a qualified and motivated scientist to investigate 
biogeochemical processes in coastal areas mainly based on COSYNA in-situ 
observations. We therefore invite applications for a

Postdoctoral position (m/f)
in the area of Marine Biogeochemistry
code no. 2014/KO 5

The position is initially limited for three years (starting date as soon 
as possible).

The successful applicant will conduct scientific analysis and assessment 
of FerryBox and other in-situ data concerning the carbon cycle with 
focus on alkalinity fluxes and exchange processes from the coast (e.g. 
Wadden Sea) and the open North Sea. The work will be conducted in close 
cooperation with remote sensing colleagues and modellers working with 
biogeochemical and ecosystem models to gain in depth understanding of 
biogeochemical processes in coastal seas and their coupling to physical 
ocean dynamics.

Your tasks include:
- analysis of existing interdisciplinary data sets from the COSYNA 
observing system and comparison with other in-situ data and model output
- analysis of biogeochemical model runs
- evaluation of new biogeochemical sensor systems
- investigation of biogeochemical processes focussing on the carbon 
system, phytoplankton productivity and the role of nutrients
- planning, participation, and evaluation of research cruises
- working as an integral part of a motivated multidisciplinary team 
within the institute and external academic partners
- scientific publication and presentation

Job requirements:
- a PhD in oceanography, geosciences, or related disciplines within the 
last five years
- strong academic publication record
- extensive experience in observational oceanography or instrumentation
- ability and willingness to participate in seagoing research
- profound programming skills in at least one scientific program 
language (e.g. FORTRAN, C, Matlab, Python) and experience in data 
processing and analysis
- good knowledge of English (written and oral)
- high degree of creativity and flexibility; ability to work under pressure

The following qualifications would be desirable:
- knowledge of coastal and shelf sea biogeochemical processes or 
biological-physical interaction
- prior experience with numerical, especially biogeochemical, models 
would be an asset
- international research experience
- good communication skills and ability to work in an interdisciplinary 
team with scientists, engineers, and technicians

For further questions please contact Prof. Burkard Baschek 
(burkard.baschek at hzg.de) or Dr. Wilhelm Petersen (wilhelm.petersen at hzg.de).

We offer an appropriate salary related to the German public tariff 
(TV-AVH) plus the usual social benefits for the public employment 
sector. The Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht is an equal opportunity 
employer for women, minorities, and people with disabilities, and 
strives to increase the percentage of women in the science sector. 
Severely disabled persons with equal qualifications will be considered 
preferentially.

Please send your application indicating job offer code no. 2014/KO 5 to 
our human resources personal at hzg.de. Please include your CV, a list of 
publications, description of research experience, and a list of references.

Application period from June 27th, 2014 to August 31st, 2014

Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht 
Zentrum für Material- und Küstenforschung GmbH 
Max-Planck-Straße 1 I 21502 Geesthacht I Deutschland/Germany 

Geschäftsführer/Board of Management: Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Kaysser, Dipl.-Ing. Michael Ganß 
Vorsitzender des Aufsichtsrates/Chairman of the Supervisory Board: MinDirig Wilfried Kraus 
Amtsgericht Lübeck HRB 285 GE (Register Court) 
Internet: http://www.hzg.de