News
14 May 2025
OBIS has recently expanded its scope to include genetic data using the DNA-derived data extension to DarwinCore. To support this effort, we are seeking a consultant to contribute to two European-funded projects focused on molecular biological observations: MARCO-BOLO and eDNAqua-Plan.
You can find the full description of the consultancy and application instructions here.
The MARCO-BOLO project aims to structure and strengthen European coastal and marine biodiversity observation capacities while linking them to global initiatives such as MBON, GOOS, OBIS, and several UN Ocean Decade Programmes (Marine Life 2030, OBON, ODIS, and Ocean Practices for the Decade). The project seeks to enhance our understanding of ocean health and ensure that outputs meet the needs of policy-makers, spatial planners, and industry stakeholders. Running from December 2022 for four years, its second work package focuses on improving eDNA-based monitoring by evaluating, refining, and integrating approaches such as single-species detection, DNA metabarcoding, and metagenomics across trophic and functional groups.
The eDNAqua-Plan project is designing a roadmap for a European digital ecosystem of eDNA repositories and an integrated reference library for marine and freshwater species. Fully open-access and aligned with FAIR data principles, this ecosystem will support future biodiversity monitoring and mapping. Running from September 2023 for three years, the project is structured around a comprehensive landscape analysis, standards development, real-world feedback from use cases, and the design of a strategic blueprint for sustainable implementation.
The consultant will support OBIS’s role in both projects through the following tasks:
📅 Contract: Full-time, remote, 6-month consultancy (June–November 2025)
🗓 Application deadline: 23 May 2025, 17:00 CEST