PhD position in population genetics and conservation genomics of corals
Location: Oldenburg, Germany (HIFMB - Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity)
Organization: Marine Conservation group of Prof. Dr. Iliana Baums at HIFMB, collaboration between University of Oldenburg (UOL) and Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI)
Contract Type: 3-year PhD position, TVöD Bund salary scale up to level 13 (66%)
Main Description:
The Marine Conservation group is looking for a PhD student to study the population genetics and conservation genomics of reef-building corals in the Caribbean. Populations of reef-building corals have declined dramatically and the Baums lab in collaboration with international restoration and academic partners in Belize, Honduras, the USA, Curacao, Mexico and the Dominican Republic are working together to develop population management tools for these species.
Research at the HIFMB focuses on marine biodiversity and its importance for the functioning of marine ecosystems. The group uses molecular techniques to answer fundamental questions about marine evolution and ecology to guide coral reef conservation efforts, with two focus areas: coral physiology and symbiosis, and coral restoration genomics.
Requirements:
- Master's degree (or equivalent) in marine biology, molecular ecology, or related fields
- Strong background in population genetic theory and experience in using molecular and bioinformatic tools
- Proficiency in at least one coding language (Python), and proficiency in R
- Very good English knowledge (approximately equivalent to CEFR level C1)
Preferred Qualifications:
- Background in marine biology, experience with DNA/RNA extractions and amplification
- Disposition to work in laboratory and field conditions
Benefits/Conditions:
- Membership of AWI's postgraduate program POLMAR or another graduate school with comprehensive training program and extensive support measures
- Flexible working hours
- Health promotion and company fitness with Hansefit and Wellhub
- Support services and culture of reconciling work and family
- Occupational pension provision (VBL)
- State-of-the-art wet-lab and computational resources
- International and interdisciplinary research environment
- Occasional business trips and expeditions
How to Apply:
Submit your application online only by February 15th, 2026 including:
- Letter of interest explaining your qualifications for this position and how it fits with your career goals
- CV
- Graduate transcripts
- Names and email addresses of three references
Applications must be submitted in English (no photo required).
Reference number: 26/5/G/HIFMB-b
For further information:
- Prof. Dr. Iliana Baums: iliana.baums@hifmb.de; +49471 4831 2536
- Recruiting team (general questions): Sarah Palme, bewerbungsmanagement@awi.de; +49471 4831 1853
- More information: https://www.awi.de/en/work-study/out-of-university/as-phd-student.html
