The Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Frankfurt am Main is one of the largest universities in Germany with around 41,000 students and with about 5,800 employees. Founded in 1914 by Frankfurt citizens and since 2008 once again proud of its foundation status, Goethe University possesses a high degree of autonomy, modernity and professional diversity. As a comprehensive university, the Goethe University offers a total of 16 departments on five campuses and 155 degree programs along with an outstanding research reputation. Furthermore, the Goethe University is part of the Group of Rhine-Main-Universities (RMU).

In the Working group Computational Integrative Biodiversity (CIB) at the Center for Critical Computational Studies (C³S) , of the Goethe-University Frankfurt am Main there is a position as

The salary grade is based on the job characteristics of the collective agreement applicable to Goethe University (TV-G-U).

The "Center for Critical Computational Studies” (C³S) is an interdisciplinary scientific institution and, as such, a central research center of Goethe University (www.c3s-frankfurt.de). The mission of C³S is to establish and enhance the profile of "Critical Computational Studies” as an inter- and transdisciplinary research field with international visibility. In this context, C³S is active in teaching, research, and knowledge transfer. As an interdisciplinary scientific institution of Goethe University, the center provides opportunities to bring together researchers from all departments, academic cultures, disciplines, and thematic areas within the context of "Critical Computational Studies,” and to foster both national and international networking. C³S is committed to scientific excellence and to the guidelines for ensuring good scientific practice, as well as to promoting and supporting the early independence of researchers at the early stages of their careers.

The newly established research group "Computational Integrative Biodiversity” (CIB) combines modern computational modeling with biodiversity theory as well as geohistorical and climatological data. We investigate how biodiversity emerges, persists, and changes across spatial and temporal scales – and how it interacts with historical and current environmental and societal transformations. Our work bridges Earth system science, macroecology, evolutionary ecology, and process-based modeling. We value interdisciplinarity, discovery-driven research, and a critical approach to modeling assumptions. More information about the group's research can be found at www.hagen.bio.

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher in the field of mechanistic modeling of biodiversity to complement our team in research and teaching. The position offers the opportunity to develop an independent research line – including high-impact publications, acquisition of third-party funding, and supervision of students.

Your tasks include, among others:

• Collaboration in research and teaching at the Chair for Computational Integrative Biodiversity (CIB), with a focus on connecting modern computational modeling with biodiversity theory, geohistorical and climatological data
• Independent research on interactions between climate and biodiversity, potentially with interdisciplinary extensions
• Application and further development of innovative modeling approaches for studying the dynamics of biodiversity and ecosystems, as well as empirical quantitative methods in natural sciences
• Contribution to the integration of geohistorical, climatic, ecological, and evolutionary data
• active participation in shaping the collaborative, interdisciplinary, and inclusive teaching and research field of Computational Integrative Biodiversity, interdisciplinary cooperation, and outreach activities
• Support in acquiring third-party funding and writing grant proposals
• Research in the thematic area of Computational Integrative Biodiversity
• Support of teaching units for the Chair of Mechanistic/Process-Oriented modelling of Biodiversity and Ecosystems (e. g., leading tutorials and exercises, contributing to specialized courses, proposing topics for teaching events, grading of exams) in accordance with higher education law.

We expect from you:

• a completed completed scientific university degree (diploma or master) and a PhD in biology, ecology, macroecology, environmental sciences, geoinformatics, paleobiology, geoecology, evolutionary research, or a related field
• Experience in computational modeling, analysis of ecological or evolutionary data, or causal inference
• Proficiency in model calibration, parameterization, simulation experiments, and output analysis
• very good programming skills in at least one language (e. g., R, Python, C++, or Julia)
• a strong interest in interdisciplinary work (e. g., demonstrated through a master’s thesis/internship/etc.) at the interface of climate, ecology, and informatics
• scientific curiosity, independent thinking, and team spirit
• Willingness to travel for work (e. g., conferences) is expected
• Ability to think conceptually, strategically, and analytically
• very good command of English, both written and spoken (knowledge of German is an advantage but not a requirement)
• a solid publication record in international peer-reviewed journals

Goethe University, as a family-friendly employer, offers flexible working hours, its own collective agreement, and currently a free LandesTicket Hessen for public transportation. The workplace is currently located on the Westend Campus, one of the most modern and beautiful university campuses in Germany, in the heart of Frankfurt am Main, with a park-like setting and good public transport connections.

The Goethe University is committed to a policy of providing equal employment opportunities for both men and women alike, and therefore encourages particularly women to apply for the position/s offered. Individuals with severe disability will be prioritized in case of equal aptitiude and ability.

Please send your application by 12.11.2025 , together with the usual documents (including cover letter, CV, publication list, information on third-party funding, a short motivation letter regarding your research and teaching interests, and contact details of two references) to Prof. Dr. Oskar Hagen by e-mail to application@c3s.uni-frankfurt.de (subject: CIB_2025_C³S). Please do not send original documents, as application materials will not be returned. We ask that you submit your application as a single compiled PDF file, not exceeding 5 MB.