Research Associate for the project “Rapid adaptive change in species specific traits of insect-spider communities” § 28 Subsection 1 HmbHG
InstitutionFaculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Department of Biology, Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change and House of Computing Data Science
Salary level
Start dateas soon as possible, 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]).
Application deadline16.02.2026
Scope of workpart-time
Weekly hours65 % of standard work hours per week
Your responsibilities
Research associates will be expected primarily to teach and conduct research. The research associate will also have the opportunity to pursue further academic qualifications, in particular a doctoral dissertation. At least one-third of set working hours will be made available for the research associate’s own academic work.
Understanding the responses of organisms to environmental change is critical to managing and preserving biodiversity, especially in the light of global climate change. The aim of the project is to elucidate various mechanisms of rapid adaptive changes exemplarily in six subprojects using various biological collections of the University of Hamburg and the Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change. Our approach is taxonomically and functionally broad, spanning genomic, molecular, morphological, physiological and community level analysis in animals, plants and fungi. We will apply experimental evolution, phylogenomics, network analyses as well as utilize the rich biological collections that have been capturing diversity over the past 200 years. This project is part of a research consortium that consists of six subprojects in total. Central to all projects is a data science approach to handle and analyze large and complex data. We search for a skilled and motivated research associate for the following subproject: Rapid adaptive change in species specific traits of insect-spider communities
We want to understand how arthropod morphological and physiological traits are changing under the pressure of climate change. In particular, we will leverage biological collections (from museums and biodiversity databases) comparing past and present communities, combined with space-for-time comparisons between distinct regions of Germany, to evaluate how global change drives changes in species specific morphological (e.g. size, surface area, colour) and physiological (e.g. thermal tolerance, critical thermal limits) in relevant species of the following broad taxonomic groups with relatively good data availability: Aculeata, Araneae, Lepidoptera, Odonata and Orthoptera. Measurement of traits from high quality images will be developed in close interaction with other subprojects of RAC, and will explore AI for image analysis. This subproject will be conducted close interaction with the subproject Rapid adaptive change in insect-spider communities. The outcome of the project will describe any phenotypic changes that have already occurred over the last 50-80 years and how these changes might mitigate the detrimental effects of climate change, in particular global warming.
2 Teaching hours
Your profile
A university degree in a relevant field.
An MSc (or equivalent) in Biology, Zoology, Ecology, Environmental Sciences or a related field. Knowledge of the systematics/taxonomy of and practical with insects or spiders is required. A strong basis in field ecology would be advantageous. Quantitative training (statistics / data science, including R) or relevant practical experience is required. Advanced skills in programming, data management or statistical modeling would be an advantage. We are expected a high degree of enthusiasm for the living world, independence, scientific integrity and curiosity. In addition, we expect the successful candidate to show interest in collegiate and respectful interactions with other members of the RAC project and demonstrate excellent communication skills.
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.