PhD Researcher or part-time postdoctoral position for development of alternatives to chronic fish toxicity testing (f/m/x)
The job
As part of an industry-funded research project (duration 3 years, 2026 to 2028), we offer either a part-time postdoctoral position or a position suitable for completing a doctoral thesis. Based in Leipzig in the Department of Ecotoxicology, you will work in an international team of scientists researching the effects of chemicals. A major focus of the project is the development of alternatives to animal testing.
Place of work
Leipzig Working time
65 % (25,35 h / week)
The job position is available for full-time or part-time employment.
Contract limitations
limited contract / 3 years Salary
Remuneration according to the TVöD public-sector up to pay grade 13 including attractive public-sector social security benefits. Contact
Your contact for any questions you may have about the job:
Dr. Jo Nyffeler
+49 341 6025 1264
jo.nyffeler@ufz.de
Dr. Stefan Scholz
+49 341 6025 1080
stefan.scholz@ufz.de
Your application
Please submit your application via our online portal with your cover letter, CV (please omit your photo, age, or marital status) and relevant attachments.
Diversity and Inclusion
The UFZ has a strong commitment to diversity and actively supports equal opportunities for all employees regardless of their origin, religion, ideology, disability, age or sexual identity.
We look forward to applications from people who are open-minded and enjoy working in diverse teams.
The UFZ
The Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) with its 1,100 employees has gained an excellent reputation as an international competence centre for environmental sciences. We are part of the largest scientific organisation in Germany, the Helmholtz association. Our mission: Our research seeks to find a balance between social development and the long-term protection of our natural resources.
The job
As part of an industry-funded research project (duration 3 years, 2026 to 2028), we offer either a part-time postdoctoral position or a position suitable for completing a doctoral thesis. Based in Leipzig in the Department of Ecotoxicology, you will work in an international team of scientists researching the effects of chemicals. A major focus of the project is the development of alternatives to animal testing.
Your tasks
* Compile and analyse animal test data
* Perform high-throughput cell culture analyses and evaluate complex datasets
* Investigate the predictive power of cell culture analyses and other alternative methods
* Present results in seminars, at conferences, and in project meetings, and contribute to the preparation of project reports
We offer
* Excellent supervision and optimal professional and interdisciplinary qualification through our HIGRADE graduate programme
* The freedom to master even the most demanding challenges between basic research and practical application
* The opportunity to work in interdisciplinary, international teams and benefit from a wide range of perspectives
* Firstclass integration into national and international research networks to work together on global challenges
* Excellent research infrastructure and research data management to optimally support your work
* A wide range of options for balancing care responsibilities and work through our family office
* Competent support and advice for international colleagues arriving at the UFZ from the 'International Office'
* Special annual payment, capital-forming benefits and subsidised Deutschland-Job-Ticket
* A workplace in a vibrant region with a high life quality and social and cultural diversity
Your profile
* A Master's degree or PhD in biology, biochemistry, life sciences, toxicology, or a related field
* Knowledge of statistical methods and data handling, preferably using R
* Ideally, experience with cell cultures and toxicological questions
* Ability to work in a multidisciplinary, international team
* Very good English language capacity, both written and spoken
* Experience in independently planning and conducting laboratory experiments
* Experience in presenting scientific results
Apply now
Application deadline: 15.12.2025
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