Research Scientist for the project “Argo with extended suite of optical and nutrient measurements (AWESOME)”

The Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde (IOW) is an independent marine research institute of the Leibniz Association, which is committed to equal opportunities, family friendliness and the compatibility of work and family life. Our research focuses on the coastal and marginal seas, in particular the Baltic Sea. The staff of the five departments Physical Oceanography, Marine Chemistry, Biological Oceanography, Marine Geosciences and Marine Observations work on an interdisciplinary basis in a joint research program.

The Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde has a temporary position available for a

in the department of Marine Chemistry within the project “Argo with extended suite of optical and nutrient measurements (AWESOME)”. The appointment is a full-time position with a percentage of 100% (40h/week), limited until 28. Feb. 2029 and starting as soon as 01. July 2026.

The position can also be filled on a flexible part-time basis, at a minimum of 30h/week.

Remuneration will be provided in accordance with the Tarifvertrag für den öffentlichen Dienst der Länder (TV-L, Federal States Public Sector Collective Agreement) salary scale at level E13.

Project description

Biogeochemical Argo (BGC-Argo) profiling floats are instruments that, thanks to their various sensors (e.g., for temperature, salinity, oxygen, nitrate, chlorophyll a, suspended particle scattering, light availability), give unprecedented insight into the ocean’s biogeochemistry. They contribute to the global OneArgo program, an observing system of ca. 4000 active floats that drift freely with the ocean currents and perform a profile every 10 days from 2000 m to the surface, where they transmit their data by satellite. Argo floats are also operated in the Baltic Sea, which is an ideal basin for sensor development and testing.

In the AWESOME project, today’s suite of biogeochemical sensors on Argo floats is getting extended by (a) mounting a new sensor that measures the fluorescence of dissolved organic matter (FDOM) at additional, previously unexploited wavelengths and by (b) integrating a microfluidic-based (“lab-on-chip”) phosphate sensor. Such floats will get deployed in the Baltic Sea to give a better view of seasonal productivity, nutrient uptake and release and plankton dynamics.

Your tasks

• Characterize the lab-on-chip and FDOM sensor behavior, response and accuracy with dedicated laboratory and field experiments
• Perform field sampling and laboratory reference measurements for independent sensor validation, incl. participation in research cruises at sea if necessary
• Merge, process and analyze acquired data from different sources using Python (or Matlab)
• Support the integration of the additional sensors on floats and perform regular technical monitoring of the AWESOME floats deployed in the Baltic Sea
• Establish or improve sensor data processing and quality control routines, and adapt them to conditions special to the Baltic Sea as identified by laboratory and field experiments
• Combine optical and lab-on-chip float data with other observations to improve understanding of biogeochemical processes and cycles in the Baltic Sea
• Support with reporting and publish results in scientific journals

Your qualification

• Applicants must hold a Ph.D. degree or a Master degree (or equivalent) in a related field (e.g., chemistry, marine biogeochemistry, spectroscopy, marine technology, engineering). They need to have previous work experience after their Master degree (or equivalent) at a scientific institution (e.g., as part of a PhD project).
• Must have good knowledge of English (spoken and written)
• Must have the willingness to work at sea for short research cruises
• Must be able to process data using Python (or Matlab) and must have basic programming skills
• Should have experience in merging and processing as well as quality control and interpretation of data from different sensors and formats
• Should have an affinity to development work and custom-tailored solutions
• Should have experience in handling instrumentation and sensors
• Should have experience in scientific writing and publication
• Ideally have prior experience with microfluidic, nutrient, or (F)DOM-measurements
• Ideally have prior experience with Argo and the Argo data system

What does IOW offer?

IOW offers you a diverse workplace right on the Baltic Sea coast, with flexible working arrangements, e.g. the possibility of working from home or remotely, company health measures, an annual bonus, a pension plan (VBL), 30 days of vacation per year, time off on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, and opportunities for language training in English and German.  A very good infrastructure with modern laboratory and office equipment, including our own research vessel, provide the framework for the best working conditions.

How do we promote equal opportunities?

Our job offers are aimed at all people regardless of their age, gender, physical abilities, religion and beliefs, sexual orientation, or social background. Research benefits from a diverse working environment, which is why we have signed the Charter of Diversity.

The IOW is committed to actively promoting women in fields where they are underrepresented. For this purpose, the institute has developed a plan to promote equality and has repeatedly been awarded the Total E-Quality award for its commitment.  You can find an overview of our measures to support equal opportunities and improve the compatibility of work and family life on our website .

Applications from disabled persons with equal professional and personal suitability will be given preference. Please mention the disability or equal status in your letter of application and enclose a copy of the relevant certificates.

How to apply?

Please send us your application documents, including a cover letter outlining your motivation and relevant activities and experiences, your CV, copies of your transcripts, and any certificates or reference letters. Please provide the contact information for two references. Please also enclose a scientific text (publication, report) written by you in English or German language which you consider to be most relevant to the project.

We look forward to receive your application as a single PDF file, quoting the

keyword: Che 01/2026 until 28. April 2026

by email to: bewerbung.chemie(at)iow.de

or by mail to:

Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde

Human Resources Department

Seestraße 15

18119 Rostock

Germany

The interviews are expected to take place on 21. May 2026.

Unfortunately, we cannot cover your application and travel costs.

For further information, please contact:

Dr. Henry Bittig, henry.bittig(at)iow.de