Research Associate for the Project “Biota-Mediated Effects on Carbon Cycling in Estuaries (RTG2530) – Postdoc project PP1: Ecological network synthesis across ecosystem boundaries” § 28 Subsection 3 HmbHG
InstitutionFaculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Department of Biology, Institute of Cell and Systems Biology of Animals
Salary level
Start date01.04.2026, fixed until 31.03.2029 (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).
Application deadline06.03.2026
Scope of workfull-time position suitable for part-time
Your responsibilities
Duties include academic services in the project named above. Research associates may also pursue further academic qualifications outside of their work responsibilities.
The research associate (postdoc) will be a member of the DFG funded Research Training Group 2530 (Biota-mediated effects on Carbon cycling in Estuaries). For this task, you will join the research group of Animal Network Ecology as a postdoctoral researcher. In your research, you will synthesise, integrate and generalise the knowledge about biotic interactions in estuaries gained in the RTG and beyond. Specifically, to tackle the complexity of ecological interactions across subsystems, you will construct interaction networks that synthesise the knowledge of relevant ecological interactions within and between terrestrial and aquatic realms of the Elbe Estuary compiled in the three cohorts of doctoral researchers of RTG2530, spanning a wide range of taxonomic units, functional traits, habitats and interaction types. As a data steward, you will enhance the overall data management and archiving of the RTG as a basis for your reproducible work. Using multilayer network, network of networks and metanetwork approaches, you will describe the connections within and between subsystems and explore approaches for estimating the quantitative structure and function of these networks and identify key connectors. The compilation of an integrative network description will pave the way for guiding the inclusion of so far neglected processes, traits and taxa into future ecosystem models. You will closely collaborate with other doctoral and postdoctoral researchers to advance process-based dynamic models and study trophic interactions of animals at the land-water interface.
Your profile
A university degree in a relevant field, plus doctorate.
A PhD/doctorate in Ecology or a related discipline.
Essential:
1. strong quantitative skills: data analysis, data management, modeling, mathematics
2. at least some familiarity with network analysis (or similar approaches)
3. strong writing and communication skills, with demonstrated 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!)
4. open-minded, critically thinking and quality-oriented attitude
Advantageous:
5. experience/knowledge about both, aquatic and terrestrial ecology
6. knowledge about ecosystem ecology/biogeochemistry
7. knowledge of microbial ecology, plant ecology and animal ecology
8. experience working with and curating a range of datasets and different data types, including molecular data as well as traditional community ecology data
We offer
9. Reliable remuneration based on wage agreements
10. Continuing education opportunities
11. University pensions
12. Attractive location
13. Flexible working hours
14. Work-life balance opportunities
15. Health management, EGYM Wellpass
16. Educational leave
17. 30 days of vacation per annum
18. an inspiring university environment with international visiting scholars
19. funding for international research stays for members of the Research Training Group
20. excellent research infrastructure with administrative offices, shared workspaces and an attractive working environment
21. participation in cultural and scientific university events
22. integration into the Animal Network Ecology lab, an emerging research group with young researchers studying different types of species interactions and different animal groups
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.