PhD position in Animal Ecology (m/f/d)

2025-12-15

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

PhD position in Animal Ecology (m/f/d)
(salary group EG 13 TV-L, 65 %)

for a limited period of 36 months to start at the 01.04.2026 (not negotiable).

You will join the newly established working group “Animal Ecology and Trophic Interactions” (Prof. Dr. Michael Staab) that 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 advertised position is embedded within the Biodiversity Exploratories consortium (https://www.biodiversity-exploratories.de/en/). The successful candidate will study how land use in German grasslands affects microclimatic niche space, and how this relationship moderates the relationships between land-use intensity and insect diversity. You will combine spatially highly resolved microclimate data with insect sampling and the measurement of thermal tolerances of insects to increase the understanding how land-use driven changes in microclimate relate to insect diversity and community assembly. You will closely cooperate with remote sensing scientists from the working group of Prof. Dr. Fabian Fassnacht (currently at FU Berlin).

Your tasks:

  • Pursuing a PhD in a vibrant academic environment as part of an interdisciplinary research project
  • Conduct field research across Germany (insect sampling, microclimate recordings)
  • Measurements of thermal tolerances of insects
  • Analyze collected data
  • Publish research findings in international, peer-reviewed journals
  • Actively participate in and contribute to the research group Animal Ecology and Trophic Interactions at Leuphana and to the Biodiversity Exploratories consortium

Your profile:

  • Completed very good MSc degree (or equivalent) in ecology, environmental sciences or a related field
  • Interest in ecological research
  • Knowledge of the German insect fauna (e.g. beetles, true bugs, grasshoppers) or a strong motivation to develop entomological knowledge
  • Experience with statistical data analysis in R
  • Very good command of written and spoken English, German language skills are highly beneficial
  • Excellent communication, collaboration and team skills
  • Willingness for extended field stays (several weeks) in different regions of Germany
  • Driver’s license valid in Germany

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 without photo). Please send it including a letter of motivation (max. 2 pages), a CV, degree certificates, a PDF copy of your Master thesis and/or relevant publications and contact information for two people who can offer a reference (e.g., former supervisors) by 14.01.2026 via our application portal.