InstitutionFaculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Department of Biology, Institute of Cell and Systems Biology of Animals in collaboration with the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB) in Berlin

Salary levelEGR. 13 TV-L

Start date01.10.2025, fixed for a period of 24 months (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).

Application deadline13.07.2025

Scope of workfull-time position suitable for part-time

Your responsibilities

Duties include academic services in the project named above. Research associates may also pursue independent research and further academic qualifications.

The research assosiate will be a member of the DFG funded Research Training Group 2530 (Biota-mediated effects on Carbon cycling in Estuaries). This postdoctoral project is set to perform an overarching analysis to synthesis and prepare the molecular data for modelling purposes. The reserch associate will perform the annotation of sequence data for microbiome community analyses, identification of prevailing pathways and statistical analysis of regulated transcripts/pathways along the aquatic-terrestrial continuum. The task is to combine all molecular data of the doctoral projects from the three PhD cohorts of the RTG2530 to unravel spatial-temporal patterns in major pathways affected by key environmental variables such as salinity, seasons and tides. The postdoc will use existing bioinformatics tools and network-based integration of omics-data to decipher changes in organismic interactions and responses to future climate change in both terrestrial (e.g., plant rhizospheres) and aquatic sites (e.g., phycosphere and aggregates). Another important task will be the set up and annotation of sequence data of virus/phage, parasites and microeukaryotes of the Elbe Estuary to decipher the microbial unknowns and their potential ecological consequences following climate change predictions. The further development and implementation of the RTG Data Management Plan including the build up of the RTG2530 sequence database as the basis to provide sustainable data for future research is also a major task of the research associate.

Your profile

A university degree in a relevant field, plus doctorate.

University degree (PhD, Dr rer nat) in bioinformatics, informatics, biology or a relevant field. The applicant should have sound knowledge and experience in the methods of next generation sequencing techniques and their bioinformatic and statistical analysis. Experience in microbiome amplicon and complex shotgun sequence analyses, de novo assembly and microbial RNA-Seq data analysis are desirable. Further, knowledge in database build up and management is advisable. Team spirit, the ability of scientific writing and good communication skills are required. Good oral and written English skills are necessary.

We offer

• Reliable remuneration based on wage agreements
• Continuing education opportunities
• University pensions
• Attractive location
• Flexible working hours
• Work-life balance opportunities
• Health management, EGYM Wellpass
• Educational leave
• 30 days of vacation per annum

Universität Hamburg—University of Excellence is one of the strongest research educational institutions in Germany. Our work in research, teaching, educational and knowledge exchange activities is fostering the next generation of responsible global citizens ready to tackle the global challenges facing us. Our guiding principle "Innovating and Cooperating for a Sustainable Future in a digital age” drives collaboration with academic and nonacademic partner institutions in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region and around the world. We would like to invite you to be part of our community to work with us in creating sustainable and digital change for a dynamic and pluralist society.

The University of Hamburg is committed to equity. Diversity enriches our university life, whether in our studies, research, teaching, education, or workplace. We therefore welcome all applications, regardless of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic or social background, age, religion or belief, disability, or chronic illness.

Severely disabled and disabled applicants with the same status will receive preference over equally qualified non-disabled applicants.