Research Postdoc Position in Chemical Ecology at Bielefeld University, Germany
Bielefeld University has announced an exciting Research Postdoctoral Position (m/f/d) in the Department of Chemical Ecology within the Faculty of Biology. This opportunity is ideal for researchers passionate about plant sciences, ecology, metabolomics, and chemical analysis who want to contribute to internationally recognized research in Germany.
The full-time position offers a TV-L E13 salary, an initial three-year contract with the possibility of extension, and access to modern research facilities. Successful candidates will investigate how natural products influence communication between plants, insects, microorganisms, and other organisms, while exploring the impact of global environmental change on these interactions.
Applications are open until 29 July 2026, and the successful candidate can begin as soon as possible. The Research Postdoctoral Position in Chemical Ecology at Bielefeld University offers an outstanding opportunity for researchers interested in plant science, ecology, metabolomics, and environmental biology. With access to advanced analytical facilities, interdisciplinary collaborations, competitive employment conditions, and strong career development support, this position provides an excellent platform for advancing an academic career in Germany.
Prospective applicants should prepare their application materials early and submit them before the 29 July 2026 deadline to be considered for this exciting research opportunity.
Position Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Position | Research Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) |
| Job ID | Wiss26210 |
| Institution | Bielefeld University |
| Faculty | Faculty of Biology |
| Department | Department of Chemical Ecology |
| Country | Germany |
| City | Bielefeld |
| Employment Type | Full-time |
| Salary | TV-L E13 |
| Contract Duration | 3 Years (Extension Possible) |
| Start Date | As Soon As Possible |
| Application Deadline | 29 July 2026 |
About the Research Project
The Department of Chemical Ecology investigates natural products that mediate communication within and between species. These chemical compounds play vital roles in ecological interactions involving plants, insects, microorganisms, pollinators, fungi, predators, and parasitoids.
Researchers also examine how global environmental change affects plant chemistry, ecological relationships, and biodiversity. The project combines laboratory experiments, chemical analysis, ecological fieldwork, and advanced statistical approaches to better understand these complex biological systems.
The selected postdoctoral researcher will focus on the chemodiversity of plant specialized metabolites and investigate how chemical variation influences interactions with insects and microorganisms.
Research Areas
The position supports research in several cutting-edge fields, including:
- Chemical ecology
- Plant specialized metabolites
- Plant chemodiversity
- Plant–microbe interactions
- Plant–insect interactions
- Metabolomics
- Ecological chemistry
- Climate change biology
- Evolutionary ecology
- Functional ecology
- Chemical communication in nature
- Biodiversity research
Main Responsibilities
The position combines research, teaching, and laboratory management responsibilities.
1. Research (70%)
The majority of the appointment focuses on independent scientific research.
Key responsibilities include:
- Investigating the ecological roles of plant metabolites
- Studying interactions between plants, microorganisms, and insects
- Conducting metabolomic and chemical-ecological research
- Performing chemical analyses using GC-MS
- Designing and conducting laboratory bioassays
- Carrying out ecological fieldwork
- Rearing plants and insects under controlled conditions
- Analyzing experimental data using advanced statistical methods
- Publishing research in high-quality scientific journals
- Preparing competitive research grant proposals
2. Teaching (25%)
Teaching responsibilities include:
- Assisting with departmental teaching activities
- Supporting ecology-related courses
- Supervising undergraduate and graduate students
- Mentoring student research projects
3. Laboratory and Organizational Duties (5%)
Additional responsibilities include:
- Maintaining GC-MS equipment
- Supporting laboratory organization
- Assisting with research infrastructure management
Required Qualifications
Applicants should possess strong academic credentials and practical research experience.
Essential requirements include:
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Biology or a related discipline
- Completed PhD in Biology or a closely related field
- Experience in chemical ecology or metabolomics
- Strong expertise in gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS)
- Advanced statistical analysis skills
- Experience using R for multivariate data analysis
- Peer-reviewed publications in ecology or chemical ecology
- Excellent written and spoken English
- Strong organizational and communication skills
- Ability to work independently
- High motivation for scientific research
Preferred Qualifications
While not mandatory, the following experience will strengthen an application:
- Research on plant chemical diversity
- Experience with LC-MS
- Ecological fieldwork
- University teaching experience
- Good German language skills
Salary and Employment Conditions
The successful candidate will receive:
- Full-time employment
- TV-L E13 salary
- Initial three-year contract
- Possibility of contract extension
- Employment under the German Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act (WissZeitVG)
The position also supports continued academic qualification and professional development.
Benefits of Working at Bielefeld University
Bielefeld University offers a supportive and modern working environment with numerous employee benefits.
These include:
- Competitive public-sector salary
- Flexible working hours
- 30 days of annual leave
- Modern laboratories and digital research infrastructure
- Professional development and training opportunities
- Health, counseling, and wellness services
- Family-friendly workplace policies
- Excellent public transportation connections
- Supplementary pension scheme
- Collegial and inclusive work environment
- Campus facilities including restaurants, cafeterias, and other services
Equal Opportunity Employer
Bielefeld University is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities.
The university:
- Encourages applications from women, particularly in areas where they are underrepresented.
- Welcomes applications from candidates with disabilities.
- Supports flexible working arrangements where operationally possible.
- Promotes a family-friendly working environment to help employees balance professional and personal responsibilities.
Application Process
Applications should preferably be submitted through Bielefeld University’s APPLY NOW system. Applicants are encouraged to prepare all required documents before beginning the online application process. Application Deadline 29 July 2026 Candidates should submit their applications before the deadline to ensure full consideration.
Contact Information
For academic questions regarding the position, applicants may contact:
Prof. Dr. Caroline Müller
Faculty of Biology
Bielefeld University
Telephone: +49 521 106-5524
Email: caroline.mueller@uni-bielefeld.de
Postal Address:
Faculty of Biology
Universität Bielefeld
Postfach 10 01 31
33501 Bielefeld
Germany
Why This Postdoctoral Position Is Worth Considering
This position offers an excellent opportunity for early-career researchers to strengthen their scientific profile while working in one of Germany’s leading research environments.
Highlights include:
- Competitive TV-L E13 salary
- Three-year contract with extension possibility
- Access to advanced GC-MS and laboratory facilities
- Interdisciplinary research environment
- Opportunities for international publications
- Grant-writing experience
- Teaching and supervision experience
- Career development toward independent research leadership
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | Currently Open |
| Application Deadline | 29 July 2026 |
| Expected Start | As Soon As Possible |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply for this postdoctoral position?
Researchers with a completed PhD in Biology or a closely related discipline, along with experience in chemical ecology, metabolomics, or related fields, are encouraged to apply.
What is the main research focus?
The project investigates plant specialized metabolites (chemodiversity) and their roles in interactions with microorganisms, insects, and other organisms, including the effects of global environmental change.
What analytical techniques are required?
Applicants should have strong practical experience with GC-MS (Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry). Experience with LC-MS is considered an advantage.
Is programming experience required?
Yes. Applicants should have strong statistical analysis skills and be proficient in R, particularly for multivariate data analysis.
What salary does the position offer?
The appointment is paid according to the TV-L E13 salary scale, the standard public-sector pay grade for postdoctoral researchers in Germany.
Will I have teaching responsibilities?
Yes. Approximately 25% of the position involves teaching departmental courses and supervising students.
How long is the contract?
The initial appointment is for three years, with the possibility of extension in accordance with German academic employment regulations.
When is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by 29 July 2026.
Discover more from Agristok
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.