PhD Student (f/m/div) in the Area of Integrative Urban Macroalgae Cultivation for Human Consumption

With its work, the Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ) contributes to a better understanding of plant systems and thus to the development of sustainable and resilient horticulture. The IGZ conducts research at the interface between plants, humans, and the environment. In doing so, we address systemic and global challenges, such as biodiversity loss, climate change, urbanization, and malnutrition. We provide scientifically sound recommendations for healthy agri-food systems and sustainable interactions with the environment. The IGZ brings together a broad spectrum of scientific disciplines. Employees with different backgrounds conduct research in national and international research cooperations. The IGZ is based in Großbeeren near Potsdam and near Berlin and is a member of the Leibniz Association.

The following position is available in the institute from January 1, 2024, limited for three years with the prospect of a one-year extension, within the BMBF-funded project “food4future”:

PhD Student (f/m/div) in the Area of “Integrative Urban Macroalgae Cultivation for Human Consumption”

Reference number: 24/2024/4

The salary will be based on qualification and research experience according to the wage agreement TV-L, up to pay scale 13, 65% of the regular working time. There is the possibility to conduct a PhD work in the framework of the food4future consortium.

The project “food4future” is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) as part of the “Agricultural Systems of the Future” funding program. Under the leadership of IGZ, nine partner institutions in Germany are working together on sustainable technological solutions for food production in urban spaces. Salt-tolerant food organisms, such as macroalgae, have a high potential to complement our diets and will be used for urban indoor cultivation in cooperation with brine suppliers, such as the SaarowTherme in Brandenburg.

Tasks include

• cultivation of different macroalgae and their associated microorganisms
• phycological experiments
• analyses of nutritional composition of targeted specimen
• optimization of cultivation conditions and development of project-designed cultivation approaches
• presentation of the project at national and international conferences, including scientific as well as public stakeholders
• writing scientific publications in internationally peer-reviewed journals
• supervision of bachelor’s and master’s students

We are looking for candidates with

• a master’s degree in phycology, plant physiology, aquaculture, nutritional sciences, or another field related to the described tasks
• proficiency or interest in macroalgal research
• interest in innovative cultivation techniques
• fluency in the English language
• good German language communication skills are an advantage
• good scientific writing skills in the English language
• interest in public outreach activities
• willingness to travel for various short-term research stays; a driver’s license (class B) is of advantage
• an open, flexible, and positive attitude, ability to work in a team but also to take the initiative
• readiness to integrate into an international working environment

We offer

• an inspiring and dynamic research environment, including state-of-the-art research facilities
• very good conditions to develop your own scientific career and your network in the field of macroalgae cultivation
• a successful, dedicated, and team-oriented research group
• participation in an innovative and transdisciplinary collaboration project with research institutions, companies, and societal groups
• flexible and family-friendly working time models and the possibility of mobile working (up to 50% of working time)

More information about the IGZ can be found at www.igzev.de. For questions, please contact Dr. Anna Fricke (fricke@igzev.de) or Prof. Dr. Monika Schreiner (schreiner@igzev.de).

We encourage a healthy work-life balance. The IGZ attaches great importance to equal opportunities. The IGZ embraces diversity in its workforce and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, irrespective of age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, world view, disability, and belief or ethnic origin. In an effort to increase the proportion of female employees in this area, we specifically urge women scientists to apply for the position.

Please send your application including a motivation letter, your CV, copies of academic certificates, and the names and addresses of two references by e-mail to bewerbung@igzev.de in a single PDF file by November 20, 2024. Our postal address is: Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops, Personalbüro, Theodor-Echtermeyer-Weg 1, D-14979 Großbeeren.