Ecological Chemistry

Our team elucidates the structure, origin, transformation, aggregation, ecological function and distribution of organic compounds in the changing polar ocean.

We aim to understand the function of marine organic compounds, both, as diagnostic markers to decode biogeochemical processes and as drivers of chemical interactions between species.

Organic molecules

render or result from important physiological processes of polar organisms, e. g. during photosynthesis, nutrient acquisition and storage of energy.
orchestrate species interactions affecting organismal abundance, physiology, performance, resilience and adaptation.
represent fingerprints of organic matter transformations and can thus serve as biogeochemical proxies.

Head:

Dr. Bernd Krock

Deputy:
Prof. Dr. Boris Koch
Dr. Scarlett Trimborn

Assistance:
Bettina Singh

Website:
Dr. Sylke Wohlrab

Note for unsolicited applications

In order for us to consider your application, we need to receive a complete set of documents.
You can find more information at:

How to apply

Out of university into AWI

From school directly to AWI

News & Facts

New publication by Schulte-Hillen et al. 2025 (ISME Communications)

© Schulte-Hillen et. al 2025. Published by Oxford University Press

A CRISPR-Cas9 approach to single-cell 16S microbiome sequencing that minimizes chloroplast contamination and detects intraspecific differences in diatom-associated bacteria.
Link: Genotype and culture condition effects on single-cell diatom microbiomes: enhanced detection of low-abundance taxa with CRISPR-Cas9

Upcoming Expedition: FjordChange - Svalbard (Norway)

R/V Maria S. Merian 21.06.2026 - 26.07.2026
In the “FjordChange” project, we are investigating the influence of Atlanticification on the Arctic ecosystem around Spitsbergen. To this end, we are studying four fjords with varying degrees of Atlanticification influence, from the pelagic zone down to the sediment, using oceanographic, physicochemical, bio-optical and multi-omics approaches.
Contact: Dr. Uwe John