Scientific Position (PhD or Postdoctoral level) (m/f/d)

(Position number: 04-2026 Researcher Tipping Points)

on the topic of Biodiversity Tipping Points and Ecosystem Resilience, ideally starting on 01.04.2026.

The position will be filled either at PhD or postdoctoral level, depending on qualifications. Postdoctoral positions are funded for up to 2 years, PhD positions for 3 years. Remuneration is in accordance with the German public tariff scheme (TV-L Brandenburg), salary group E 13 (75% PhD position, 100% postdoctoral level). This is a full-time position with a working time of 40 hours per week. The position can be filled on a part-time basis.

Background

The project The Role of the Ocean in Earth System Stability investigates how ocean heat and carbon uptake, circulation changes, and biosphere feedbacks may push the Earth system toward critical thresholds. Within this project, work package 1 focuses on the resilience of the marine sinks of heat and carbon, using Earth system and biogeochemical models, observational data, and scenario analysis to identify early-warning signals and tipping points relevant to the Planetary Boundaries framework. Complementing this, work package 2 addresses marine biodiversity, ecosystem health, and biosphere functioning by developing and testing indicators of ecosystem resilience and systemic risk, linking biological change to Earth system stability.

This position is one of several scientific positions within the project and will be embedded in a closely collaborating interdisciplinary team.

Key responsibilities:

• conduct regional case studies on biodiversity resilience, degradation, and tipping dynamics
• analyse large biodiversity, environmental, and pressure datasets (regional to global scale)
• contribute to the identification of vulnerable ecosystems and potential recovery pathways
• support the development and testing of biodiversity indicators relevant to Earth system stability
• contribute regional insights to project-wide synthesis activities and the Planetary Health Check
• engage with science communication and outreach activities related to biodiversity and ocean resilience
• Postdoctoral level: Provide scientific guidance within work package 2 and potentially co-supervise a PhD student
• PhD level: Develop a focused doctoral project embedded within work package 2

Requirements:

• Master’s degree or PhD in biology, ecology, environmental sciences, marine sciences, or a related field
• Ability to work with complex ecological or environmental datasets
• Experience with data analysis is expected; familiarity with scientific programming environments (e.g. Python, R, or similar) is highly desirable
• Interest in policy-relevant science and sustainability frameworks
• Strong motivation to collaborate across disciplines

PhD level:

• Strong interest in biodiversity, ecosystem resilience, and Earth system science
• Experience working with ecological or environmental datasets
• Marine background desirable but not required

Postdoctoral level:

• Experience with regional biodiversity assessments and quantitative analysis
• Ability to link empirical results to broader Earth system or policy-relevant frameworks

We expect:

• the ability to work independently and on your own initiative
• a methodical and systematic approach
• structured and goal-oriented thinking
• capacity to familiarise yourself quickly with new topics
• creativity and openness to new approaches
• a high level of competence in oral and written English
• reliability, engagement, and a high level of motivation
• capacity for teamwork

We offer:

• close integration into the Planetary Boundaries Science Lab and opportunities to contribute to high-visibility synthesis products such as the Planetary Health Check
• the opportunity to complete a high-quality dissertation within an excellent, collaborative, and transdisciplinary research environment for PhDs
• a lively community of PhD students on the campus, offering the chance to engage and connect—our PhD Representatives offer information and advice when needed
• the chance to be part of an engaged, interdisciplinary team
• a stimulating working environment in an internationally recognised research institute on Potsdam's beautiful, historic Telegrafenberg campus, a short commuting distance from Berlin
• company KITA/kids day nursery “Geolino” directly in the science park on Telegrafenberg, within walking distance of PIK
• flexi-time and mobile working (up to 50% of your hours)
• a collective pay scheme and associated benefits, as well as a subsidized travel card or Deutschland-Ticket Job

Please apply by 18.03.2026 directly via our application form.

For further information or to discuss the position, please contact Dr. Sabine Mathesius.