Doktorand:in im Rahmen des Projekts „TRAITWEB: Aufklärung darüber, wie Artenmerkmale und Umweltgradienten die Struktur von Nahrungsnetzen weltweit beeinflussen“

The German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig is a world-leading centre for biodiversity science and focuses on understanding biodiversity on our planet. Founded in 2012 with funding from the German Research Foundation (DFG), iDiv has since grown to over 300 employees and 170 members. iDiv is largely funded by the three central German states of Saxony-Anhalt, Thuringia and Saxony. Their three universities in Halle, Jena and Leipzig operate the research centre in cooperation with the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research GmbH – UFZ. More information about iDiv: www.idiv.de.
The advertised position is based in the research group Theory in Biodiversity Science of Prof. Ulrich Brose – the Ecological Networks Lab (EcoNetLab). We seek to fill the position of a

Doctoral Researcher
on the project “TRAITWEB: Unraveling how species traits and environmental
gradients shape food-web architecture worldwide”

commencing on 01 April 2027 or shortly thereafter.
We offer a part-time position (65%, 26 hours per week), fixed-term for three years. Workplace will be at iDiv in Leipzig.

Ecological Networks Lab (EcoNetLab) is one of the research groups at iDiv (Theory in Biodiversity Science). The research topics covered include (i) describing natural communities by ecological networks comprising the species and their trait-based interactions and (ii) understanding metacommunities as spatial networks of habitat patches linked by animal movement. Thereby, we aim to understand environmental and anthropogenic constraints on biodiversity as well as the consequences of biodiversity change for ecosystem functions. More information on the working group is available at www.idiv.de/econetlab.

Research topic:
Who eats whom and how does global change reshape these interactions? Join us in exploring the ecological networks that sustain biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Natural communities form complex webs of interacting species. Understanding these networks is essential for predicting how ecosystems respond to global change. Yet, much of our knowledge comes from a few well-studied systems, limiting our ability to predict responses across the world’s diverse ecosystems. Funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), this project aims to predict predator-prey interactions from species traits and environmental conditions. You will investigate the ecological and behavioural mechanisms that determine who eats whom, uncover how these interactions shape food webs, and explore how environmental variation and global change alter their structure with consequences for biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. This project offers an opportunity to connect fundamental ecological questions with pressing environmental challenges. Your research will help advance ecological network models, improve predictions of ecosystem vulnerability, and provide a scientific basis for protecting biodiversity in a changing world. If you are curious about species interactions and eager to understand the consequences of global change, we would love to hear from you.

Your responsibilities:

• You develop a research agenda based on a proposal funded by the German Research Foundation DFG
• You complement the work program of the proposal with your own ideas on how predator-prey interactions and food-web structure are influenced by species traits and environmental conditions
• You work with ecological databases and computer code (e.g. R or C++) to model ecological networks
• You write scientific papers in internationally peer-reviewed journals
• You present your research at national and international meetings and conferences

Your profile:

• A scientific University degree (Master’s / Diploma) in biology, ecology, or a similar discipline
• Advanced knowledge of ecological theory and concepts (e.g., metabolic scaling, food webs, animal movement, meta-populations or meta-communities)
• Proficiency in a programming language (R , C++, or similar)
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English
• Motivation to be a proactive team player in an international research consortium
• Flexibility and good organizational skills, hands-on mentality

We offer:

• An intellectually stimulating, independent and varied scientific activity with creative opportunities
• An international, English-speaking research environment with regular integrative group activities and a collaborative atmosphere
• A broad scientific network which offers ample opportunities for collaborations within iDiv and beyond
• Participation in our targeted iDiv Graduate School program which offers workshops, coaching, mentoring and networking events on career development for PhDs
• A modern, family-friendly working environment, attractive working conditions (mobile work, flexible working hours) and an employer pension scheme
• Remuneration based on the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Federal States (TV-L) up to 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

The advertised position is offered as a fixed-term position for a maximum of 3 years.

If you have any questions about the position, please do not hesitate to contact Prof. Dr. Ulrich Brose at: ulrich.brose@uni-jena.de.

Candidates with severe disabilities will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications and suitability

All applications should include:

• Cover letter in English describing the motivation for the project, research interests, and relevant experience
• Complete curriculum vitae including names and contact details of at least two scientific references
• A digital copy of MA/BA/Diploma certificates

Are you eager to work for us? Then apply by January 3rd 2027 using our online form.

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

Online application