Summary
The Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT) is offering a highly motivated PhD candidate position to join the Horizon Europe project SEASTRONG. This scholarship focuses on investigating ecological connectivity across mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and coral reefs in Belize. The research aims to understand how coastal habitat mosaics support reef fish communities and sustain key ecosystem functions under different climate change scenarios. The successful candidate will combine underwater field surveys, biological and environmental sampling, stable isotope analyses, and quantitative modelling.
Designation
Doctoral Candidate (gn)
Research Area
The PhD project will investigate ecological connectivity across mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and coral reefs. Key research areas include:
- How coastal habitat mosaics support reef fish communities.
- Sustaining key ecosystem functions such as trophic connectivity, nutrient cycling, and biomass production.
- Underwater field surveys, biological and environmental sampling, stable isotope analyses, and quantitative modelling.
- Integration of multiple datasets to quantify functional links among habitats.
Location
The candidate will be based at ZMT in Bremen, Germany, within an international research environment dedicated to coral reef ecology and quantitative marine science. The project includes extended fieldwork in Belize.
Eligibility/Qualification
Requirements:
- A Master’s degree in Marine Biology, Marine Ecology, or a related discipline.
- Strong background in marine ecology, functional ecology, community ecology, biogeochemistry, or quantitative ecology.
- Strong quantitative mindset, including skills in data handling and analysis using R or Python.
- Previous scuba-diving experience is required for underwater ecological surveys.
- Experience in scientific diving, underwater visual censuses, benthic surveys, or fish identification is highly valued.
- A German scientific diving certification is a strong plus (though not mandatory at recruitment).
- Scientifically curious, rigorous, autonomous, comfortable in international and interdisciplinary contexts.
- Excellent communication and scientific writing competences.
- Motivated by tropical field ecology, quantitative approaches, and linking biodiversity, habitat connectivity, and ecosystem functioning in coral reef seascapes.
Additional Information:
- The position is intended for academic qualification with the aim of obtaining a doctorate.
- Applicants must have relevant qualification periods according to § 2 (1) WissZeitVG (Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz).
Scholarship Description
This PhD position is part of the Horizon Europe project SEASTRONG, which investigates multidirectional pathways connecting mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and coral reefs across three tropical oceans. The successful candidate will contribute to a vital project addressing climate change impacts on vulnerable tropical coastal ecosystems. The role involves significant fieldwork, data analysis, and scientific publication, offering comprehensive training and experience in marine science. The candidate will benefit from ZMT’s international research environment and the broader European SEASTRONG network.
Tasks include:
- Collection of field data in Belize to identify connectivity pathways.
- Collaboration with the SEASTRONG consortium to optimize field data collection protocols.
- Developing code for data management and analysis in a reproducible format.
- Conducting analyses of collected data.
- Overseeing preparation and submission of scientific manuscripts and contributing to others.
- Presenting research at workshops and scientific conferences.
Remuneration:
Remuneration is based on Pay Group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service of the Federal States (TV-L). The gross monthly salary currently ranges from 4759.37 EUR to 6764.69 EUR (for a full-time position), depending on professional experience. This position is for part-time (2/3 of a full-time position), with proportional adjustment to the salary.
What ZMT Offers:
- An international, dynamic, and interdisciplinary scientific environment.
- A motivated and committed team.
- Open and cooperative working atmosphere.
- Opportunities for personal and professional development.
- Interesting, varied, and challenging tasks.
- Family-friendly working conditions.
- Company pension plan (VBL).
- Company health promotion and EGYM Wellpass access.
How to Apply
Please submit your complete application documents as a single PDF file. The application should include:
- Cover letter
- Resume (CV)
- References
- Job references
- Certificates and attestations
- A letter of motivation
Please include the reference number “28-SeaStrong-PhD2” in your application.
For questions, you may contact Dr. Sonia Bejarano.
Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research, Fahrenheitstraße 6, D-28359 Bremen.
Last Date for Apply
October 15, 2026
Apply Link
Email your application to: Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein.
