Research Position (m/f/d) (Postdoc)

• Start: as soon as possible
• Vergütung: salary according to remuneration level 13 TV-L
• Umfang: Vollzeit
• Befristung: befristet ((2 years))
• Arbeitsort: Bielefeld

The Department of Evolutionary Biology explores how organisms‘ traits and behaviours evolve in response to environmental and social challenges with the aim of understanding the evolutionary processes shaping adaptation. The focus of the DFG project based in the Department of Evolutionary Biology is to investigate how individuals balance cooperation and competition when making collective decisions that influence dispersal success and survival. Collective dispersal is widespread across the tree of life, yet the evolutionary conflict between individual and group interests remains a fundamental and still incompletely understood question within the behavioural biology. This project provides an opportunity to establish a powerful model system for studying how collective behaviours evolve, by using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as an experimentally tractable model. Broadly, the project combines behavioural experiments, quantitative analyses with diverse natural populations to investigate how social interactions, genetic relatedness, and phenotypic plasticity influence how individuals adjust dispersal strategies under changing ecological conditions.

Ihre Aufgaben

• Research tasks (95 %):
  • Design, preparation, conduct and optimisation of behavioural biology experiments to address the project´s research objectives
  • Contribution to the substantive development of the project’s scientific direction and pursuance of independent research questions aligned with the project’s overarching objectives
  • Analysis and interpretation of behavioural and experimental data using quantitative approaches
  • Preparation of scientific manuscripts for publication in international journals
  • Presentation of research findings at national and international conferences
  • Contribution to outreach activities aimed at communicating reserach findings to broader audiences
• Other tasks (5 %):
  • Contribution to the laboratory organisation for conducting project-related experiments

The employment is conducive to academic qualification; opportunities for (further) academic qualification are provided.

Ihr Profil

• completed scientific university degree (e. g. Master or equivalent) in Evolutionary Biology, Ecology, Zoology, Animal Behaviour, Behvioural Ecology or any related field
• completed PhD in Evolutionary Biology, Ecology, Zoology, Animal Behviour, Behavioural Ecology or any related field
• experience wih hypothesis-driven research
• proven experience in designing and conducting experimental research
• quantitative data analysis skills and proficiency in R, Python and/or MATLAB
• very good written and spoken English language skills
• strong analytical and critical thinking skills with careful attention to experimental design and data quality
• ability and willingness to perform long behavioural experiments requiring patience and precision
• independent, self-reliant and dedicated style of work
• motivation and communication skills for an effective cooperation within an interdisciplinary and international research team
• experience with invertebrate model systems, particularly nematodes
• experience with fluorescence microscopy, image analysis, automated tracking, or genetic approaches
• Publication record commensurate with career stage

Wir bieten

• internal and external training opportunities
• variety of health, consulting and prevention services
• reconcilability of family and work
• flexible working hours
• 30 days holiday
• good transport connection
• supplementary company pension
• collegial working environment
• open and pleasant working atmosphere
• exciting, varied tasks
• modern work environment with digital processes
• various offers (canteen, cafeteria, restaurants, Uni-Shop, ATM, etc.)

We are looking forward to receiving your application. To apply, please preferably use our online form via the application button below.