PhD position in population genetics and conservation genomics of corals (f/d/x/m) Background The Marine Conservation group of Prof. Dr. Iliana Baums at HIFMB is looking for a PhD student to study the population genetics and conservation genomics of reef building corals in the Caribbean. Populations of reef-building corals have declined dramatically and the Baums lab in collaboration with international restoration and academic partners in Belize, Honduras, the USA, Curacao, Mexico and the Dominican Republic are working together to develop population management tools for these species. In the Marine Conservation group at the HIFMB in Oldenburg we use molecular techniques to answer fundamental questions about marine evolution and ecology to guide coral reef conservation efforts. The group currently has two focus areas: coral physiology and symbiosis and coral restoration genomics. Research at the HIFMB focuses on marine biodiversity and its importance for the functioning of marine ecosystems. We aim to develop sensitive strategies to measure and understand environmental and social processes that influence or influenced by the change in biodiversity in marine systems, and implement effective means to define a scientific basis for marine conservation, marine governance, and ecosystem management efforts. HIFMB is a highly interdisciplinary research environment that currently brings together experts from 18 countries who focus on contemporary yet distinct topics of research. Our growing research portfolio to understand marine systems at the HIFMB spans from molecular ecology to human geography, microbial metabolism to mathematical modeling and art. As a cooperation between the University of Oldenburg (UOL) and the Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI), the HIFMB benefits from its access to a diverse set of resources for cutting-edge research. The new building of the HIFMB offers state-of-the-art wet-lab and computational resources. The HIFMB is located in Oldenburg, a city in Northern Germany, which is a region that is home to a large number of institutions dedicated to environmental and marine research. In addition to the AWI and the ICBM, the institutions with which the HIFMB researchers regularly interact include the Max-Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology in Bremen, the Center for Marine Environmental Sciences (MARUM) at the University Bremen, and Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research in Bremen. Your Tasks You will.. * collect coral samples from both field and laboratory settings and prepare them for experimental and genetic analyses. * design, organize, and conduct experiments to investigate population genetic structure, genetic load, inbreeding levels, parentage, clonality, and adaptive signatures in corals and their algal symbionts. * generate and analyze physiological data, including growth and reproductive performance, under experimental conditions. * apply molecular and genomic approaches such as RNA sequencing and DNA sequencing to assess adaptive potential and stress responses. * integrate physiological and genomic datasets to develop alternative conservation genetics strategies aimed at maximizing adaptive capacity in threatened coral species. * work closely with international collaborators and contribute to interdisciplinary research projects. * disseminate research outcomes through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and public data repositories. More information is available under https://www.awi.de/en/work-study/out-of-university/as-phd-student.html. Your Profile * Master's degree (or equivalent) in marine biology or molecular ecology or related fields * Strong background in population genetic theory and experience in using molecular and bioinformatic tools * Proficiency in at least one coding language (Phyton), and proficiency in R Preferred Qualifications and Skills * A background in marine biology, experience with DNA/RNA extractions and amplification * Disposition to work in laboratory and field conditions * Very good English knowledge (approximately equivalent to CEFR level C1) Further Information * Contact in day-to-day work: collaboration mainly with more than 5 people * Communication: predominantly internal (with colleagues and other departments) in the following ways 1. By telephone: occasionally (several times a month) 2. E-mail: frequently (daily or several times a week) 3. Video conferencing (e. g. Webex): frequently (daily or several times a week) 4. Personal contact in presence: frequently (daily or several times a week) * Movement around the workplace: regularly over longer distances (e.g. other buildings) * Business trips: occasional (several times a year) * Expeditions: occur Please note that the general conditions listed serve as a guide and may vary depending on the specific area of application. For further information on the specific position, please reach out to Prof. Dr. Iliana Baums (iliana.baums@hifmb.de; +49471 4831 2536). If you have any general questions about the application process, our Recruiting team will be glad to support you - please contact Sarah Palme (bewerbungsmanagement@awi.de; +49471 4831 1853) In this overview you will find further contact persons for various matters. 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 �ffentlichen Dienstes, TV�D Bund), up to salary level 13 (66%). The place of employment will be Oldenburg. All doctoral candidates will be members of AWI's postgraduate program POLMAR or another graduate school and thus benefit from a comprehensive training program and extensive support measures. 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 * Health promotion and company fitness with Hansefit and Wellhub * Support services and a culture of reconciling work and family * Occupational pension provision (VBL) AWI values diversity and actively promotes gender parity, as well as an open, inclusive environment that provides equal opportunities. We are convinced that diverse teams and a variety of perspectives enrich our work and our daily collaboration. In a continuous process of learning and reflection, we aim to ensure that all our employees can be themselves and feel a sense of belonging. We welcome applications from qualified people regardless of binary and non-binary genders, race and nationality, ethnic and social background, religion, age, disabilities, neurodivergence, sexual orientation, and other identities. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference when equal qualifications are present. AWI fosters work-family compatibility in various ways. 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. We look forward to your application! Please submit your application online only by February 15th, 2026 and include a letter of interest explaining your qualifications for this position and how it fits with your career goals, as well as your CV, graduate transcripts, and names and email addresses of three references. We kindly ask you to apply in English. No photo is required - we value your qualifications and experience. Reference number: 26/5/G/HIFMB-b "Baums, Iliana B" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)