The Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT) 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 ZMT is looking for a new leader for the scientific workgroup “Data Science and Technology”, starting on September 1^st 2025 (subject to release of funds).

Scientific Workgroup Leader

“Data Science and Technology” (gn)

(Reference: 14-DataScience)

Data science has become a research field on its own that is now an integral part of the scientific research edeavour, at the crossroads with established fields such as ecology, economy and social sciences. ZMT aims to use data science tools, including computer vision and deep learning, for the study of rapid changes in tropical coastal socioecological systems. This requires the coherent integration of big data, which can be highly heterogeneous and discontinuous in tropical contexts. A particular accent is put on image analysis from proximal and distal sensing, i.e. from drones (both aerial and submersible) and satellites, respectively. The workgroup is expected to integrate the DataLab, ZMT’s scientific computing facility for data-centric collaboration, and contribute to the new institute strategic extension TropEcS. Furthermore, collaboration with other Leibniz institutes and other research institutes in the Bremen area provide a lively research environment beyond the interdisciplinary research at ZMT.

Your tasks:

• Establish and lead the workgroup with respect to both own research interests and synergies with other ZMT workgroups, including the ones from the new institute strategic extension TropEcS
• Publish in the field of data science and technology applied to the marine coastal tropics
• Supervise group members (Bachelor, MSc and PhD students, postdoctoral fellows)
• Acquire third-party funding
• Lead and participate to scientific collaborations internally, nationally and internationally
• Provide technical and content support for the development and operation of the ZMT DataLab in close cooperation with the Research Data Service

Requirements:

• PhD in computer, natural or social sciences
• Expertise in computer sciences, including AI and common languages and tools like Linux, Python and Conda
• Expertise with satellite and drone image processing
• Publication record in the fields listed above
• Experience in applying the fields listed above to the natural and/or social sciences

Additionally desirable

• Expertise in marine sciences
• Experience in the tropics
• Experience with technology, i.e. hardware development
• Experience with HT condor distributed computing

We are looking for a person who is collaborative, innovative, able to both lead and work within a team, willing to travel and interact directly with our partners in the tropics, and able to communicate research clearly and put it in a broader context.

Further information:

For questions, please contact Prof. Oscar Puebla, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Achim Schlüter, 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 14). The position is available for full-time position employment (but part-time is also possible) starting September 1^st 2025. The candidate will be based in Program Area 1 (Coastal Resources and Sustainable Blue Economy), but welcome to collaborate with all Program Areas. With a diving certificate and diving experience we give you the opportunity for further qualification in this area and the opportunity to participate in research expeditions.

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 a motivation letter, a copy of the doctoral degree and master's (Diplom) certificate, a complete CV with a list of publications and skills, names with email addresses and telephone numbers of two referees by 30.06.2025 as a single pdf file with the reference number “14-DataScience” to Ms. Lena de Carné-Oehlmann, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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