Engineer within the field of optics, electronics, physical technique, electro technique (m/f/d/x) - Inklusiver Job 🦼 🦻 🦯

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.

Engineer within the field of optics, electronics, physical technique, electro technique (m/f/d/x)

Background
Starting each January 1st, the Logistics Department of AWI is appointing an Engineer within the field of optics, electronics, physical technique, or electro technique (m/f/d/x) as a technical staff member and overwinterer at the joint German-French Arctic station (AWIPEV Research Base) in Ny-Ålesund on Svalbard.

The overwintering will take place in one of the most beautiful places of Svalbard in the international research village of Ny-Ålesund where more than 10 nations have established their bases. Ny-Ålesund is equipped with modern infrastructure and corresponding recreation facilities. The AWIPEV Research Base consists of several buildings with modern laboratories, office rooms and living space.

Your Tasks
Your tasks will be the execution of long-time measurements in the field of atmospheric, marine, and geophysical sciences, employing optical (spectrometer, multi wave lengths Lidar etc.) and other methods such as micro wave radiometry, in situ measurements with balloon sounding, as well as control and maintenance of the scientific instruments at the base. The measurements are organized in observational programs, like the Atmosphere Observatory, the Under Water Observatory, or the Permafrost Observatory. Furthermore, you will provide general support for scientific projects at AWIPEV Research Base.

Your Profile

• Engineering degree in optics, electronics or similar, and you should have worked with scientific instrumentation
• Experience to work both independently and in a team
• Ability to communicate and explain technical issues
• Standard software skills, basic knowledge on Windows/Unix/networks
• Very Good English knowledge (approximately equivalent to CEFR level C1)
• Driver’s licence

You need to be flexible, self-reliant, and a good team worker with high communication skills, who can stand the specific strains of working in an international, lively, but remote Arctic setting.

Preferred Qualifications and skills

• Experience with long term observation systems is highly appreciated
• Proficiency in French, German and/or Norwegian will be an advantage
• Experience of working in an international context and HSE processes will be an advantage
• Knowledge of polar field safety is highly appreciated
• Motorboat license
• Knowledge in first aid

Further Information
The employment is limited to 24 months, starting January 1st, 2027. Within this period of time a stay at the polar base for more than 14 months will follow the job training at the AWI. The preparedness to work under Arctic conditions is absolutely mandatory for the employment. During the employment at the AWI there will be a deputation to the Research Unit Potsdam for the period before and after the stay at polar base.

Employment contract and payment comply with the wage and working agreement (TVöD) as applied at AWI. During the stay abroad an extra allowance will be paid.

For further information on the specific position, please reach out to Dr Marion Maturilli (Marion.Maturilli@awi.de; +49 (0)331-58174-5210).
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; +49(0)471-4831-1853).

Please find further information on the joint German-French base under: www.awipev.eu

As the base is operated jointly with Institut Polaire Français Paul Emil Victor (IPEV), the interview will be in English and a member of the IPEV staff will participate.

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
• 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.

As a new international member of our team, you can be sure that we will help you settle in. Our International Office and Welcome Center Potsdam 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 August 1st, each year. We kindly ask you to apply in English. No photo is required – we value your qualifications and experience.
Reference number: 26/1/G/ÜWI-b