Postdoctoral Research Assistant (M/F/D), Institute For Integrated Natural Sciences, Dept. Of Biology, Aquatic Ecosystem Analysis Working Group

The University of Koblenz is the youngest university in Germany – while also preserving a long-standing academic tradition. A multitude

of transdisciplinary research projects spanning several institutions concentrated on a com-pact campus favourably affects our univer-

sity routine. As the interdisciplinary university in the north of Rhineland-Palatinate with more than 9,400 students, we live the

knowledge – transformation – innovation triad in our four profile areas “Education”, “Computer Science”, “Culture and its Mediation”

as well as “Material and Environment”. We provide and conduct state-of-the-art teacher-training studies for all school types and main-

tain the transfer of our research results to civic society and regional businesses in a resilient and sustainable way. Join an aspiring

university community and aid in advancing our further growth!

A postdoctoral assistant position is available in the newly estab-

lished working group “Aquatic Ecosystem Analysis” led by Prof.

Dr. Kenneth Dumack. The full-time position (100%) is initially lim-

ited to three years, in accordance with the provisions of the Ger-

man Act on Temporary Scientific Contracts (Wissen-

schaftszeitvertragsgesetz); in principle, the position is divisible.

The thematic focus is somewhat flexible but requires a clear em-

phasis in microbial aquatic ecology and close collaboration with

Faculty 3: Mathematics/Natural Sciences at the University of Ko-

blenz and the Federal Institute of Hydrology. More information

about the working group is available at www.kennethdu-

mack.de.

Teaching responsibilities are defined by the regulations of the

Rhineland-Palatinate Higher Education Teaching Obligation Or-

dinance (HLehrVO).

Responsibilities: 

Contribution to the group’s current research foci:

(A) Quantifying the effects of predatory protists and/or vi-

ruses on the abundance of algae and cyanobacteria in run-

ning waters such as the Moselle, which has recently experi-

enced repeated cyanobacterial blooms;

(B) Investigating mechanisms of immunity to cyanobacterial

toxins (microcystins) in microbial eukaryotes using physio-

logical and genomic methods. 

Participation in research, teaching, and academic self-admin-

istration 

Involvement in sampling and field excursions 

Presentation of research results at scientific conferences

and in peer-reviewed journals

Qualifications: 

A successfully completed university degree (except for a

bachelor's degree) and PhD in biology, aquatic science, or a

related field 

Experience with environmental sequencing (e.g., metabarcod-

ing or -omics) and the analysis of such data sets is advanta-

geous


Knowledge of genomic and cell biological methods for func-

tional characterization of microbial processes is desirable 

Preference will be given to candidates with solid experience

working with microbial eukaryotes (protists and/or algae),

their viruses, or plankton in general

What we offer: 

Integration into a research-active, well-networked environ-

ment with good infrastructure. 

A stimulating and varied range of responsibilities within a

collegial team that values open communication 

Remuneration according to pay group 13 TV-L. 

Usual social benefits in the general public sector according to

TV-L (annual special payment, pension scheme (VBL)). 

Compatibility of family and work, flexible working hours 

Varied sports program with health-promoting offers. 

Extensive opportunities for further education and training.

The University of Koblenz welcomes applications from all age

groups, regardless of gender identity, disability, ethnic or cultural

background, religion, ideology or sexual orientation. We aim to

increase the proportion of women and are therefore particularly

interested in applications from women. In the event of under-

representation, women with equivalent aptitude and qualifica-

tions will be given preferential consideration. Severely handi-

capped persons will be given preferential consideration if their

professional and personal qualifications are otherwise equal.

For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Kenneth Du-

mack (Mail: kenneth.dumack@uni-koblenz.de).

Please, send your informative documents by 15.05.2025, quot-

ing the reference number 054/2025, exclusively by e-mail in

one PDF file to: bewerbung@uni-koblenz.de.

Please, refrain from sending in application photos. At the end of

the procedure, the application documents will be destroyed in

compliance with data protection regulations.

www.uni-koblenz.de/karriere

We are seeking to fill, as soon as possible, the position of

a postdoctoral research assistant (m/f/d)
at the Institute for Integrated Natural Sciences, Department of Biology,

Aquatic Ecosystem Analysis Working Group