Research assistant in the field of biology (fisheries biology/marine biology) (f/m/d)
The Institute for Fisheries Ecology of the Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute, Federal Research Institute for Rural Areas, Forestry and Fisheries, at the Bremerhaven location, is seeking at the earliest possible date limited until 31.12.2027, a Research assistant in the field of biology (fisheries biology/marine biology) (f/m/d) in full-time (currently 39 hours/week) to work in the third-party funded project "Ecology, distribution and causes of endangerment of migratory fish species" .
Diadromous and other migratory fish species are particularly affected by anthropogenic activities in marine, coastal and inland waters and suffer from the lack of continuity and obstruction of watersheds and estuaries. Together with fundamental issues concerning the chemical and ecological status in many areas, this has already led to a significant loss of spawning and nursery habitats for these species. As a consequence, some migratory fish species are showing declining population trends, are protected under the Habitats Directive and/or are considered endangered according to the IUCN red list of endangered species. For many of these species, there is a lack of basic information on the population status and -structure as well as on their geographic distribution and migration routes. An environmental project funded by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) aims to improve the data basis for diadromous migratory fish species in Germany. The planned work aims at developing a permanent monitoring system for effective stock management and adapted protection for species that have received little attention to date.
The employment relationship is governed by the TVöD Bund collective agreement and, provided the collective agreement and personal requirements are met, is remunerated according to pay grade 13 of the TVöD Bund—which corresponds to an annual salary of € 62.489,15 to € 89.579,84 for full-time employment.
Job descriptionJob description
- comprehensive literature and data review on diadromous fish species in Germany, evaluation of historical data sets and identification of relevant data and knowledge gaps
- biostatistics and database maintenance
- conducting tagging experiments (acoustic telemetry and PIT-Tags)
- conducting laboratory studies (e.g. age determination, assessment of biometric data and tissue sampling)
- development of improved species-specific management strategies
- business trips for data collection and stakeholder involvement
- project-related administrative tasks (e.g. writing reports, procurement tasks, and preparing cooperation and data use agreements)
- cooperation with working groups within the institute and with external partners
Your ProfileYour Profile
Professional profile:
- university degree (Univ.-Dipl., M.Sc.) in the field of biology, fisheries biology or related, preferably with a completed doctorate
- several years of relevant work experience
- good knowledge of data processing, biostatistics and database maintenance
- R-programming skills and experience in creating databases are advatageous
- experience in experimental work with fish
- experience in working with fish tagging and telemetry is advantageous
Personal profile:
- willingness to carry out animal experiments with fish and to work in the field
- willingness to travel for several days to collect data, conduct experiments and/or work meetings
- very good communication skills
- high degree of teamwork and ability to work independently
- very good written and spoken German and English skills
- driving license class B
Our offerOur offer
- Responsibility and a sense of purpose: responsible work in a dedicated team, involvement in a dynamic, interdisciplinary research institute and proximity to current policy and practice-relevant topics
- Flexibility and work-life balance: flexible working time models, fundamental possibility of part-time employment as well as mobile working and teleworking, certified employer berufundfamilie audit with a wide range of offers for reconciling work and life phases
- Prospects: further training opportunities for the area of responsibility and individual development
- Benefits: employment based on collective agreements with attractive social benefits (e.g. company pension scheme, one-off annual payment, capital-forming benefits)
- Health: company health management and preventative healthcare programmes
- Mobility: JobTicket, public transport connections, free parking spaces and the option of using e-charging stations
The Thünen Institute promotes professional equality between women and men and therefore expressly welcomes applications from women.
We live a diverse and cosmopolitan coexistence. The Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute is committed to inclusion. Applications from people with severe disabilities are therefore expressly encouraged. They will be given preferential consideration in the selection process. Please enclose proof of severe disability or equal status with your application.
If you have an international degree, please also enclose a certificate evaluation from the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) with your application. If you do not yet have a certificate evaluation, you must apply for one if your application is successful. You can find further information at https://zab.kmk.org/de/zeugnisbewertung
If you have any questions, please contact Lasse Marohn (lasse.marohn@thuenen.de).
We are looking forward to receiving your application by May 21st, 2026.
