Fisheries social scientist (mfx)

The Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB) is Germanys largest research centre studying all aspects of freshwater ecology and inland fisheries. Through joint professorships the IGB is closely linked to all three universities in Berlin. For the Department of Fish Biology Fisheries and Aquaculture at IGB Berlin at Müggelsee we are inviting applications for as position as fisheries social scientist. The position is available as of January 1 2027 subject to the final funding and project approval.

We are seeking a skilled and highly motivated colleague that uses quantitative surveys to understand the characteristics attitudes preferences norms and behaviours of urban recreational anglers in Berlin. The project comes with funding to conduct a large sample size randomized survey of angling license holders in Berlin with substantial leverage for the design of survey components in cooperation with the Berlin fisheries agency. At IGB you join the IFishMan research group led by Prof. Dr. Robert Arlinghaus ( tasks

• Design and execution of quantitative surveys with urban anglers
• Setting up and managing online communities of anglers to study seasonal patterns in effort and catch in Berlin waters
• Statistical data analysis and data visualization
• Writing of publications and development of presentations and other content delivered to scientific and lay audiences
• Writing of project reports (in German)
• Project administration and coordination

Mandatory

• . in fisheries natural resources psychology sociology leisure and tourism studies human geography or a related field
• Advanced statistical competencies (preferably in R) as documented in scientific publications or master thesis
• Advanced German/English skills (C1 or higher); German required to verbally communicate with German-speaking stakeholders for questionnaire construction and for reporting to funders

Highly desirable

• Knowledge of social science theories as regards to outdoor recreation conservation social science or natural resources
• Experience with design of structured questionnaires or behavioural experiments with humans or published analysis of quantitative social science data
• Knowledge of recreational fishing

We offer an interesting position in a leading highly dynamic and stimulating scientific environment and working group (IFishMan). Beyond its scientific value the project results will likely generate substantial public interest by fisheries managers and among commercial fishers and anglers. Results are likely influencing policy making as regards to urban fisheries management in Berlin.

Salary is paid according to the German salary scheme for the public sector (TVöD Bund) at a pay grade of E13 which includes social benefits and 31 paid holidays per year. We offer a maximum of two home office days per week. The position is a fixed-term project-funded position limited to 2.5 years until June 31 2029. It can be filled either as a full-time position with 39 working hours per week or part-time (75%). The position will generate data suitable for a doctoral the event the position is filled with a doctoral candidate (at 65% of a full-time position) the contract will run for 3 full years.

We foster your career development by providing qualification and training opportunities. We actively support the reconciliation of work and family life.

We welcome every qualified application irrespective of gender religion nationality etc. Severely disabled applicants with equal qualification and aptitude will be given preferential consideration.

We look forward to receiving your application by October 11 2026 with the following documents compiled in one single combined PDF (max. 2 page cover letter and motivational statement outlining your fit to the requirements and interest in the position CV including publication and presentation list key certificates (copies) one key publication of yours with relevance to the job or if not available your master thesis contact details including email address and telephone number of up to three references). Please state the job reference number 17/2026 and apply exclusively via our recruitment platform at can be directed to Prof. Dr. Robert Arlinghaus by e-mail ().

Research for the future of our freshwaters is the mission of IGB Germanys largest and one of the leading international centres for freshwater order to investigate different aspects of freshwater ecosystems their biota and societal relevance we unit a wide range of disciplines and understand research as a joint effort. With more than 400 employees and guests from all over the world we conduct research at five locations in Berlin and at Lake Stechlin (Brandenburg). IGB is a member of the German Leibniz Association and the Forschungsverbund Berlin e. V.