Offshore wind energy is rapidly expanding and becoming a cornerstone of a sustainable blue economy. Yet, despite this progress, the ecological impact of offshore wind farms (OWFs) on the ocean’s microbial life remains largely unknown.

Within the DFG-funded project WindFluX, we investigate how OWFs influence planktonic ecosystems, including bacteria, phytoplankton, and zooplankton, and what this means for carbon cycling, nutrient dynamics, and ecosystem functioning in the North Sea.

WindFluX focuses on understanding:

How microbial and plankton communities inside OWFs differ from those in surrounding waters

How primary productivity and the production of dissolved organic matter (DOC) are affected

Which microbial traits serve as early indicators of ecological stress

How OWF-driven changes influence carbon cycling and overall ecosystem health

In this thesis, the student will analyze bacterial community composition and activity from samples collected across multiple stations inside and outside offshore wind farms during the first WindFluX sampling expedition. The goal is to understand how microbial structure and function vary across spatial gradients shaped by OWFs.

Your Responsibilities

Participate in the WindFluX sampling expedition 15-27 February

Conduct a 1-month research stay at Helgoland (Feb 15 - March 15) to continue sampling and laboratory work

Assist in water sampling, filtration, and sample processing

Conduct laboratory analyses (e.g., HPLC for pigment/DOC analysis, biomass measurements, nutrient handling)

Extract and analyze microbial data (-Omics data depending on final focus)

Analyze spatial trends in bacterial communities

Contribute to interpretation and scientific presentation of results

We are looking for a motivated Master’s student (Biology, Marine Science, Environmental Science, Microbiology or related fields) who:

Has experience with field sampling (marine or freshwater preferred)

Has basic laboratory experience; HPLC experience is strongly preferred but not mandatory

Is comfortable working on research vessels and at remote field stations

Is willing and available to join the sampling expedition (15-27 February)

Is willing to stay on Helgoland from 15 February to 15 March for laboratory work

Is organized, reliable, and able to work both independently and in a team

Has a strong interest in microbial ecology, biogeochemistry, or plankton research