The RESIST Collaborative Research Centre at the University of Duisburg-Essen (Essen Campus) is seeking a PhD researcher in Ecotoxicological Modelling to investigate how environmental stressors affect freshwater ecosystems.
Background
The RESIST Collaborative Research Centre investigates how stressors individually and in combination affect the biodiversity and functions of streams and rivers, and how previously stressed ecosystems recover. RESIST investigates the effects of stressors on all components of the food web of running waters (from viruses to fish) and on ecosystem functions. Field studies, large collaborative mesocosm experiments, a wide range of analytical (especially genomic) and modelling methods are used.
The doctoral researcher will be embedded in Project A18, which investigates how stressor effects at the individual level scale up to population and community responses. The project combines empirical analyses, meta-analyses, and mechanistic modelling to quantify the role of physiological tolerance, dispersal, and biotic interactions (Asymmetric Response Concept, ARC) under both degradation and recovery scenarios.
Your main tasks
- Develop and apply mechanistic models to investigate stressor effects from individuals to populations and communities.
- Analyse and synthesize ecological and ecotoxicological data, including meta-analytical approaches.
- Evaluate the relative importance of key ecological processes (e.g. physiological tolerance, dispersal, biotic interactions) using modelling and empirical data.
- Contribute to scientific publications and interdisciplinary collaboration within the Coordinated Research Centre
Your profile
- Above-average university master’s degree in environmental sciences, ecology, ecotoxicology, physics, applied mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
- Strong interest in mechanistic modelling of ecological or ecotoxicological processes.
- Experience with programming (preferably R; Python or similar advantageous).
- Background in population and community ecology, ecological modelling, or environmental stress biology is desirable.
- Experience with meta-analysis, statistical modelling, or handling large datasets is advantageous.
- Excellent command of written and spoken English.
- High degree of self-initiative, analytical thinking, creativity, and ability to work collaboratively.
The successful candidate is expected to pursue a cumulative PhD within the framework of the project.
We offer you
- An interesting PhD topic under excellent supervision at one of the world’s most prestigious research institutions in the field of water research
- Varied, multifaceted area of responsibility in a lively working environment with international exchange
- Working environment with respectful, appreciative cooperation
- Pleasant working atmosphere in a dynamic team
- Opportunity to pursue a doctorate in the CRC graduate school with numerous support programmes
- Family friendliness through childcare facilities for your children
- Counselling for family care responsibilities
- Wide range of further education and training programmes, individual induction training
- Excellent public transport connections and free parking spaces
- Attractive sports and health programmes (university sports)
- home office possibilities
Start of employment: as soon as possible
Duration of employment: 3 years
Working time: 25 h 53 min (65 %)
Application deadline: 2026-08-06
Location: Essen
Application
Please send your electronic application with the usual documents, quoting reference number 324-26, to Prof. Dr. Bernd Sures, University of Duisburg-Essen, Department Aquatic Ecology, 45141 Essen, Email: bernd.sures@uni-due.de
More information about the position can be found on the UDE Career portal