Postdoctoral researcher (m/f/x) in coastal ecology (DFG Research Unit DynaCom)

Oldenburg

Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg

About us

The team of the CoVE Coastal Vegetation Ecology lab https://uol.de/en/cove (at the Vegetation Ecology and Conservation Group of Prof. Thorsten Balke) studies vegetated landscapes and seeks to provide new process understanding to improve habitat restoration, nature conservation and the design of Nature-based Solutions for climate change adaptation and mitigation. We are passionate about, but not limited to, coastal habitats, particularly salt marshes, mangroves and dunes. The group is based at the IBU Institute of Biology and Environmental Sciences and also affiliated with the ICBM Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment. 

Your tasks

The first 24 months will focus on taking a leading role in the the DFG Research Unit DynaCom (https://uol.de/en/icbm/collaborative-projects/dynacom) as part of the synthesis project “Spatial community ecology: searching for ecological transitions along gentle landscape gradients”. You will collate and analyse existing large multivariate datasets from multiple years of field monitoring on Spiekeroog island along cross-shore intertidal gradients for ecotone transitions. The dataset includes abiotic parameters alongside species presence and cover data of multiple autotrophic and heterotrophic intertidal taxa. You will closely work together with the other 4 synthesis projects within DynaCom. In the following 12 months, you will be able to pursue your own research agenda and strengthen your future academic profile. 

Your profile

Required qualifications:

• A university degree (Diplom (Uni) or Master) and a doctorate (successfully completed or about to be completed) in biology, ecology, environmental sciences or a similar field
• Experience in the statistical analysis of ecological data

Preferable / Desirable:

• A previous research focus on vegetation ecology
• Experience of working in coastal ecosystems
• A competitive publication record commensurate with career stage

We offer

• A collaborative and respectful working environment
• A curiosity driven scientific approach with societal impact
• Space to pursue your own research ideas and strengthen your academic profile

Our standards

The University of Oldenburg is dedicated to increase the percentage of female employees in the field of science. Therefore, female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. In accordance to § 21 Section 3 NHG, female candidates with equal qualifications will be preferentially considered. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference in case of equal qualification.

Contact

For questions please contact Prof. Dr. Thorsten Balke, thorsten.balke@uni-oldenburg.de.

Apply now

Please send your application via e-mail by 28.10.2025 to

thorsten.balke@uni-oldenburg.de

Applications (cover letter, academic CV, copy of relevant certificates) as a single pdf in English to the Principal Investigator Prof. Thorsten Balke.

The interviews will be held online, soon after the closing date.