The Friedrich Schiller University Jena is a dynamic and innovation-driven university centrally located in Germany. With a broad range of disciplines, it shapes the future through excellent research and teaching. Its scientific excellence is reflected in the profile areas Light – Life – Liberty, which provide pioneering insights and sustainable solutions for the society of tomorrow. Through close collaborations with leading research institutions, innovative companies, and renowned cultural organizations, it advances interdisciplinary developments. With around 17,000 students and approximately 10,000 employees, it defines Jena as a vibrant, internationally connected city of science and innovation.

The advertised position is based in the Aquatic Geomicrobiology working group under supervision of Dr. Martina Herrmann and within the framework of the iDiv funded support Unit iBarc: “The iDiv-Barcoding Initiative – integrating molecular approaches to explore biodiversity”, in cooperation with Prof. Henrique Pereira, Prof. Martin Schlegel, Dr. María Méndez Camarena, Dr. Luis Daniel Prada Salcedo and Prof. Robert Paxton. We seek to fill the position of a

Postdoctoral Researcher in Microbial Ecology

commencing on January 1st, 2026.

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.

We offer a part-time position with 50% (20 hours per week) of the working hours of a full-time employee, starting on January 1, 2026, initially limited to 2 years, with the possibility of extension until December 31, 2030, according to qualification requirements, opportunities and personal suitability. The employer will be the Friedrich Schiller University Jena, the place of work will be at the Institute of Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution in Jena.

The Support Unit “iBarc” aims at supporting iDiv researchers in their metabarcoding analyses, ranging from project planning to laboratory analyses and sequence data analysis pipelines, across a broad range of taxonomic groups. In addition, we aim to foster scientific integration and initiate new collaborative projects across diverse taxonomic groups, iDiv research areas, and iDiv locations. The postdoctoral researcher's duties will include the provision of metabarcoding services and support, as well as the communication of needs and interests between the Support Unit, researchers seeking guidance and services, and the broader iBarc network. This position will also include the opportunity to get involved in research projects, and to write review articles on theoretical or applied aspects of metabarcoding. The Postdoc will work in close collaboration with a second Postdoc who is located at the iDiv core center in Leipzig.

Your responsibilities:

• Implementation and optimization of sequence analysis pipelines and reference databases for metabarcoding analysis of bacteria, fungi, protists, and invertebrates
• Providing support with sequence data analysis and downstream statistical data analysis to
• individual iDiv research groups
• Organization of meetings and workshops among members of the iBarc research network
• Organization and lead of metabarcoding courses for the iDiv community
• (Co-)authoring and publishing of scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals

Your profile:

• Scientific University degree (Diploma/ M.Sc.) in a project-related field (e.g., ecology, microbiology), a doctoral degree is desirable
• At least three years of experience in research and in the publication of scientific results which can have been obtained during the PhD phase
• Excellent skills in amplicon sequencing analysis of bacterial communities, experience with metabarcoding of fungi, protists and/or invertebrates is desirable
• Experience in the application of multivariate statistics in microbial ecology
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English
• Team-orientation with interest and ability in interdisciplinary research and organizational skills

Are you hesitating because you don't meet one or some of our requirements? Please do not hesitate to apply and give us a chance to get to know you.

We offer:

• Embedded in the VEO Group, a highly collaborative and energetic team of international scientists in viral ecology and metagenomics.
• A comprehensive continuing education programme for personal development, individual qualification, and development measures.
• Jena – City of Science is a lovely and lively town with a vibrant local cultural agenda. Jena is among the most liveable cities in Germany. Situated on the Saale River and surrounded by the famous Thuringian Forest, this city is ideal for lovers of nature and hiking.
• A family-friendly working environment with a variety of offers for families: University Family Office ‘JUniFamilie’ and flexible childcare options (‘JUniKinder program).
• FSU’s occupational health promotion scheme (https://www.uni-jena.de/en/Gesundheit) and a wide range of university sports activities.
• Attractive fringe benefits, e.g., capital formation benefits (VL) and an occupational pension (VBL).
• Remuneration based on the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Federal States (TV-L) at salary scale 13 — 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 initially 2 years.

This is a part-time position (20 hours per week).

Candidates with severe disabilities will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications and suitability.
Are you eager to work with us? Then submit your detailed written application (with letter of motivation, curriculum vitae, names of two references, diploma or master's certificate, doctoral certificate, list of publications) in German or in English in electronic form, stating the vacancy ID 275/2025 by 25.11. 2025 to our application portal at