The Institute of Baltic Sea Fisheries of the Johann Heinrich von Thünen-Institute, Federal Research Institute for Rural Areas, Forestry and Fisheries, offers (subject to the commitment of funds) limited until 31.12.2028 in Rostock to be filled on 1st of October 2025 or as soon as possible for a Scientist / PhD student marine biology, fisheries biology, bioinformatics (f/m/d) on the subject of “Habitat utilization and migration patterns of herring in the Western Baltic Sea”, with 65% of the regular weekly working hours (currently 25,35 hrs).
The successful applicant will have the opportunity for further academic training, in particular, to write a dissertation. The results of one’s own work can be used for preparing the PhD thesis.
The Thünen Institute of Baltic Sea Fisheries collects an array of different fisheries-dependent and fisheries-independent data series on fish populations and fisheries in the Baltic Sea. In cooperation with international partners these data are, among other applications, analysed to deduct the catch quota and management recommendations for the different commercially exploited fish stocks. These efforts include undertaking internationally coordinated research surveys and biological sampling of the commercial fisheries.
The applicant will be expected to advance the institute’s research work on herring in the Western Baltic Sea. To this end the applicant will conduct and analyse tagging experiments with herring, hydro-acoustic investigations on research vessels and commercial fishing vessels (after thorough introduction) and investigations of the spatio-temporal distribution of herring at the coast of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. An overarching goal of the project is to establish a scientific basis and develop recommendations for action for the decision-making institutions of the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
The applicant is expected to publish results in project reports and scientific publications, to present the results at scientific conferences, collaborative workshops and to the interested public and to participate in the working groups of the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES).
The employment relationship is governed by the TVöD Bund (collective agreement for civil servants) and, if the collective agreement and personal requirements are met, remuneration is based on pay grade 13 TVöD Bund.

OUR OFFER:

We offer a highly interesting job in applied research on the interface between science and management of fisheries, often with strong echoes in the media, which provide the basis for a sustainable management of fish stocks; a well-equipped, modern workplace, a large degree of freedom and intense interdisciplinary and international collaboration.
The Thünen Institute is an equal opportunity employer and is thus especially interested in applications from women.
The Thünen Institute is committed to inclusion. Applications from people with severe disabilities are therefore expressly encouraged. They will be given special consideration in the selection process.
Should you have questions regarding the scientific requirements etc., please address your inquiries by email or telephone to Dr. P. Kotterba (Email paul.kotterba@thuenen.de, Tel. +49 (0)381/66099-118).
Send your applications in German or English, combined in one single pdf file, including your CV and copies of your certificates and, if available, publications, using the keyword “PhD HERRING MIGRATION” until 31.08.2025 if possible by e-mail to of-bewerbungen@thuenen.de.
We are looking forward to receiving your application till August 31, 2025.

• Acquisition and evaluation of data (e.g. fisheries data, hydroacoustic and hydrographic data, biological data) with a focus on the spatial distribution of herring in the Western Baltic Sea.
• Undertaking of sea expeditions to investigate the pelagic fish stocks of the Baltic Sea, on research vessels and commercial fishing vessels of all sizes
• Design, organisation, implementation and analysis of field sampling campaigns to investigate the spatial and temporal distribution of juvenile and adult herring in coastal waters
• Participating in and analysing of acoustic tagging experiments with adult Baltic herring
• Development of own research questions on herring ecology
• Presenting the scientific results in the framework of national and international working groups and conferences
• Writing of scientific papers for publication in peer-reviewed, international journals