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Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena

Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena
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Jena
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Job advertisement

Vacancy ID: 210/2026
Closing date: 2026-09-01

The Friedrich Schiller University Jena is a dynamic and innovation-driven university centrally located in Germany. With a broad range of disciplines, it shapes the future through excellent research and teaching. Its scientific excellence is reflected in the profile areas Light – Life – Liberty, which provide pioneering insights and sustainable solutions for the society of tomorrow. Through close collaborations with leading research institutions, innovative companies, and renowned cultural organizations, it advances interdisciplinary developments. With around 17,000 students and approximately 10,000 employees, it defines Jena as a vibrant, internationally connected city of science and innovation.

The Plant Biodiversity Group, Institute of Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution (Faculty of Biological Sciences) invites applications for the position of a

Doctoral Researcher in plant functional biodiversity

commencing on November 1, 2026 or at the earliest possible date.

We offer a 50% position (20 hours per week), limited to 3 years. The place of work will be Jena – City of Science.

The Plant Biodiversity Group studies the impact of environmental changes such as land-use and climate on the (functional) plant diversity on various temporal and spatial scales. Mainly we study processes, which impact species-occurrences and plant species performance in different environments and consequences of change on the (functional) composition of (mainly grassland) plant communities. Within the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig we coordinate the PhenObs project focussing on developing a deeper understanding of variations in plant phenology and their ecological consequences using a functional approach (). Furthermore, the working group is part of the new Senckenberg Institute for Plant Form and Function (SIP) Jena. Here we set the focus on analysing functional changes of plants and plant communities in the Anthropocene, also using collection-based approaches. The Plant Biodiversity Group contributes to teaching in the BSc Biology, BSc Biogeoscience and MSc Evolution, Ecology and Systematics focussing on geobotany, vegetation ecology as well as functional biodiversity.

Your responsibilities:

  • The successful candidate will work on a PhD thesis in the field of plant functional biodiversity, with a specific focus on understanding changes in grassland communities in response to changes in management and climate and including collection-based approaches
  • Writing and publishing scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals
  • Teaching (2 LVS per semester): field courses in geobotany including data analysis, courses on functional plant diversity and vegetation ecology

Your profile:

  • completed MSc degree in biology or related fields with expertise in plant biodiversity, plant ecology, and geobotany
  • solid knowledge in vegetation ecology including plant species identification skills
  • experience in doing vegetation relevés, measuring functional traits and the application of modern statistical analyses are needed for teaching
  • Excellent German communication skills, both written and spoken are required for basic teaching in BSc Biology and BSc Biogeosciences
  • Excellent English communication skills, both written and spoken
  • Enthusiasm to play an active role in the working group
  • Driver’s license would be very advantageous

We offer:

  • The possibility to work on a PhD thesis in the field of (functional) plant biodiversity and interest in grassland systems as well as nature conservation questions
  • A communicative atmosphere within a lively working group
  • Close links to the Senckenberg Institute for Plant Form and Function Jena and the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig
  • An international scientific network of working groups, universities and research institutes provides top-level research facilities and infrastructure
  • A family-friendly working environment with a variety of offers for families, and University health promotion including a wide range of University sports activities
  • Remuneration based on the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Federal States (TV-L) at salary scale E13 — depending on the candidate’s personal qualifications—, including a special annual payment in accordance with the collective agreement
  • 30 days of vacation per calendar year plus two days off on December 24 and 31

FSU Jena seeks to increase the number of women in those research areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourage women to apply. Candidates with severe disabilities will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications and suitability.

Questions can be directed to Prof. Dr. Christine Römermann (christine.roemermann@uni-jena.de).

Are you eager to work with us? Then apply by 01 September 2026 using our online form. All applications should be given in English as one PDF document and include:

  • Cover letter (describing your motivation for the position, your research interests, and relevant experiences),
  • Curriculum vitae (including contact details of at least two scientific references), and
  • Digital copies of M.Sc. certificates and others

For further information for applicants and the information on the collection of personal data, please refer to