Research Associate (Postdoc) in Animal Network Ecology § 28 Subsection 2 HmbHG

Institution: Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Department of Biology, Lab of Animal Network Ecology

Salary level: EGR. 13 TV-L

Start date: 01 April 2026 (or upon arrangement), fixed for a period of three years (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).The contract provides for a maximum extension of up to three years depending on the associate’s achievements during the first stage. Providing that a position is available and that requirements have been fulfilled, the associate may apply for temporary civil servant status in accordance with Section 28 subsection 2 HmbHG.

Application deadline: 2026-02-16

Scope of work: full-time position suitable for part-time

Your responsibilities

Duties include teaching and research in the respective department or institute. Research associates may also pursue independent research and further academic qualifications as well as acquire teaching experience. These duties are intended to promote academic achievement. Therefore, at least one-third of set working hours will be made available for the associate’s own academic work.

You will perform your own research within the area of ecology, develop own projects, apply for research funding and publish in high quality journals. You will contribute to lab research in the area of animal biodiversity, species interactions and global change, develop collaborations within the team and beyond, (co)supervise students and PhD theses. You will be an active part of scientific life in the lab (seminars, retreats, journal club, etc.) and beyond (workshops, conferences, etc.), and help establish high scientific standards (open science, lab culture, efficient procedures, etc.).

You will teach in BSc and MSc programs in Biology with a total duty of 4 LVS (teaching hours) in the initial term. Part of the teaching duty has to be fulfilled by teaching the fundamentals of zoology (animal biodiversity, morphology, field trips, etc.) and statistics in German language, but there is also freedom to develop specialized courses according to your own preferences.

Your profile

A university degree in a relevant field, plus doctorate.

Further Essentials:

You are enthusiastic about ecological research and your research focus involves either terrestrial animals (preferably insects) or modeling of biotic interactions
strong quantitative skills (at least good command of statistics in a coding based language)
ability to teach (practical) zoology, which requires at least basic knowledge of German
experience in scientific publishing: at least one first author paper published (or accepted) in a high-quality peer-reviewed journal, and more papers (as first or co-author) submitted or published (Please include a pdf of your favorite own paper in the application documents)
strong writing and communication skills
open-minded, critically thinking and quality-oriented attitude

Optional assets:

good knowledge of arthropod biodiversity / identification
good knowledge of German Flora
esearch focus on food webs / ecological networks

We offer

Reliable remuneration based on wage agreements

Continuing education opportunities

University pensions

Attractive location

Flexible working hours

Work-life balance opportunities

Health management, EGYM Wellpass

Educational leave

30 days of vacation per annum

The Lab of Animal Network Ecology, led by Prof. Dr. Jochen Fründ, investigates dynamic species interaction networks by combining field experiments, observational studies, data synthesis and modeling. We focus on mutualistic and antagonistic interactions of insects and spiders with other organisms, and are particularly interested in temporal dynamics (timing, rewiring, community shifts), biodiversity-functioning relationships and aquatic-terrestrial linkages. It is an exciting time to join our emerging lab, with a lot of freedom for shaping the lab‘s research, supported by excellent resources in the beautiful location in the botanical garden in Klein Flottbek, and great opportunities to establish further collaborations in the dynamic research environment of the University of Hamburg and the LIB (Leibniz Center for Analysis of Biodiversity Change).

Universität Hamburg—University of Excellence is one of the strongest research educational institutions in Germany. Our work in research, teaching, educational and knowledge exchange activities is fostering the next generation of responsible global citizens ready to tackle the global challenges facing us. Our guiding principle “Innovating and Cooperating for a Sustainable Future in a digital age” drives collaboration with academic and nonacademic partner institutions in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region and around the world. We would like to invite you to be part of our community to work with us in creating sustainable and digital change for a dynamic and pluralist society.

The University of Hamburg is committed to equity. Diversity enriches our university life, whether in our studies, research, teaching, education, or workplace. We therefore welcome all applications, regardless of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic or social background, age, religion or belief, disability, or chronic illness.

Severely disabled and disabled applicants with the same status will receive preference over equally qualified non-disabled applicants.

Instructions for applying

Contact

Prof. Dr. Jochen Fründ

Location

Ohnhorststr. 18
22609 Hamburg

Reference number

Application deadline

2026-02-16

Use only the online application form to submit your application with the following documents:

cover letter
CV
copies of degree certificate(s)

If you experience technical problems, send an email to .

More information on in selection procedures.