Scientist or Engineer (Master's Degree) in Aquatic Ecology Modeling | Naturwissenschaftlerin/Naturwissenschaftler oder Ingenieurin/Ingenieur (Uni-Diplom/Master) (m/w/d)

BAV Dienstsitz Aurich

Koblenz am Rhein, Rheinland-Pfalz, Deutschland
Published Oct 29, 2025
Full-time
Fixed-term

Job Summary

This fixed-term position (January 2026 – December 2030) at the Federal Institute of Hydrology (BfG) involves critical scientific work within the BMV research network, focusing on Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation concerning German waterways. The successful candidate, holding a Master's degree in fields like Hydrology, Environmental Engineering, or Geoecology, will be responsible for developing, calibrating, and validating a sophisticated water quality model (QSim) for the Middle and Tidal Elbe rivers. Key daily tasks include refining the modeling concept in collaboration with partners, conducting complex scenario analyses to project climate change effects, and technically revising specific modules like Phytoplankton or Sediment dynamics. The role requires strong expertise in ecological/biogeochemical modeling, proficiency in scripting languages (R, Python, MATLAB), and the ability to process large datasets. This is an opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to practical, application-oriented challenges, contributing directly to federal decision-making on sustainability and infrastructure in an interdisciplinary environment located in either Koblenz or Hamburg.

Required Skills

Education

University Diploma or Master's degree in Hydrology, Biology, Geoecology, Environmental Sciences, or Environmental Engineering (specializing in Hydrobiology/Aquatic Ecology or Modeling), or a comparable qualification.

Experience

  • Professional experience in the ecology and biogeochemistry of flowing and/or tidal waters
  • Professional experience in ecological/biogeochemical modeling of water bodies and as a user of such models
  • Professional experience in processing large datasets and using common data formats in meteorology and multi-dimensional modeling (e.g., NetCDF, GRIB)
  • Advanced knowledge in at least one of the following areas: oxygen balance of tidal waters, phytoplankton and zooplankton, or substance turnover in sediments

Languages

German (Basic)English (Fluent)

Additional

  • Fixed-term contract from January 1, 2026, until December 31, 2030. Willingness to undertake multi-day business trips. Service location is Koblenz or Hamburg. Applicants with foreign educational qualifications must provide proof of recognition (ZAB).