Research Position (PhD candidate)

The Falulty of Biology, Department of Theoretical Biology, has the following job opening:

Research Position (PhD candidate)

ID: Wiss26250

• starting: as soon as possible
• part-time 65 %
• salary according to Remuneration level 13 TV-L
• fixed-term

The department of Theoretical Biology works on mathematical modelling and computer simulations to address ecological and evolutionary questions. In this context, the dynamics of small populations as well as the causes and consequences of biodiversity, especially of individual differences within a species, are of particular interest.

Your Tasks

Research tasks 70 %):

• development of mathematical models, statistical models and/or computer simulations
• writing scientific publications
   

Examples of possible research topics:

• consequences of individual differences within a species for population dynamics, e. g. establishment of species in new locations, extinction processes and survivial
• consequences of individual differences for eco-evolutionary dynamics of interacting species in a changing environment
• models for evolution of genetic and phenotypic variance
• effects of fluctuating selection on genome-wide genetic diversity
   

The exact definition of the research topic will be discussed with the successful candidate.
 

Teaching tasks (25% %):

• participation in developing and teaching courses of the Faculty of Biology (2,6 contact hours per week)
• individual supervision of students as part of project modules or final theses
   
   

Other tasks (5 %):

• organisational tasks in the working area
   

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

Your Profile

We expect

• completed scientific university degree (e. g. Master or equivalent) in Biology, Mathematics, Bioinformatics or any other relevant natural science
• interest in both biological and mathematical issues
• knowledge of at least one programming language
• very good written and spoken scientific English
• independent, self-reliant and dedicated style of work
• motivation and communication skills for collaborative work in a diverse and interdisciplinary team

Preferred experience and skills

• experience with mathematical modelling
• knowledge of ecology and evolution
• initial experiences in leading exercise sessions/tutorials
• ability to teach in German

We offer

• salary according to Remuneration level 13 TV-L
• fixed-term (3 years) (§ 2(1) sentence 1 of the WissZeitVG; 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)
• part-time 65 %

• internal and external training opportunities
• variety of health, consulting and prevention services
• reconcilability of family and work
• flexible working hours
• 30 days holiday and additional days off on 24.12. and 31.12.
• good transport connection
• supplementary company pension
• collegial working environment
• open and pleasant working atmosphere
• exciting, varied tasks

Application Procedure

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

application deadline: 14.08.2026

Bielefeld University has received a number of awards for its achievements as an equal-opportunity employer and has been
recognized as a family-friendly university. The university welcomes applications from women. This is particularly true with regard
both to academic and technical posts as well as positions in information technology as well as the skilled crafts and trades.
Applications are handled according to the provisions of the state statutes on equal opportunity. Applications from suitably qualified
handicapped and severely handicapped persons are explicitly encouraged.

At Bielefeld University on request positions can be carried out with reduced working hours as long as this does not conflict with official needs.