Learn about our community: spotlight on Dr. Jonas Mauch
Dr. Jonas Mauch is a postdoctoral researcher at the Leibniz Institute for Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB Berlin) in the Department of Community and Ecosystem Ecology. His research focuses on the impacts of the invasive quagga mussel on the water quality of Berlin’s three large lakes, with a particular emphasis on Lake Müggelsee. His work investigates how the mussels’ temperature-dependent and selective filtration of cyanobacteria influences phytoplankton dynamics and cyanobacterial blooms, especially during summer heatwaves. To address these questions, he combines long-term monitoring data, laboratory filtration experiments, and ecosystem modeling using the PCLake+ model.
Dr. Jonas Mauch
Leibniz Institute for Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB Berlin)
Leibniz Section E – Environmental Sciences
Department: Community and Ecosystem Ecology
Profession: Post Doc
What makes your institute a special place to work?
Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB) thrives on interdisciplinary collaboration, so a really supportive and vibrant research community. For every question, there is someone to ask nearby (from sediments to fishies!). And there’s a lake in front of our doors – so everyday swims.
What particularly fascinates you about your research?
I started at the IGB as a non-biologist and was slowly retrained from an environmental engineer to an ecologist. So actually, a lot of things were new to me and so many things fascinated me. What sums it up best: “When you look at the water, there is so much more to it and it never ceases to be exciting.”
How is your work relevant for society?
My research helps guide sustainable water management, protect biodiversity, and inform climate decisions. All in all, a combination to protect our future waters.
What would you change to improve the situation of postdocs in Germany?
Firstly, I wish for more job security, clear career paths, and recognition for PhDs/postdocs in Germany. Further, besides from the urgent ones, all other changes that takes a bit pressure out of the system so the fun preserves as long as possible!
In your perfect research world, what would be different?
There would be stable funding, open access to data, and stronger networks for interdisciplinary collaboration, empowering diverse ideas and career development. Give especially students and PhDs a bit more time and flexibility to be curious and think outside the box and usual pathways.
In this series, we showcase postdocs working on society-relevant research questions at Leibniz Institutes.
If you want to learn more about the Leibniz PostDoc Network, check out our website.
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