Creating knowledge. Making a difference. Shaping the future. This is what the University of Münster stands for as one of the strongest research-oriented universities in Germany and one of the largest employers in the region. Every day, over 7,000 employees devote themselves to cutting-edge research and excellent teaching. We share more than a workplace. We share the desire to make a real impact – regionally and internationally. Our day-to-day work is distinguished by diversity, openness and space to pursue one’s ideas. Become a part of our team – in academia, a technical or manual trade, or administration.
The Institute for Neuro- and Behavioural Biology, Department of Behavioural Biology in the Faculty of Biology at the University of Münster, Germany, is seeking to fill the position of a

Postdoctoral Research Associate (Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiterin, (salary level E 13 TV-L)

commencing on 04 August 2026. We are offering a fixed-term full-time position for probably 16 months to substitute for the duration of a parental leave. Full-time employees are required to teach 4 hours per week during the semester.

Your tasks:

• Collaboration in research and teaching
• Participation in self-administration
• Academic programme advising
• Providing students with subject-related expertise and instruction on applying scientific methods
• Management of animal husbandry and experiments

Our expectations:

• A graduate degree in biology, life sciences, animal sciences or any equivalent study program (i.e. German Diplom and / or master’s degree) as well as a doctorate is required.
• A strong interest or expertise in behavioural biology and animal welfare is advantageous.
• Further training in laboratory animal science is desirable (e.g., equivalent to a FELASA course).
• Good organizational, writing and presentation skills, as well as the ability to work well both independently and in a team environment, are advantageous.
• Very good knowledge of spoken and written English is mandatory.
• German language skills are advantageous but are not a requirement

Advantages for you:

• You will become part of an international research team working on a range of diverse questions in behavioural biology, enabling you to develop your own research profile.
• Our broad range of diverse work-time models offers great flexibility – also when working from home.
• As an educational institution, we are deeply committed to offering occupational training and continuing education opportunities tailored to your individual needs.
• As a university employee, you are entitled to numerous benefits afforded to public servants, e.g. an attractive company pension scheme (VBL), an annual end-of-year bonus and a position that is shielded from economic fluctuations

The University of Münster strongly supports . We welcome all applicants regardless of sex, nationality, ethnic or social background, religion or worldview, disability, age, sexual orientation or gender identity. We are committed to creating family-friendly working conditions. Part-time options are generally available.

We actively encourage applications by women. Women with equivalent qualifications and academic achievements will be preferentially considered unless these are outweighed by reasons which necessitate the selection of another candidate.

If you have any questions, please contact Prof Helene Richter ( / +49 (0)251 8321014) or apl Prof Sylvia Kaiser (/ +49 (0)251 8324676).

Are you interested? Then we look forward to receiving your application by 2026-05-31 at:

University of Münster
Institute for Neuro- and Behavioural Biology
Department of Behavioural Biology
Prof Helene Richter
Badestraße 13, 48149 Münster, Germany

Applications may be written in German or English, and should include a cover letter, CV, list of publications (if any), degree certificates and the names of two referees.:

You may also send us your application electronically in PFD format to ethology@uni-muenster.de

Reference number: 2026_05_09