registration number:
fb17-0014-wmz-2026
Entry date: from 2026-10-01
Application deadline: 2026-08-02
Salary: E 13 TV-H
Duration:
2 years
Volume of employment: fulltime
The University of Marburg, founded in 1527, offers a variety of excellent programs of study for around 22,000 students and confronts the important topics of our time through excellent research across a broad spectrum of sciences.
The Department of Biology, research group “EvoEcoPlants”, Prof. Dr. Robert R. Junker is currently accepting applications for a
Postdoc
The position is offered for a period of initially 2 years, if no former times of qualification must be considered. The starting date is 1st October 2026. The position is fulltime with salary and benefits commensurate with a public service position in the state Hesse, Germany (TV-H E 13).
Global change threatens the diversity and functionality of microorganisms, which are essential for ecosystem functions and services. However, microorganisms are currently largely overlooked in nature conservation efforts. The successful candidate will establish an empirical foundation to substantiate the need for microbial conservation or to evaluate the effectiveness of conservation measures. This can be achieved through field or laboratory observations and experiments, or through bioinformatic analyses of data from publicly accessible repositories.
Tasks:
- Conducting research and shaping a project area on the topic of "microbial conservation" in collaboration with Prof. Junker
- Contributing to academic management and handling organizational tasks within the research group and related projects
- Participation in university teaching
- (Co-)supervising student theses (B.Sc. / M.Sc.) as well as PhD candidates
The position will be filled by a temporary contract that is limited to the period which is necessary to gain further scientific expertise (such as the preparation for a subsequent qualification period). Within the entrusted tasks the opportunity for independent scientific work to obtain further personal qualification is given. The limitation of the contract complies to Section 2(1) of the German Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act (WissZeitVG).
Profile:
- A completed university degree (Master’s, Diploma or equivalent) and a successfully completed PhD in Biology, Environmental Sciences or a related discipline.
- Sound expertise in at least one (or several) of the following areas:
- Plant-microbiome interactions
- Experimental microbial ecology (field and/or laboratory work)
- Molecular and microbiological laboratory methods
- Bioinformatics (preferably with a focus on high-throughput amplicon sequencing or metagenomics)
- A relevant track record of publications related to the topic of this call (in a broader sense)
- Excellent skills of written and spoken English; teaching can be conducted in either German or English (knowledge of German is desirable / advantageous)
- Strong commitment to supervising students and mentoring early-career researchers.
- A collaborative team player with a passion for interdisciplinary work and the motivation to actively contribute to the research group
The willingness to pursue further academic qualification is expected.
We offer:
- Innovative Research Environment: A highly topical, forward-looking research area with ample scope to develop and implement your own ideas and methods
- Motivating Team Culture: A collaborative, appreciative and international working environment within a dedicated and engaged research group
- Flexibility: Flexible working hours and support in balancing family and career (including the option of partial remote/hybrid work, where applicable)
- Professional Development
- Occupational Pension Scheme (VBL)
Contact for more Information Prof. Dr. Robert R. Junker
+49 6421-28 22434
We support women and strongly encourage them to apply. In areas where women are underrepresented, female applicants will be preferred in case of equal qualifications. As a certified family-friendly university, we support our employees in balancing family and career. A reduction of working time is possible. as discribed in the Social Security Code (Section 2(2) and (3) of Book IX of the Social Security Code (SGB IX)) will be preferred in case of equal qualifications. Application and interview costs can not be refunded.
Please apply by 2nd August 2026 using the application-button below.