41,200 students and 7,750 employees in teaching, research and administration, all working together to shape perspectives for the future – that is the University of Münster. Embedded in the vibrant atmosphere of Münster with its high standard of living, the University’s diverse research profile and attractive study programmes draw students and researchers throughout Germany and from around the world.
Within the University of Münster, the Institute of Integrative Cell Biology and Physiology in the Faculty of Biology serves as a hub for research at the interface of cell biology, physiology, and evolutionary biology. The Institute addresses fundamental questions of organismal function and adaptation, combining molecular and cellular approaches with integrative and comparative perspectives across levels of biological organization.

The Marine Station Carolinensiel in the Institute of Integrative Cell Biology and Physiology provides unique access to coastal and intertidal ecosystems of the North Sea and serves as a platform for organismal, developmental, ecological, and evolutionary research, as well as field-based teaching.

The Institute of Integrative Cell Biology and Physiology is seeking to fill the position of a

Research Associate – Leadership of the Marine Station Carolinensiel (Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiterin, salary level E 13 TV-L, 100%)

at 100% of the regular working hours per week. The successful candidate will be encouraged to develop a distinct research agenda that leverages marine model systems and integrates laboratory and field approaches. This permanent position is set to commence at the earliest possible date and will be based in Carolinensiel. Full-time employees are required to teach 8 hours per week during the semester. Teaching duties are expected to be closely aligned with the scientific profile of the Marine Station and may include block courses and field-based teaching formats.

Your tasks:

• Scientific and organizational leadership of the University of Münster’s Marine Station in Carolinensiel
• Establishing courses and lectures for undergraduates from the University of Münster (Bachelor/Master level) in Münster and at the marine station.
• Developing an independent scientific profile linked to the strategic development of the Marine Station
• Acquisition of third-party funding to support independently conducted research projects as well as the further development of the Marine Station.
• Further developing the marine station into an internationally visible hub for research, teaching, and transfer.
• Collaborating with other marine stations and research stations and strengthening national and international research networks involving marine field stations and research infrastructures.
• Participating in the administration of the department.

Our expectations:

• A doctoral degree in biology is required
• Good command of written and spoken English is required
• Strong publication record is required
• Demonstrated, substantial experience in competitive grant writing and third-party funding acquisition is required
• Demonstrated teaching expertise at the university level is required
• Proven experience in leading independent research activities or research groups, including supervision of students and/or staff, is highly desirable
• A strong background in marine biology or marine model systems is highly desirable. Experience with the cultivation, experimental manipulation, or life-cycle control of marine organisms is an advantage.
• German language skills are not required at the time of appointment; however, the successful candidate is expected to acquire a working knowledge of German within the first two years
• Team-oriented working, good communication and organisational skills, and the ability to work independently are expected

Advantages for you:

• A unique opportunity to work with a high degree of scientific independence and to actively shape, develop, and strategically position the Marine Station Carolinensiel as a long-term research, teaching, and transfer platform of the University of Münster.
• 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.
• 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. Dr. Nicolas Rohner ().

Candidates should submit their application as a single PDF file, including (i) a cover letter with a brief statement outlining their research experience and scientific interests, (ii) a curriculum vitae including a comprehensive list of publications and third-party funding acquired, (iii) a concise concept paper outlining the candidate’s vision and strategic ideas for the scientific, teaching, and transfer-oriented development of the Marine Station, including potential research foci, teaching formats, and collaborative networks, and (iv) the names and contact details of three potential referees.

Are you interested? Then we look forward to hearing from you! Please submit your application via our career portal by 24.04.2026 to:

Universität Münster
Institut für Integrative Zellbiologie und Physiologie
Prof. Dr. Rohner
Schlossplatz 8
48143 Münster

Reference number: 2026_03_18