Phd Position in “innovative Approaches for The

The Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI) is a member of the Helmholtz Association (HGF) and funded by federal and state government. AWI focuses on polar and marine research in a variety of disciplines such as biology, oceanography, geology, geochemistry and geophysics thus allowing multidisciplinary approaches to scientific goals.
- PhD position in “Innovative approaches for the cultivation of Ulva in open waters” (f/m/d)

**Background**
Cultivalting renewable biological feedstocks for the chemical, têxtile and cosmetic industries that can use this biomass to create valuable products and simultaneously sequester carbon at scale, is a key measure to reach the EU's net-zero targets and mitigate the worst impacts of climate change. Seaweeds are fast-growing natural carbon absorbers that provide invaluable ecological services for ocean health and contribute to large-scale carbon uptake and sequestration, a nutrient remediation. Additionally, they can be used to substitute fossil-fuel-based products supporting the circular bioeconomy. Seaweed mariculture based on innovative techniques can thus contribute to the sustainable use of resources and the establishment of the blue circular economy. It enables the transition towards a net-zero lifestyle to adapt to and mitigate climate change and design solutions for sustainable use of marine ecosystems (POR 5).

The genus _Ulva _spp. _(sea lettuce) is a cosmopolitan green macroalgae with a worldwide coastal distribution. It is already cultivated and consumed in Asia and parts of Europe. Furthermore, it is a prolific source of high-value biomolecules with numerous uses in the cosmetic, pharma
- and nutraceutical industries. However, innovative seeding procedures, including cost reduction by automation as well as economically efficient growing methods, are necessary to scale -up production and promote seaweed aquaculture in European waters. The transition to off-shore areas, less burdened by other uses, is crucial for upscaling. Therefore, **this project aims to develop innovative ways of cultivating **_Ulva _**floating in the open ocean**.

**Your Tasks**
- Developing novel methods to cultivate Ulva floating.
- Quantify and monitor growth and carbon uptake of the aqua farmed seaweed at different locations and under different conditions.
- Test novel cellulose based mesh to cultivate Ulva in tanks and the ocean.
- Perform experiments to seed 3D-printed structures with Ulva spores.
- Analyze and publish the data.

**Your Profile**
- Masters in Marine Environmental Science or similar
- Proficiency in English, both written and oral
- Experience in seaweed cultivation and monitoring
- Willingness to travel and spend time in off-shore conditions.
- Experience with seaweed monitoring methods

**Further Information**

This position is limited to 3 years. The salary will be paid in accordance with the Collective Agreement for the Public Service of the Federation (Tarifvertrag des öffentlichen Dienstes, TVöD Bund), up to salary level **13 (66%)**.

**The place of employment will be Bremerhaven but extended periods of time will be spent on Gran Canaria. **The expected starting date is January 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter.

**The AWI is characterized by**
- our scientific success - excellent research
- collaboration and cooperation - intra-institute, national and international, interdisciplinary
- opportunities to develop - on the job and towards other positions
- an international environment - everyday contact with people from all over the world
- flexible working hours and the possibility of mobile working up to 50% of regular 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).

Applicants with disabilities will be given preference when equal qualifications are present.

AWI fosters work-family compatibility in various ways and has received several awards as a result of this commitment. **And as a new international member of our team, you can be sure that we will help you settle in. Our **Family Office** and **International Office** will be glad to support you**, **even before you start at AWI.

Interviews will take place between **4**th** and 5th November, 2024**.
Reference number: 24/164/G/Bio-b