Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI)

PhD position in Data Science/Bioinformatics for Marine and Arctic Biodiversity (f/x/d/m)

Closes: Sep 17, 2026

Job Information

Organisation/Company: Alfred-Wegener-Institut Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung

Research Field: Environmental science

Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)

Application Deadline: 17 Sep 2026 - 04:03 (UTC)

Country: Germany

Type of Contract: To be defined

Job Status: Other

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Area of research: PHD Thesis

Job description: PhD position in Data Science/Bioinformatics for Marine and Arctic Biodiversity (f/x/d/m)

Background

Long-term monitoring of marine and Arctic ecosystems generates large volumes of biological and environmental data, but current analysis methods only partly capture the information they contain. This project, part of the Helmholtz School for Marine Data Science (MarDATA), will develop new data science methods to improve the interpretation of biodiversity patterns from long-term Arctic and marine monitoring data, building on an extensive existing data archive.

The position offers the opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree as a member of the Helmholtz School for Marine Data Science (MarDATA). MarDATA’s interdisciplinary focus spans supercomputing, modelling, (bio)informatics, robotics, statistics, and big data methodologies. Doctoral researchers benefit from a structured training program that promotes cross-disciplinary collaboration and provides in-depth scientific insight as well as a systematic approach to marine data science. For more information, visit: https://www.mardata.de/.

Your Tasks

Development and application of advanced data science methods, including transformer-based models, to marine and Arctic biodiversity data
Work with large-scale biological and environmental datasets (sequencing data, eDNA)
Contribution to method development in close collaboration with the supervision team
Publication of results in peer-reviewed journals and presentation at conferences

Your Profile

Master’s degree (e.g. MSc) in computer science, (bio)informatics, or a closely related field, ideally with a focus on AI or data science
Strong interest in ecological questions
Experience in the application of various ML algorithms, including supervised algorithms for environmental predictions, as well as unsupervised algorithms for clustering and LLMs/Transformers
Experience with sequence data analysis
Experience in harmonising and compiling real-world datasets from diverse sources
Experience using Python and its related libraries for data processing, exploration, and analysis
Very good command of English (approximately equivalent to CEFR level C1) and the ability to work in an international environment
Willingness to participate in national/international travel (e.g. conferences, workshops)

Further Information

We offer

Excellent research environment with access to globally unique infrastructure, comprehensive datasets, and international expeditions
Opportunity to develop and pursue independent scientific ideas and innovative research approaches addressing societally relevant questions
Close scientific collaboration and interdisciplinary cooperation within the institute as well as with national and international partners
An international working environment with daily interaction with colleagues from around the world
Opportunities for professional and personal development
Flexible working hours and the possibility of mobile working for up to 50% of regular working hours
Annual special payment in accordance with the German public sector collective agreement (TVöD Bund)
30 days of annual leave (full-time), plus additional days off on December 24th and 31st
Occupational health promotion and company fitness programme with Hansefit
Support services and an established culture promoting work–life balance, e.g. through our family office offering childcare services (e.g. holiday programmes) as well as advice on family and care responsibilities
Occupational pension scheme (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, disabilities, neurodivergence, sexual orientation, and other identities.

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

We strongly encourage qualified women to apply for the advertised position at AWI to reduce the underrepresentation of women.

AWI fosters work-family compatibility in various ways. 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.

This research center is part of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers. With more than 42,000 employees and an annual budget of over € 5 billion, the Helmholtz Association is Germany's largest scientific organisation.