Research Associate (m/f/d) Animal Ecology
2025-06-05
As a humanistic, sustainable and action-oriented university, Leuphana University of Lüneburg stands for innovation in education and science. Methodological diversity, interdisciplinary cooperation, transdisciplinary cooperation with practice and an overall dynamic development characterize its research profile in the core topics of education, culture, management/technology, sustainability and state. Its international study model with the Leuphana College, the Leuphana Graduate School and the Leuphana Professional School is unique in Germany and has won many awards.
The University is looking for a responsible, motivated and committed person for the Institute of Ecology to fill the position of a
Research Associate (m/f/d)
(salary group EG 13 TV-L, 100 %)
for a limited period of 3 years to start at the 01.10.2025 at latest.
You will join the newly established working group “Animal Ecology and Trophic Interactions” (Prof. Dr. Michael Staab) and also cooperate with the working group Prof. Dr. Thorsten Assmann. The Animal Ecology and Trophic interactions group investigates the ecology of terrestrial invertebrates (especially insects) with a focus on biodiversity, species interactions, community ecology, and processes within ecosystems. Important research questions are how species, their diversity, interactions, and the functions exerted by species and their biotic interactions are influenced by changing environmental conditions in space and time. The research combines comparative field data and natural history observations with experimental manipulations and ecological theory to test hypotheses and to understand nature. Our research is quantitative and integrates across a broad methodological spectrum. In teaching, the professorship is involved in the Bachelor and Master degree programs of the School of Sustainability and in further programs of the Leuphana College.
Your tasks:
- Research within the profile of the professorship, for example in animal ecology, forest ecology, ecological networks, or ecosystem processes
- Participation in ongoing research projects, in particular the Biodiversity-Exploratories (www.biodiversity-exploratories.de)
- Publication of research results in international peer-reviewed journals
- Acquisition of third-party funds for own research projects
- Teaching (4 contact hours per week) in Bachelor and Master degree programs of the School of Sustainability and the Leuphana College, including the supervision of graduate theses. Teaching in English is possible
- Contribution to academic administration
- The position offers the opportunity for further scientific qualification
- Preferably a completed doctoral degree in ecology, environmental sciences or a related field. Candidates towards the end of their dissertation may be considered if the potential for independent scientific research has already been demonstrated
- A research focus within the profile of the professorship, complementary approaches are welcome but should allow integration
- Ability to publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals
- First experience in teaching and supervision
- Very good knowledge of at least one animal group
- Ideally being familiar with grassland or forest ecosystems in Central Europe (including field work)
- In-depth knowledge of data analysis and statistical modelling with the software R
- Very good command of written and spoken English; German language skills are beneficial
- Excellent communication, collaboration and team skills
- Driver's license
Your profile:
- Preferably a completed doctoral degree in ecology, environmental sciences or a related field. Candidates towards the end of their dissertation may be considered if the potential for independent scientific research has already been demonstrated
- A research focus within the profile of the professorship, complementary approaches are welcome but should allow integration
- Ability to publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals
- First experience in teaching and supervision
- Very good knowledge of at least one animal group
- Ideally being familiar with grassland or forest ecosystems in Central Europe (including field work)
- In-depth knowledge of data analysis and statistical modelling with the software R
- Very good command of written and spoken English; German language skills are beneficial
- Excellent communication, collaboration and team skills
- Driver's license
We offer:
- an inspiring working environment as part of the university community of researchers, teachers, students and staff in technology and administration,
- a workplace at one of the most beautiful university locations in Germany in a true campus university with an internationally acclaimed central building by Daniel Libeskind and the directly adjacent Wilschenbruch nature reserve,
- a high level of job security as part of the public service,
- an additional company pension scheme through the Versorgungsanstalt des Bundes und der Länder (VBL),
- flexible and family-friendly working hours within a flexitime framework from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.,
- flexible and family-friendly opportunities to alternate between presence work and mobile work,
- an extensive internal and external continuing education programme,
- a wide range of sporting activities sponsored by the university, which employees can take part in for one hour per week during working hours to promote their health,
- a university-sponsored catering service for lunch and dinner in the refectory,
- a Germany ticket sponsored by the university as a job ticket
Your application:
For further information please contact Prof. Dr. Michael Staab (michael.staab@leuphana.de).
Leuphana University of Lüneburg promotes professional gender equality and heterogeneity among its members. Applications from people with severe disabilities will be given preferential consideration if they have the same qualifications. Please also note our data protection information for applicants.
We look forward to receiving your application. Please send it with all the usual documents (please without photo) by 19.06.2025 digitally (summarized in a PDF file) or by post to:
Leuphana Universität Lüneburg
Human Resources and Legal Affairs / Application Management
Subject: Animal Ecology 2025
Universitätsallee 1
21335 Lüneburg