Postdoc position biotic interactions in explaining species distribution patterns (fmx)

Overview

For the Department of Ecosystem Research of IGB in Berlin we are inviting applications for the position of a postdoctoral researcher starting as soon as possible. The position will be embedded in the Collaborative Research Center 1439 RESIST (Multilevel response to stressor increase and release in stream ecosystems). The successful candidate will lead research efforts to model and project freshwater biodiversity patterns using spatial and statistical expertise. The project aims to evaluate whether ecological patterns identified in the RESIST model catchments (Kinzig and Boye catchments) are consistent across a broader set of river catchments with higher environmental variability, larger species pools, longer time series, and differing spatial resolutions. Using catchment-scale ecological and water quality data, the project will assess how abiotic drivers, biotic interactions, and stochastic processes jointly shape species occurrences along gradients of anthropogenic stress. Dispersal and connectivity information will be included to enhance SDM performance. The aim is to integrate abiotic and biotic factors, assess model performance, and analyze the influence of different drivers on species distributions across degradation gradients.

Responsibilities

• Compile, harmonise and curate larger-scale ecological, biological, land-use and water quality datasets across Germany; perform model calibration using existing data and iteratively update models as new datasets become available
• Analyse freshwater species occurrence patterns along gradients of environmental stress to quantify the relative roles of abiotic drivers, species interactions and stochastic effects; validate species–environment relationships at finer spatial scales and compare patterns across catchments representing different levels of ecological degradation
• Lead high-quality papers in this research area
• Contribute to the project’s interim reports and the application for a 3rd phase of the CRC
• Collaborate with other team members including supervising students and sharing skills
• Document workflows to ensure reproducibility of analyses

Your profile

• A PhD in environmental science, ecology or related fields of biology or geography (or equivalent) or you have submitted your PhD thesis for assessment
• Experience with handling and harmonising large and variable datasets, statistical analysis, species/habitat distribution modelling, and use of R/Python; GIS experience, preferably open source GIS (e.g. QGIS, GRASS)
• Publication experience
• A strong interest in working with aquatic organisms (diatoms, aquatic invertebrates, fish)
• Very good verbal and written communication skills in English
• Willingness to cooperate within RESIST and develop cooperation with scientists within the CRC

Our offer

We offer an interesting position in an international and dynamic scientific environment. We foster flat hierarchies and active participation, with maximum individual freedom enabling everyone to develop and use their creativity. The position is embedded in the DFG-funded CRC RESIST Phase II program, creating a superb scientific network. RESIST is coordinated by the University of Duisburg-Essen with participation of the Ruhr-University of Bochum, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) and IGB.

Salary is paid according to the German public sector pay scale (TVöD Bund E13) with a wide range of benefits including health insurance. The position is full-time and fixed-term until December 2028. The role is principally suited for job sharing or part-time work. We support career development through qualification and training opportunities and actively promote the reconciliation of work and family life.

The IGB is committed to diversity and welcome every qualified application regardless of sex, gender, origin, nationality, religion, belief, health, disability, age or sexual orientation. We aim to increase the number of women in this field, so applications from women are particularly welcome. Disabled applicants with equal qualification and aptitude will be given preferential consideration.

Are you interested

We look forward to receiving your application with a statement of motivation and suitability for the position, including a paragraph on your envisioned research for the postdoc project (1 page), a detailed CV (including publications and, if applicable, solicited funding), contact details of two referees, and copies of relevant degrees. Please provide all documents as a single PDF file by . Please state the job reference number 33/2025 and apply exclusively via our recruitment platform. For inquiries, contact Prof. Dr. Sonja Jähnig by phone or by e-mail.

Research for the future of our freshwaters is the mission of IGB, one of the leading international centres for freshwater research. With more than 350 employees and guests from around the world, we conduct research at five locations in Berlin and at Lake Stechlin (Brandenburg). IGB is a member of the German Leibniz Association and the Forschungsverbund Berlin e. V.