Foto: Clemens Heidrich
Universität Hildesheim Stiftung des öffentlichen Rechts
Job advertisement
Reference number 2025/63 (english)
The Department of Zoology and Animal Ecology at the Department for Natural Sciences, Mathematics, Economy and Computer Science offers a full-time
Scientific Assistant position (m/f/d)
(TV-L E 13, 100%)
initially until 30 September 2026 (higher academic qualification position, 4 LVS). The employment contract will include a target agreement on a qualification goal, upon achievement, there is the option of a subsequent employment contract as a research assistant - (m/f/d), TV-L E13, 100%, 10 LVS, limited until 30 April 2031. The position is comparable to a Lecturer position in the UK or an Assistant Professor position in the US.
The Department of Zoology and Animal Ecology was founded in January 2025 and its research will be situated at the interface between behavior, ecology, and evolutionary biology. We will investigate how animals, in particular small mammals, adapt to their environment and how they cope with environmental change from the individual to population-level. We plan to establish research roads investigating wildlife responses to changing environments as well as studying the proximate mechanisms underlying particularly fast adjustment processes. Further information can be found under:
We seek a bright and highly motivated postdoctoral researcher who ideally already has postdoc experience in a relevant topic (e.g. animal behaviour, behavioural ecology, population ecology, evolutionary ecology) with vertebrates, ideally with small mammals. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing an own research agenda. It is expected that he/she will be able to obtain significant third-party research funding. The ideal candidate will be able to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

ADDITIONAL DESIRED SKILLS:

• demonstrated publication record
• ability to conduct research autonomously
• strong communication skills and enthusiasm for working as part of an interdisciplinary and international team
• independent, self-reliant and dedicated style of work
• strong organizational and coordination skills
• ability to cooperate and to work in a team
  Remune
  Salary will be paid according to Remuneration level 13 of the Wage Agreement for Public Service in the Federal States (TV-L). As stipulated in § 2 (1) sentence 2 of the WissZeitVG (fixed-term employment), the initial contract will be limited to 30.09.2026 with the option of extension until 30.04.2031 upon fulfilment of the target agreement. In accordance with the provisions of the WissZeitVG and the Agreement on Satisfactory Conditions of Employment, the length of contract may differ in individual cases.
  As a family-friendly university, we offer a varied, interdisciplinary range of tasks, flexible working hours, regular further education and training and an annual special payment in line with the TV-L. You can expect a dynamic, committed and open-minded team. The position is generally suitable for part-time work, but must be filled in full.
  The University of Hildesheim has adopted a mission statement that places great importance on gender equality and diversity.
  The University of Hildesheim particularly wants to promote the professional equality of women and men. Therefore, it aims to increase the proportion of employees of the gender that is underrepresented in the respective area.
  In the case of equal qualification and suitability, applications from applicants with severe disabilities will be given preferential consideration. (Proof of disability must be enclosed.)
  For questions please contact Prof. Dr. Anja Guenther under phone number.: (+49) 5121/883-40704 or via E-Mail: .
  Please apply before 16.03.2025 using the reference no 2025/63 (english) via the online career portal. Click („online application“) on the bottom of the screen.
  The preferred start date is May 1st 2025 but is flexible and will depend on the timeframe of the most qualified applicant. Your application shall include a letter of motivation addressing your qualifications and a statement of research and professional goals (3-5 pages), a curriculum vitae, including a publication list, names and contact information for three referees, who would be willing to write confidential letters of recommendation and relevant certificates.
  This is a translation. The original job posting in German is authoritative and available unde

The position generally serves the purpose of higher scientific qualification and the acquisition of further academic achievements and thus the promotion of young scientists (FwN). Specific associated tasks are:

• The development of an independent research project in one of the core areas of the department (urban ecology, individual differences, phenotypic plasticity) and the associated application for funding for a third-party funded project, e.g. with the DFG (as a possible qualification goal by 09/26)
• Presentations of scientific results at (inter-)national conferences
• preparation of scientific publications
• teaching (4 hours per week) inclduing supervision of Bacherlor- and Mastertheses
• Willingness to undergo further training in higher education didactics is expected
• academic self-administration and organisational tasks within the research group
• responsibilities within animal experiments (stellvertretender Tierversuchsleiter)