Postdoctoral researcher (all genders welcome)

At the University of Göttingen -Public Law Foundation-, DNPW – Abt. Agrarökologie & Funktionelle Agrobiodiversität, there is a position as

to be filled. Starting date is 9/1/2026. The position is limited to 12 months.

The position is part of the research project “Measuring biodiversity with intelligent acoustic sensors (BioIntAkt)” (https://www.biointakt.de). BioIntAkt is funded within the Research Initiative for the Conservation of Biodiversity (FEdA) by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. The transdisciplinary and applied project aims at the development of a smart acoustic sensor system for the monitoring of insect biodiversity. We will develop and validate an artificial intelligence solution for insect monitoring based on acoustic signatures that can be integrated in citizen science applications.
The full-time position should be filled by September 1, 2026 and it is limited for 12 months. The salary is in accordance with the German public service salary scale (TV-L E13) with 100%, which corresponds to 39.8 working hours per week. The position is suitable for part-time work but requires occasionally full working days.

Your profile
We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist with experience in automated biodiversity monitoring using artificial intelligence (AI). Applicants must hold a completed university degree (Master’s degree) and hold a PhD or are about to complete their PhD in biology, ecology, agricultural sciences or related disciplines. Strong statistical knowledge, programming skills (R, Python), and broad taxonomic knowledge of insects, preferably Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera and Syrphids, will be considered an asset. A valid Class B driving licence and fluency in written and spoken German and English is required, together with an excellent publication record. The successful candidate will have experience in university teaching or supervision of Master’s and Bachelor’s theses.

Your tasks
•          Analyses of combined insect sound recordings and camera trap videos using artificial intelligence
•          Monitoring of insects with transect walks, passive acoustic monitoring and camera traps in flower fields and other habitats
•          Writing scientific publications
•          Co-supervision of Master’s and Bachelor’s theses
•          Teaching practical courses and seminars with focus on agroecology
•          Support of general project tasks and activities

Your application
Please upload your application in English including a letter of motivation highlighting also your research background and experience, your CV with a publication list, copies of your certificates and contact information of at least two references exclusively via the application portal of the University of Göttingen. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Mina Anders (mina.anders@uni-goettingen.de) or Prof. Dr. Catrin Westphal  (catrin.westphal@uni-goettingen.de), further information can be found on our homepage: www.agrobiodiversity.uni-goettingen.de
 

The University of Göttingen is an equal opportunities employer and places particular emphasis on fostering career opportunities for women. Qualified women are therefore strongly encouraged to apply in fields in which they are underrepresented. The university has committed itself to being a family-friendly institution and supports their employees in balancing work and family life. The University is particularly committed to the professional participation of severely disabled employees and therefore welcomes applications from severely disabled people. In the case of equal qualifications, applications from people with severe disabilities will be given preference. A disability or equality is to be included in the application in order to protect the interests of the applicant.

Please upload your application in one pdf file including the usual documents until 7/15/2026 on the application portal of the university using this link: http://obp.uni-goettingen.de/de-de/OBF/Index/76555. For more information get in touch with Prof. Dr. Catrin Westphal directly via E-Mail: catrin.westphal@uni-goettingen.de, Tel. +49551 3928275 .

Please note:
With submission of your application, you accept the processing of your applicant data in terms of data-protection law. Further information on the legal basis and data usage is provided in the Information General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)