Technician (M/d/f)

The Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity (HIFMB) is a research institute located in Oldenburg. It researches marine biodiversity and its importance for the function of marine ecosystems. In doing so, it develops the scientific basis for marine nature conservation and ecosystem management.
The HIFMB was founded in 2017 and is an institutional cooperation between the Alfred Wegener Institute in Bremerhaven, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI), and the Carl von Ossietzky University in Oldenburg.
- Technician (m/d/f) in animal, microalgal, and cell cultivation

**Background**
You will join the newly established photosymbiosis focus group at the HIFMB in Oldenburg. Photosymbioses between heterotrophic hosts and photosynthetic symbionts have developed repeatedly and independently throughout evolutionary history. These symbioses are crucial for marine nutrient cycles but are particularly susceptible to the impacts of climate change.
Our ERC-funded focus group aims to uncover the fundamental processes that drive the establishment and breakdown of photosymbioses. To achieve this, we employ cutting-edge molecular and imaging techniques to study interactions in symbiotic model systems, such as sea anemones and their microalgal endosymbionts. You will play an integral role in this endeavor, actively participating in all scientific activities. Primary responsibilities will include the isolation and propagation of cultures utilized in our research, such as sea anemones, microalgal symbionts, and invertebrate cell lines. Additionally, you will be trained in essential imaging and molecular workflows, contributing to ongoing research efforts and assisting in the supervision of students.

This work will be conducted within the HIFMB’s international and interdisciplinary research environment. The HIFMB is dedicated to understanding the environmental and social processes that shape or are influenced by marine biodiversity and to establishing a robust scientific basis for marine conservation, governance, and ecosystem management. As a collaboration between the University of Oldenburg (UOL) and the Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI), the HIFMB has access to extensive resources that support advanced research. The newly constructed HIFMB building features state-of-the-art wet lab and computational facilities.

Located in Oldenburg, Northern Germany, the HIFMB benefits from being part of a vibrant research community with numerous institutions focused on environmental and marine studies. These include regular interactions with the Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology in Bremen, the Center for Marine Environmental Sciences (MARUM) at the University of Bremen, and the Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research in Bremen.

We seek a highly motivated technician to join the newly established photosymbiosis focus group at the HIFMB in Oldenburg, Germany. Key responsibilities include establishing and maintaining laboratory cultures, including animals (e.g., sea anemones), microalgae, and invertebrate cell cultures. You will further support ongoing experimental and laboratory work, including imaging and molecular biology workflows, assist with general laboratory maintenance tasks (e.g., ordering supplies), and independently develop new laboratory workflows based on current scientific literature.

**Your Tasks**
- General lab maintenance, including ordering supplies (in German)
- Adherence to and enforcement of standard safety protocols
- Safe disposal of laboratory waste
- Sample and database curation
- Feeding, cleaning, and propagation of sea anemone cultures
- Isolation, cultivation, and screening of microalgal cultures (on plate and in liquid)
- Establishment of primary invertebrate cell cultures
- Microscopy analysis (e.g., fluorescence microscopy of tissue sections and cell cultures)
- Molecular analyses (e.g., DNA and protein extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, western blot)
- Physiological measurements (e.g. quantification of oxygen fluxes, stable isotope incubations)
- Develop new laboratory workflows based on scientific literature
- Participation in lab group discussions and meetings (in English)
- Supervision and training of students

**Your Profile**
- Training as a biological or technical assistant, or equivalent
- Previous experience with cell culture and/or standard microbial cultivation techniques
- While training for new laboratory instruments and workflows will be provided
- Previous experience with routine molecular biology (e.g., DNA and protein extraction, PCR, and western blot) or imaging (e.g., live cell and fluorescence imaging) is beneficial
- Good written and oral communication skills in English and German (B2)

**Further Information**

This is a full-time position, limited to 4 years. It is also suitable for part-time employment. The salary will be paid in accordance with the Collective Agreement for the Public Service of t