The Faculty of Biology at Bielefeld University is currently seeking a motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Department of Chemical Ecology to investigate the role of natural products in species communication and ecological interactions.
Research Position (Postdoc) at Bielefeld University, Germany
Position Overview
| Category | Details |
| Designation | Research Position (Postdoc) |
| Job ID | Wiss26210 |
| Employment Type | Full-time |
| Duration | Fixed-term (3 years, with option to extend) |
| Salary | Remuneration level 13 TV-L |
| Location | Bielefeld, Germany |
| Application Deadline | 29.07.2026 |
Research Area
The department investigates how natural products facilitate communication between plants, herbivorous insects, and their antagonists, as well as symbiotic partners like pollinators and fungi. This research focuses on how global change factors influence these interactions using chemical-analytical methods, physiological assessments, and behavioral studies.
Job Description
The successful candidate will focus on the individual differences in the composition of specialized plant metabolites (chemodiversity) and their impacts on interacting organisms.
- Research (70%): Conduct research on plant metabolites in interactions between plants, microorganisms, or insects using chemical-analytical methods (including GC-MS), bioassays, and fieldwork. This includes data analysis and preparing high-quality publications and grant applications.
- Teaching (25%): Participate in departmental teaching courses and student supervision.
- Other (5%): Organizational tasks, including maintenance of GC-MS equipment.
Eligibility & Qualifications
Required:
- Completed PhD in Biology or a related field.
- Experience in chemical-ecological research methods and/or metabolomics.
- Solid knowledge of chemical analysis using GC-MS.
- Strong statistical analysis skills, specifically using R (multivariate analysis).
- Peer-reviewed publications in ecology/chemical ecology.
- Excellent written and spoken English skills.
- Independent and dedicated work ethic with strong organizational skills.
Preferred:
- Experience in plant chemical diversity research and LC-MS.
- Fieldwork experience in ecology.
- Teaching experience in ecology.
- Very good written and spoken German skills.
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted via the official online application form (click the “Apply now” button on the webpage).
Contact:
Prof. Dr. Caroline Müller
Email: caroline.mueller@uni-bielefeld.de
Phone: 0521 106-5524
Bielefeld University is an equal-opportunity employer and encourages applications from women and qualified handicapped individuals.
