Research Associate for the Project “Cooperation and cheating in sub-social spiders: negative frequency dependent selection and sex allocation” § 28 Subsection 3 HmbHG
InstitutionFaculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Department of Biology, IZS
Salary level
Start date01.09.2025, fixed until 31.07.2028 (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).
Application deadline15.07.2025
Scope of workpart-time
Weekly hours65 % of standard work hours per week
Your responsibilities
Duties include academic services in the project named above. Research associates may also pursue independent research and further academic qualifications.
We are seeking a highly motivated person to work on the DFG-funded project “Cooperation and cheating in sub-social spiders: negative frequency dependent selection and sex allocation”. In this joint project with Prof. M.E. Herberstein from the Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change in Hamburg, we will investigate the producer-scrounger dynamics in broods of the Australian crab-spider Australomisidia ergandros. We will test how sex and and negative frequency dependent dynamics will affect the likelihood of producing vs scrounging. We will conduct controlled feeding trials in groups with different scrounger frequencies to measure individual foraging success and growth. We will further apply automatic tracking methods to document the interaction networks and we will use a non-lethal, molecular sexing method to determine the sex of juvenile spiders. Field work in Australia will also be part of the research program.
Your profile
A university degree in a relevant field.
A master’s degree in Biology is required and a solid knowledge base in evolutionary and behavioral biology as well as in statistical methods, ideally including network analyses are necessary. Skills in programming and experience in automatic tracking are an asset. We expect proficiency in reading and speaking English and excellent writing skills. Experience in handling and breeding spiders or other arthropods is of advantage.
We offer
1. Reliable remuneration based on wage agreements
2. Continuing education opportunities
3. University pensions
4. Attractive location
5. Flexible working hours
6. Work-life balance opportunities
7. Health management, EGYM Wellpass
8. Educational leave
9. 30 days of vacation per annum
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.