Jörg Süling

Jörg Süling is a research scientist at GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, affiliated with Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel (CAU). He works in Research Area 3: Marine Ecology, specifically in Experimental Ecology. Since 1993, he has been conducting research at the Institute of Oceanography (IfM) at CAU Kiel, IfM-GEOMAR (2004-2012), and currently in the GEOMAR research area Marine Ecology.

His academic background includes:

• 1993: Dr. rer. nat. in Medical Microbiology and Genetics from the University of Bonn
• 1987: Diploma thesis in Biochemistry from the University of Hamburg
• 1978-1987: Chemistry studies at the University of Hamburg

Dr. Süling's research focuses on marine microbial ecology, particularly phototrophic bacteria and bacterial communities across diverse marine environments including hydrothermal vents, deep-sea sediments, and coastal ecosystems. His work spans microbial diversity, sulfur cycling, and ecological roles of microorganisms in marine food webs. Analysis of his publication history reveals consistent contributions to bacterial taxonomy, especially regarding purple sulfur bacteria and anoxygenic photosynthetic organisms, with significant collaborative work with J.F. Imhoff. His research often examines depth-specific distributions and adaptations to extreme marine conditions.

Dr. Süling has held multiple leadership roles:

• Since June 2021: Support for young researchers and doctoral students through GEOMAR Young Researchers & Personnel Development and CAU FYORD
• Since January 2014: Coordinator and Student Advisor for M.Sc. Biological Oceanography
• 2011-2013: Scientific Coordination for young researchers and doctoral students
• 2009-2020: Officer for Biological Safety of GEOMAR genetic engineering facilities
• 2001-2005: Principle investigator for DFG research group 451

His laboratory and field work includes extensive research expeditions across the Mediterranean Sea, Baltic Sea, Atlantic Ocean, and Antarctic waters. As chief scientist on multiple student training cruises, he has investigated gelatinous plankton in Baltic Sea food webs, micro- and macrobenthos communities, and hydrothermal vent systems. His role as Curator of GEOMAR Biobank (2016-2020) and Nagoya Protocol Compliance Advisor (2018-2020) demonstrates his commitment to research infrastructure and international regulatory frameworks.