Research Associate (m/f/d) Arthropods

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

Research Associate (m/f/d)
(salary group EG 13 TV-L, 50 %)

for a limited period of 36 months to start at the 01.04.2026.

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/) and part of the Core Arthropods project. Within the Biodiversity Exploratories, Core Arthropods is responsible for long-term monitoring of insects and other arthropod groups as well as arthropod-related ecological processes in 150 grassland and 150 forest plots across three regions of Germany. The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating, supervising and conducting insect collection and process measurements. The candidate will have access to a unique dataset and will analyze various aspects of insect community assembly and temporal trends. You will closely cooperate with the Terrestrial Ecology working group headed by Prof. Dr. Wolfgang W. Weisser (TU Munich). More information about the Core Arthropods project can be found at https://www.biodiversity-exploratories.de/en/projects/arthropods-and-arthropod-related-processes/.

Your tasks:

  • Coordinate, supervise and conduct field research (insect monitoring, measurements of ecological processes) in grassland and forest ecosystems
  • Data analyses utilizing a large database
  • Publication of research results in international peer-reviewed journals
  • Maintenance of the project database
  • Communication with project partners and stakeholders
  • Participation in outreach activities
  • 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)
  • 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
  • Background in insect ecology
  • Ability to publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals
  • 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 required for outreach and communication
  • Willingness for extended field stays (several days) in different regions of Germany
  • Ideally being familiar with grassland or forest ecosystems in Central Europe (including field work)
  • Excellent communication, collaboration and team skills
  • 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. 

We look forward to receiving your application (please without photo). Please send it including a letter of motivation (max. 2 pages), a CV, publication list, degree certificates, and contact information for two people who can offer a reference (e.g., former supervisors) by 14.01.2026 via our application portal.