PhD position in “DynaDeep – Biogeochemical processes in the Dynamic Deep subsurface of High-Energy Beaches” (m/f/d)

The Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI) is a member of the Helmholtz Association (HGF) and funded by federal and state governments. AWI focuses on polar and marine research in a variety of disciplines such as biology, oceanography, geology, geochemistry, and geophysics, thus allowing multidisciplinary approaches to scientific goals.

PhD position in “DynaDeep – Biogeochemical processes in the Dynamic Deep subsurface of High-Energy Beaches” (m/f/d)

Background
The DFG Research Unit DynaDeep aims to achieve a deeper understanding of the physical and biogeochemical processes in the subsurface of high-energy beaches, also referred to as the subterranean estuary. The specific goal of this PhD project is to investigate how biogeochemical processes in the porous sand body of a beach are driven by fluctuating inputs of matter from waves, tides, and fresh groundwater discharge, and how these dynamics shape the overall carbon and nutrient cycling in the subterranean estuary.
Specifically, we aim to combine in-situ measurements and laboratory experiments to quantify the transport and turnover of organic carbon and electron acceptors in beach sediments as a function of overlying hydrodynamic and morphodynamic conditions. The work involves close collaboration with 12 other PhD projects. For further information, please visit: https://uol.de/icbm/verbundprojekte/dynadeep.

Your Tasks
You will be responsible for

• conducting field measurements and quantifying the inflow of organic carbon into the upper beach
• setting up incubation experiments and measuring reaction rates in beach sediments
• applying and developing numerical and empirical transport-reaction models
• publishing results in scientific journals and communicating them to non-experts in an accessible way

Your Profile

• A university degree (M.Sc. or diploma) in environmental sciences, marine biogeochemistry, or a related discipline
• Experience in measuring and analyzing biogeochemical transport and reaction rates, preferably with knowledge of diffusion/flow dispersion and oxygen dynamics
• Very good knowledge in English (approximately equivalent to CEFR level C1)
• Willingness to conduct field work under challenging conditions
• A strong interest in collaborative research

Further Information

• Contact in day-to-day work: Collaboration mainly with more than 5 people 
• Communication: predominantly internal (with colleagues and other departments) 
  in the following ways

1. By telephone: rather rarely (once a month or less) 
2. E-mail: frequently (daily or several times a week) 
3. Video conferencing (e. g. Webex): frequently (daily or several times a week) / occasionally (several times a month) / rather rarely (once a month or less) / almost never (only in the rarest of cases) or never
4. Personal contact in presence: frequently (daily or several times a week) 

• Movement around the workplace: regularly within the building (e.g. between departments or floors) 
• Business trips: occasional (several times a year)
• Expeditions: occur 

Please note that the general conditions listed serve as a guide and may vary depending on the specific area of application.

For any questions you may have, you are very welcome to get in touch with Dr Moritz Holtappels ([email protected];
+49(471)4831-2030).

This is a full-time position, limited to 3.5 years. It is also suitable for part-time employment. The salary will be paid in accordance with the Collective Agreement for the Public Service of the Federation (Tarifvertrag des öffentlichen Dienstes, TVöD Bund), up to salary level 13 (75%). The place of employment will be Bremerhaven.

All doctoral candidates will be members of AWI’s postgraduate program POLMAR or another graduate school and thus benefit from a comprehensive training program and extensive support measures. 

The AWI is characterized by

• our scientific success – excellent research
• collaboration and cooperation – intra-institute, national and international, interdisciplinary
• opportunities to develop – on the job and towards other positions
• an international environment – everyday contact with people from all over the world
• flexible working hours 
• health promotion and company fitness with Hansefit and Wellhub
• support services and a culture of reconciling work and family
• occupational pension provision (VBL)

AWI values diversity and actively promotes gender parity, as well as an open, inclusive environment that provides equal opportunities. We are convinced that diverse teams and a variety of perspectives enrich our work and our daily collaboration. In a continuous process of learning and reflection, we aim to ensure that all our employees can be themselves and feel a sense of belonging. We welcome applications from qualified people regardless of binary and non-binary genders, race and nationality, ethnic and social background, religion, age, physical abilities, neurodivergence, sexual orientation, and other identities.

Applicants with disabilities will be given preference when equal qualifications are present.

AWI fosters work-family compatibility in various ways and has received several awards as a result of this commitment. And as a new international member of our team, you can be sure that we will help you settle in. Our Family Office and International Office will be glad to support you, even before you start at AWI.

We look forward to your application!
Please submit your application by October 20th 2025, exclusively online.
Reference number: 25/96/D/Bio-b