Doctoral candidate (gn)

Role Overview
The Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT) GmbH is an independent research and teaching institute that provides scientific knowledge for the protection and sustainable use of tropical coastal ecosystems. The ZMT is a member of the Leibniz Association. The institute is seeking a dedicated doctoral researcher to investigate trait variability of mangroves in the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP) as part of the TropEcS initiative (Modelling socio-economic dimensions across Tropical Coastal Ecosystems and the Earth System). The position seeks to characterise mangrove morphological and photosynthetic trait variability across environmental gradients to establish a trait-based baseline characterisation for mangrove plants in the ETP, which is crucial for predicting the role these ecosystems have in Earth system models.

Responsibilities
Your tasks include:
- Conducting a research agenda that includes a quantitative literature review and field measurements of mangrove morphological (SLA) and photosynthetic-related (Vcmax & Jmax) traits.
- Analysing trait variability patterns across different locations in the ETP.
- Collaborating with partners in Costa Rica and Colombia as well as with the Mangrove Ecology Group and the broader ZMT community.
- Preparing scientific publications and presenting results at scientific conferences.
- Preparing a dissertation and obtaining doctoral qualification.

Requirements and Qualifications
- Master degree in Ecology, Marine Biology, Environmental Sciences or related field.
- Strong interest in tropical coastal ecosystems and plant functional traits in particular.
- Sound knowledge about trait-based ecology, data analysis, and experimental design.
- Fieldwork experience and willingness to work under physically demanding conditions, e.g. tropical climate and remote environments.
- Demonstrable ability to use programming languages such as R or Python.
- Good communication and writing skills in English are essential; knowledge of Spanish is a plus.
- Ability to work collaboratively in an international working environment.
- Applicants must still have the relevant qualification periods according to § 2 (1) WissZeitVG (Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz) as the position is for academic qualification with the aim of obtaining a doctorate.

What They Offer
- A challenging and varied job in an international, dynamic and interdisciplinary research environment.
- A motivated and committed team from different countries and cultures.
- An open and cooperative working atmosphere.
- Opportunities for personal and professional development.
- Interesting, varied and challenging tasks and family-friendly working conditions.
- Company pension plan (VBL).
- Company health promotion and the opportunity to participate in company fitness with EGYM Wellpass.
- Salary paid according to the German TV-L (EG 13).
- Part-time employment (2/3 of a full-time position, 26.13 hours per week) for 36 months.