PostDoc Position in Cellular Signaling in Photosymbiosis (HIFMB)

Job title

PostDoc Position in Cellular Signaling in Photosymbiosis.

Company

Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity (HIFMB), in institutional cooperation between the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI) and the Carl von Ossietzky University in Oldenburg.

Description of the job

HIFMB is seeking a curiosity-driven postdoctoral researcher to join the newly established Photosymbiosis Focus Group. The candidate will combine state-of-the-art OMICS approaches, cell biology, and advanced imaging to dissect the cellular signaling and regulatory networks that control photosymbiosis between cnidarian hosts and their microalgal symbionts.

Photosymbioses between heterotrophic hosts and phototrophic endosymbionts have played central roles in the radiation of complex life and are critical to global nutrient cycles. Yet, global change is pushing these symbioses and the ecosystems they support to the brink of ecological collapse.

This position is embedded in the ERC-funded project PhagoPhoRe, which aims to decode the cellular and molecular language of photosymbiotic interactions. By focusing on the interplay of symbiotic nutrient cycling and host phagosome maturation, PhagoPhoRe aims to unravel how host cells recognize beneficial algal symbionts, how mutualistic metabolic interactions are (de)stabilized, and how algal symbionts evade host immune responses. PhagoPhoRe builds on a large network of collaborators across HIFMB, Germany, France, Czech Republic, and Switzerland.

HIFMB is a research institute located in Oldenburg that studies marine biodiversity and its importance for the function of marine ecosystems, the people linked to those ecosystems, and their governance. This is a full-time position, limited to 3 years, also suitable for part-time employment. This position is ideal for someone who wants ownership, visibility, and scientific freedom.

Key Tasks:

• Design and execute single-cell and/or spatial transcriptomic experiments.
• Integrate transcriptomic data with imaging and physiological datasets.
• Contribute actively to conceptual development and manuscript writing.
• Mentor students and engage in collaborative lab projects.
• Present work at international conferences.

What We Offer:

• Registration with AWI's postdoc office PROCEED with access to tailor-made career development tools.
• An international environment with flexible working hours.
• Health promotion and company fitness with Hansefit and Wellhub.
• Support services and a culture of reconciling work and family.
• Occupational pension provision (VBL).

Requirements

• PhD in molecular biology, bioinformatics, marine biology, or a related field.
• Strong skills in R and/or Python and custom data analysis workflows.
• Good English knowledge (approximately equivalent to CEFR level B1+B2).
• A collaborative mindset.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills:

• Hands-on experience with single-cell or spatial transcriptomics.
• Experience with tissue dissociation, FACS, immunohistochemistry, or microscopy.
• Interest in host–microbe interactions and symbiosis.

Location

Oldenburg, Germany.

Salary

Not specified. 

How to apply

Please submit your application online only by April 1st, 2026, in English, quoting reference number 26/21/D/HIFMB-b. Submit a cover letter (max. 2 pages) addressing motivation, previous research experience, and relevant qualifications; a CV including publication list; and contact details of two academic referees. No photo is required. For questions about the position, contact Dr Nils Rädecker (nils.raedecker@hifmb.de; +49 471 4831-2540). For general questions about the application process, contact Elisabeth Wildt (bewerbungsmanagement@awi.de; +49(471)4831-2236).

Deadline

01/04/2026.

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