Research Associate for the Project “Don’t fear the reaper – the role of apoptosis in controlling phytoplankton populations in a changing world” § 28 Subsection 3 HmbHG

Institution: Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Department of Biology, Institute of Marine Ecosystem and Fishery Science (IMF)

Salary level: EGR. 13 TV-L

Start date: as soon as possible, fixed until 31.08.2029 (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).

Application deadline: 2026-08-27

Scope of work: full-time position suitable for part-time

Your responsibilities

Duties primarily include teaching and research. Research associates may also pursue further academic qualifications outside of their work responsibilities.

The post-doctoral researcher will be a member of the lab of Phytoplankton Ecology and Evolution at the Institute of Marine Ecosystem and Fishery Science within the University of Hamburg. They will investigate the role of apoptosis in diatom evolutionary responses to environmental drivers. As such, they will aim to disentangle now nitride oxide signaling, and biofilm formation contribute to aspects of programmed cell death in a model marine diatom under climate change.

Teaching of 4 LVS.

Your profile

A university degree in a relevant field plus doctorate.

The successful candidate must hold a PhD or equivalent in evolutionary biology or ecology & evolution. They will need to have experience in handling naïve phytoplankton cultures and those from long-term culture under sterile conditions. They further must have some experience in phytoplankton phenotyping, for example flow cytometry, FRRF, or methods for measuring photosynthesis and respiration rates. Having experience with experimental evolution is of great advantage. They should be familiar with analysing large datasets (ideally in R, Matlab, or Python), speak and write English to a high level, and be able to work well in a diverse team. A very good understanding of aquatic ecosystems is of advantage as is experience with routine molecular biology tasks (DNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, qPCR, amplicon sequencing).

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.

Notice regarding the background check under Section 34a of the Hamburg security clearance act (Gesetz zur Regelung der Sicherheitsüberprüfungen, HmbSÜG): On behalf of the person chosen in the selection procedure, this office submits an inquiry to the state office for the protection of the constitution (Landesamt für Verfassungsschutz) regarding any available findings/information which meet the statutory requirements ( and ).

Instructions for applying

Contact

Elisa Schaum

Location

Olbersweg 24
22767 Hamburg

Reference number

219

Application deadline

2026-08-27

Use only the online application form to submit your application with the following documents:

• cover letter
• CV
• copies of degree certificate(s)

If you experience technical problems, send an email to .

More information on in selection procedures.