Postdoctoral Research Associate in Neuro- and Behavioural Biology

The working group Behavioural Biology, lead by Professor Melanie Dammhahn, at the Institute for Neuro- and Behavioural Biology in the Department of Biology at the University of Münster, Germany, is seeking to fulfil a position for a

Postdoctoral Research Associate
Wissenschaftliche/r Mitarbeiter/in
(salary level TV-L E 13, 100%)

The full-time position is being offered for a period of three years. Pending a positive evaluation an extension for a further three years is possible and desirable. The position is classified as TV-L 13 (100%). Full-time employees are required to teach 4 hours per week during the semester.

The research of the working group combines fundamental areas of organismic biology (behavioural biology, ecology and evolutionary biology) and investigates the foundations of behaviour. Current projects focus on among-individual differences and phenotypic plasticity in key components of animal behaviour (risk-taking, energy management, foraging and decision-making) and investigate the patterns, evolutionary determinants and ecological consequences of this variation.

We seek a highly motivated candidate with a strong background in behavioural biology. The successful candidate will preferably have a research focus in a related area such as animal personality and behavioural plasticity, behavioural ecology or adaptation of animals to global change. A wide range of methods, also from beyond classic behavioural biology, experience with field work and work with mammals, as well as a strong conceptual interest will be advantageous. Our teaching covers the entire field of behavioural biology and is aimed at students from teaching, bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The position is intended to strengthen integrative behavioural biology in teaching and research. A postgraduate scientific qualification (such as a German Habilitation) is desirable and encouraged.

Your tasks

• development and implementation of your own research ideas via research projects, the raising of third-party funds and publications as part of a Habilitation (collaborating with ongoing projects is possible)
• contributing to research projects and proposals of the working group
• teaching undergraduate courses in behavioural biology
• supervision of B.Sc. and M.Sc. theses and participation in academic self-administration

Your profile

• successfully completed doctoral degree (PhD or Dr. rer. nat) in biology or a related field
• sound knowledge of behavioural biology, ecology and evolutionary biology
• interest in conceptual work
• independent publications in peer-reviewed journals
• very good knowledge of statistical data analysis, preferably with R
• initial teaching experience or the willingness to familiarise yourself with various teaching formats (seminars, exercises, excursions) and to further educate yourself in university didactics
• the ability to work independently combined with enjoyment working in an international team
• very good knowledge of spoken and written English

As the majority of teaching activities are held in German, good knowledge of German or the willingness and ability to acquire it are necessary.

We offer you

• the opportunity to habilitate or obtain qualifications equivalent to a Habilitation
• promotion of your own independent research work
• support for further qualifications in science and teaching
• the opportunity to participate in current research projects and overarching research networks (e.g. TransRegio SFB 212 NC³: "A novel synthesis of individualization via behavior, ecology and evolution: niche selection, niche conformity, niche construction", InChangE: "Individualization in changing environments")
• an international and committed team as well as a family-friendly work environment

The University of Münster is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to increasing the proportion of women academics. Consequently, we actively encourage applications by women. Female candidates with equivalent qualifications and academic achievements will be preferentially considered within the framework of the legal possibilities. The University of Münster is committed to employing more staff with disabilities. Candidates with recognized severe disabilities who have equivalent qualifications are given preference in hiring decisions.

If you have any further questions, please contact Prof Melanie Dammhahn (mdammhahn@uni-muenster.de, Phone: +49 251 83 21222). Further information can also be found at www.melanie-dammhahn.com and www.uni-muenster.de/Biologie.NeuroVer/.

Please send your application, in English, by email including the following documents: cover letter, curriculum vitae, list of publications, teaching experience, research profile (max. two pages) detailing your interests and experiences, copies of your degree certificates and the contact details of two academic references) all combined into one PDF file by 30 June 2022 to ethology@uni-muenster.de. The application documents will be deleted six months after completion of the application process.