Postdoctoral Researcher: Ecologist

The University Duisburg-Essen (UDE) is seeking at the Faculty of Biology, Department of River and Floodplain Ecology, with place of employment being in Gelnhausen (Senckenberg Society for Nature Research) a Postdoctoral Researcher (Ecologist)

The German Research Foundation (DFG) has extended the funding for the Collaborative Research Centre (CRC) 1439 “Multilevel response to stressor increase and release in stream ecosystems (RESIST)” for another four years, starting on January 1st, 2025, comprising 20 different research projects. The applicant will become part of this CRC and will specifically being assigned to the research project “Recovery processes of riverine organism groups (benthic invertebrates, diatoms and fish) from different modes and severities of degradation”.

Your main tasks

Within the before mentioned project, your tasks include (1) multidecadal trend analyses in benthic invertebrate metacommunity structure at two model catchments during different stages of recovery, (2) examining drivers and pattern of recovery trajectories of benthic invertebrate communities at the Central European scale, and (3) analysing and comparing trajectories of three different riverine organism groups (benthic invertebrates, fish, diatoms) also at the Central European scale. For this we will provide unique data in unprecedented resolution for different river taxonomic groups, traits and environmental parameters.

Your profile

  • PhD in Ecology or a related field,
  • a solid background in metacommunity theory,
  • macro- ecology and zoology (preferably invertebrates),
  • advanced skills in statistical analyses of large ecological datasets using R,
  • a strong track record of international publications and
  • excellent written and oral communication and project presentation skills in English.

The offer

  • An attractive, responsible and challenging position in a globally recognized research institution with motivated and professional colleagues.
  • Flexible working hours – family-friendly working conditions.
  • Working environment with respectful, appreciative cooperation.
  • Pleasant working atmosphere in an international team.
  • Home office possibilities.

Note that the place of employment will be at Senckenberg in Gelnhausen (close to Frankfurt), Germany. The Senckenberg Society for Nature Research, an institution of the Leibniz Association with almost 800 employees, operates seven research institutes across Germany and conducts research in the fields of biodiversity, Earth system analysis and climate change.

Further details

  • Start Date as soon as possible
  • Contract Duration 2 years with an option for extension
  • Working Hours 100 %
  • Application Deadline 2025-03-13

Please send your electronic application with the usual documents (in a single pdf document) to Prof. Peter Haase, e-mail peter.haase@senckenberg.de, quoting the reference number 089-25.
You can find information about the Department of River and Floodplain Ecology at https://www.senckenberg.de/en/institutes/senckenberg-research-institute-natural-history-museum-frankfurt/division-river-ecology-and-conservation/