We invite applications for the position of a Technical Assistant in Biochemical Ecology at the Department of Plankton and Microbial Ecology , with a starting date of or as soon as possible thereafter. The department is situated directly at the shores of Lake Stechlin, ca. 80 km north of Berlin. You will work in an international environment with academic research staff at all levels of experience (students, doctoral candidates, post-docs, lead scientists), to perform lab, mesocosm (LakeLab), and field measurements with a focus on biochemical and microbial parameters. Our laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment for biochemical and molecular ecology. Your work will include participation in IGB’s long-term monitoring, large-scale mesocosm experiments, measurements of biochemical and microbial variables, maintenance and care of measuring instruments. You will support multiple projects within the department, in particular our new climate feedback modeller group, and collaborative projects with other national and international research institutions.

Key responsibilities and duties

Biochemical and microbial analyses of water, sediment and other ecological samples, including analysis of greenhouse gases
Primary production
Elementar analysis (CHNS)
Active participation in field samplings, mesocosm, and lab experiments
Maintenance of measuring equipment
Laboratory organisation, including ordering of consumables, scheduling of space and equipment
Training of lab users, including students and doctoral candidates
Performing duties as safety officer (Sicherheitsbeauftragte*r)

Your profile

Essential:

Completed training as a biological or chemical technical assistant or comparable qualification.
Professional laboratory experience in biochemistry
Experiences in data handling
good knowledge of German and English
Excellent social skills, service orientation and ability to work in a diverse team

Desirable:

Experience with analytical equipment, such as gas chromatograph, CHNS analyser, Eddy Covariance approaches
Training in lab safety/hazardous chemical substances
Knowledge of working with stable and radioactive isotopes
Experience in microbial and molecular biological lab works
Knowledge of ecology/limnology
Work experience in an international academic research environment
Driving license class B or higher as well as boat driving licence.

Our offer

We offer an interesting position in an international and dynamic environment. We foster flat hierarchies and active participation. Salary is paid according to the German salary scheme for the public sector (TVöD Bund), depending on the personal qualifications and the tasks assigned. This is a full-time position.

The position is principally suited for job sharing or part-time work. Although initially a 2-years fixed-term position, we aim at creating a permanent position. Given our commitment to diversity, we welcome all applications, regardless of gender and gender identity, origin, nationality, religion, belief, health and physical disabilities, age or sexual orientation. Various measures are in place at IGB to support gender equality.

We support the reconciliation of work and family life. Applicants with a severe disability will be given preference if they are equally qualified.

Are you interested?

We look forward to receiving your application by with a cover letter, CV, certificates, and contact details of references. Please state the job reference number 12/2026.

"Research for the future of our freshwaters" is the mission of IGB – Germany’s largest and one of the leading international centres for freshwater research. In order to investigate different aspects of freshwater ecosystems, their biota and societal relevance, we unit a wide range of disciplines and understand research as a joint effort. With more than 400 employees and guests from all over the world, we conduct research at five locations in Berlin and at Lake Stechlin (Brandenburg). IGB is a member of the Leibniz Association and the Forschungsverbund Berlin e. V.

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Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB)