Research Associate in the Field of Aquaculture (f/m/d)
The Institute for Fisheries Ecology at the Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute, Federal Research Institute for Rural Areas, Forestry, and Fisheries, located in Bremerhaven, is seeking, to start as soon as possible, a research associate in the field of aquaculture (f/m/d) on a part-time basis at 50% of the regular workweek (currently 19.5 hours/week) to contribute to the “RESTORE: ReOyster Upscaling Project”.
The RESTORE: ReOyster Upscaling Project (Integrative measures to restore healthy reef systems of the European flat oyster) aims to sustainably restore biogenic reefs in the German North Sea, with a particular focus on the European flat oyster (Ostrea edulis) and the reef habitats it forms. These are among the most threatened marine habitats in temperate regions. They enhance biodiversity and provide food, shelter, and spawning grounds. The historical collapse of oyster populations led to the almost complete disappearance of these structures.
The project is led by the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) (on behalf of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety), the Thünen Institute of Fisheries Ecology, and the Alfred-Wegener-Institute (AWI). The Thünen Institute in Bremerhaven is responsible for the technical implementation, particularly the cultivation of European flat oysters in the hatchery. AWI is responsible for the offshore restoration measures.
Hatchery production includes broodstock conditioning, microalgae cultivation, larval rearing, settlement on natural substrates (shells, wood, 3D materials), and a micro-nursery phase. These processes require careful planning, technical monitoring, staff training and, where necessary, external expertise.
In parallel, the Thünen Institute conducts applied research to optimise production methods in terms of efficiency, sustainability, animal health, and ecological impacts. International cooperation and targeted expert advice contribute to ensuring high-quality, scalable production for restoration and reintroduction measures.
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 € bis 89.579,84 € for full-time employment.
Your tasksYour tasks
(Phase-1)
- Design and set-up of hatchery structures, including algal cultures, structures for hatching, larval rearing and settlement, and micro-nurseries
- Creation of protocols for the experiments and production in the hatchery, including the monitoring and updating of these protocols
(Phase-2)
- Organisation and coordination of production processes: Preparation, execution and follow-up of the production season
- Optimisation and expansion of infrastructure and production
- Accompanying research to optimise production processes: methodology, material
- Preparation of scientific reports, presentations and participation in conferences
- participation in events and PR measures of the project
Your profilYour profil
Your professional profile:
- University degree (Univ.-Diploma, M.Sc., Ph.D.) in thefield of aquaculture, marine ecology, marine biology or a related field, but with a clear connection to aquaculture
- very good basic technical understanding of aquaculture
- Experience in handling living aquatic organisms
- strong knowledge of marine hatchery or the cultivation of oysters and microalgae would be an advantage
- Experience in project management on aquaculture-related topics would be an advantage
Your personal profile:
- Organisational and coordination skills
- Team spirit, flexibility, high motivation and ability to work independently
- strong communication and networking skills and a willingness to co-operate in research
- Willingness to travel domestically and abroad
- very good knowledge of English and German or willingness to learn German required
- Experience in supervising students would be an advantage
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 any questions, please contact Bérenger Colsoul (email: berenger.colsoul@thuenen.de).
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
We are looking forward to receiving your application by September 7, 2026.
