The Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research GmbH (www.leibniz-zmt.de) is an independent research and teaching institute that provides scientific knowledge for the protection and sustainable use of tropical coastal ecosystems. To this end, we work in an inter- and transdisciplinary manner with our partners in the tropics. The ZMT is a member of the Leibniz Association.

The strategic extension of ZMT entitled ‘Modelling socio-economic dimensions across Tropical Coastal Ecosystems and the Earth System - TropEcS’ aims to link the existing research capacities of ZMT in the fields of socioeconomics, marine ecology, physical oceanography and biogeochemistry with Earth System modelling. The overarching goal is to better understand and predict the impacts of global change on tropical coasts and to assess consequences of changes along tropical coasts for the Earth System. The strategic extension is integrated into the interdisciplinary Programme Areas of ZMT. It will enhance ZMT’s modelling capabilities, contributing to its overall research programme and strategy.

To support the implementation of this strategic expansion (subject to release of funds), we are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral personality as

Coordinator of the STB "TropEcS" (gn)

(Reference number: 6-STB-Koordination)

This position includes both science management tasks - in close cooperation with the new scientists to be recruited at ZMT as part of TropEcS - and own scientific work in the context of the STB. For this position, you should bring interest and experience in both areas, along with enthusiasm for designing and implementing new structures in the environment of an interdisciplinary and international research institute and have an effective, solution-oriented and engaging communication style.

Your tasks:

Tasks in science management:

• Coordination of the establishment of the strategic extension TropEcS: Establishment of demand-tailored formats for cooperation and communication, development of a strategy for the integration of the STB into ZMT, support of the professorship to be filled within the framework of TropEcS, cooperation with all ZMT units involved in the STB.
• Integration of TropEcS into the ZMT Programme Area structure: You serve as central contact person for the implementation of TropEcS, and are in charge of the strategic and operational cooperation with all relevant units, including the leaders and managers of the ZMT Programme Areas.
• Administrative tasks and reporting: You fulfil reporting duties to external bodies with regard to TropEcS and are responsible for monitoring the achievement of goals related to its implementation. You cooperate closely with the ZMT administration.

Own scientific work in the field of modelling:

• Development of scientific research questions and project ideas and their implementation within TropEcS as a contribution to strategic PA goals, acquisition of third-party funding, preparation of scientific publications as well as contributions in the area of capacity development

During the initial phase of TropEcS, this position will be strongly characterized by coordinative tasks in science management. In the further course of time, it is expected that a larger proportion of the position can be used for own scientific work.

Requirements:

• Doctoral degree in a field relevant to ZMT and TropEcS
• Professional experience in a field relevant to ZMT and TropEcS

Professional skills

• Knowledge and experience in the field of modelling, especially Earth System modelling
• Experience in science management and/or coordination of scientific projects, ideally in interdisciplinary teams
• Strong ability for international and interdisciplinary collaboration in scientific projects, with a particular focus on collaborative process management and solution-oriented work
• Experience as a scientist in peer-reviewed publishing, acquiring third-party funded projects, conducting literature reviews, etc.
• Expertise in data analysis to support modelling and an interest in further developing and sharing this in a supportive team

Personal skills

• Ability to coordinate, think and act strategically in the establishment of institutional structures and teams
• Independent, solution-oriented way of working, e.g. with regard to deadlines
• Ability to work in a team as well as intercultural and diversity competence in international and interdisciplinary groups 
• Excellent, thorough written and oral communication skills (German and English). Applicants who do not yet have the relevant German language skills are nevertheless invited to apply. They will be expected to learn German within a reasonable period of time.
• Effective, integrative and target group-oriented communication skills

Further information:

For questions, please contact PD Dr. Tim Rixen, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Details of position:

Salary will be paid according to the German TV-L (EG 13). The position is available for full-time employment starting as soon as possible and will be limited until 31 December 2028 with a strong determination to make it permanent. ZMT is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants with a migration background are welcome. Persons with severe disabilities are given special consideration if they have the same professional and personal qualifications. The ZMT values its diverse workforce and pursues the goal of providing equal opportunity, which incorporates gender neutrality (gn). We will be happy to accept your documents without a photo.

We offer:

• A challenging and varied job in an international, dynamic and interdisciplinary research environment
• A motivated and committed team from different countries and cultures
• An open and cooperative working atmosphere
• Opportunities for personal and professional development
• Interesting, varied and challenging tasks and family-friendly working conditions
• Company pension plan (VBL)
• Company health promotion and the opportunity to participate in company fitness with EGYM Wellpass

Submission of application:

Please submit your complete documents - including a letter of reference, a short management plan and an outline of possible scientific work on this position - by 21 February 2025 as a single pdf file with the reference number “6-STB-Koordination” to Ms. Carina Seemann, email:

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

For further information please contact PD Dr. Tim Rixen (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). The approved application of the STB TropEcS can be made available on request.

Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research, Fahrenheitstraße 6, D-28359 Bremen.