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The Molecular Evolution and Sociobiology Group (AG Gadau) at the Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity (IEB) 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)

n the areas of Chemical Ecology / Molecular Evolution / Evolutionary Ecology of Hymenoptera commencing on 1 November 2026. We are offering a fixed-term full-time position for 3 years with the possibility of an extension within the framework of legal possibilities. Full-time employees are required to teach 4 hours per week during the semester.

Your tasks:

• Developing an independent, internationally visible and competitive research program in Evolutionary Biology, Molecular Evolution or Chemical Ecology of Hymenoptera
• Participating in teaching (4SWS/semester) of Bachelor/Master/PhD Students with the option of developing own teaching modules.
• Participation in academic self-administration
• This position is tied to working towards a Habilitation.

Our expectations:

• Having fun doing research and teaching in Evolutionary Biology.
• A university degree and a PhD in Biology, or a related field.
• Extensive experience in chemical ecology and either of the following two fields molecular evolution or evolutionary ecology demonstrated by publications in peer reviewed articles.
• Excellent command of English.
• Postdoctoral research in evolutionary biology, evolutionary ecology, or chemical ecology is an advantage but not necessary.
• Willingness and motivation to work closely with students (BS, MS, PhD) in teaching and supervision.
• Applications for Third-Party funding to build an own, sustainable and independent research program in Evolutionary Biology.
• A high level of organizational and communication skills and readiness to collaborate on shared projects within the IEB/AG Gadau.

Advantages for you:

• The AG Gadau and the Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity () offer a wide range of opportunities for basic research and teaching in various areas of evolutionary biology, evolutionary ecology, bioinformatics, and biodiversity research.
• The international and interdisciplinary teams at the IEB and within the AG Gadau foster a collaborative working environment and are actively involved in numerous national and international research. This creates ideal conditions for collaborations within these consortia as well as for independent research projects.
• Appreciation, commitment, openness and respect – values which are important to us.
• Our broad range of diverse work-time models offers great flexibility – also when working from home.
• If you have family members or young children in your care, our offers concrete support to help you balance your private and professional responsibilities.
• As an educational institution, we are deeply committed to offering opportunities tailored to your individual needs.
• From A – Z, Aikido to Zumba, our ensure a healthy work-life balance.
• As a university employee, you are entitled to numerous benefits afforded to public servants, e.g. an attractive company pension scheme (), an 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. Jürgen Gadau () or Dr. Lukas Schrader ().

Are you interested? Then we look forward to receiving your application (CV and 2-3-page description of your research plan) by 2026-07-31 exclusively via our online application portal.

For sustainability reasons, we kindly ask you to refrain from submitting paper/printed documents.

Universität Münster
Prof. Dr. Jürgen Gadau
Faculty of Biology
Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity
Hüfferstr. 1
48149 Münster

Reference number: 2026_07_08