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: 16.02.2026 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: 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 research focus on food webs/ecological networks We offer Continuing education opportunities Reliable remuneration based on wage agreements Continuing education opportunities Continuing education opportunities University pensions University pensions Attractive location Attractive location Flexible working hours Flexible working hours Work-life balance opportunities Work-life balance opportunities Health management Health management, EGYM Wellpass Educational leave 30 days of vacation per annum 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). 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 jochen.fruend@uni-hamburg.de +49 40 2395-24217 Reference number 14 Location Ohnhorststr. 18 22609 Hamburg To Google Maps Application deadline 16.02.2026 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 bewerbungen@uni-hamburg.de. More information on data protection in selection procedures. Universität Hamburg has been certified. audit family-friendly universityBiologie Postdoc Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter, wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiterin Lehre & Forschung, Wissenschaft Universität Teilzeit Vollzeit