PhD Position in River Biodiversity Change Using eDNA, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany

Summary

The University of Duisburg-Essen seeks a Doctoral Researcher in the Faculty of Biology, Aquatic Ecosystem, to work on the UBA‑funded TrendDNA 2.0 project. The three‑year, 25‑hour‑per‑week position focuses on developing early‑warning systems and identifying drivers of river biodiversity change using eDNA sampling, metabarcoding, and advanced statistical analyses. Candidates must hold a master’s degree, have practical molecular genetics experience, and be proficient in English. The role includes field work, laboratory data generation, bioinformatic processing, statistical modelling, publishing, and limited teaching support. Salary follows TV‑L 13, with additional benefits such as pension scheme, annual bonus, and extensive training opportunities.

Key Facts

Employer	University of Duisburg-Essen
Department	Faculty of Biology, Aquatic Ecosystem
Position Type	PhD
Discipline	Biology
Research Area	River biodiversity change
Degree Required	Master’s degree (or equivalent)
Experience	Practical experience with molecular genetic methods and bioinformatic/statistical data analysis
Salary	TV-L 13 (gross 38.560 € – 54.807 €)
Funding	Project funding (German Environment Agency)
Contract Duration	3 years
Language	High proficiency in written and spoken English
Deadline	2026-11-11
Required Documents	motivation letter, CV, certificates, transcripts
Employer Address	Forsthausweg 2 (Duisburg campus); Universitätsstraße 2 (Essen campus), 47057 (Duisburg); 45141 (Essen), North Rhine-Westphalia
Employer Contact	phone +49 201 183-4053, email [email protected]

About the Project

TrendDNA 2.0, funded by the German Environment Agency, analyses long‑term biodiversity trends in German rivers and soils using archived samples from the Environmental Specimen Bank. The doctoral project addresses two case studies: (1) building an early‑warning system for river changes via high‑frequency eDNA sampling at a Rhine monitoring station, and (2) identifying drivers of biodiversity change by integrating eDNA data with chemical and regulatory monitoring under the EU Water Framework Directive.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research within the UBA‑funded TrendDNA 2.0 project and prepare a cumulative doctoral thesis
• Operate automated eDNA water sampling at the River Rhine, including regular field trips
• Generate DNA metabarcoding data from water and suspended particulate matter samples
• Process sequence data bioinformatically and analyse biodiversity time series using R/Python
• Link eDNA data with chemical and monitoring data to identify key drivers of change
• Publish results in peer‑reviewed journals and present at conferences
• Contribute to project reports and meetings with the German Environment Agency
• Supervise Bachelor’s and Master’s students in the project
• Support teaching in the Faculty of Biology (practical courses)

Required Skills

• Practical experience with molecular genetic methods
• Experience with DNA metabarcoding and/or metagenomics (highly desirable)
• Experience in bioinformatic and statistical data analysis (R, Python)
• Motivation for complex statistical time‑series analyses of genetic data
• High proficiency in written and spoken English
• Willingness to travel for fieldwork and conferences; valid driving licence (category B)
• Team spirit, reliability and ability to work independently

Who Should Apply

Applicants with a master’s degree (or equivalent) in biology, ecology, environmental sciences or bioinformatics, who have hands‑on experience with molecular genetic methods, DNA metabarcoding or metagenomics, and are skilled in R or Python for statistical time‑series analysis. Candidates must speak English fluently, hold a valid driving licence, and be willing to travel for field work and conferences.

Benefits

• Stable public‑service employment conditions
• Research‑focused environment with international scope
• Opportunity to pursue a doctorate within the Water Graduate School
• Access to interdisciplinary courses, workshops, summer schools and supervision
• Wide selection of further training and education opportunities
• Various canteens and cafés on campus
• Attractive corporate discounts
• Family‑friendly services (child care advice, etc.)
• Good location with excellent public‑transport accessibility and free parking
• Flexible working hours and partial home‑office where compatible
• 30 days annual leave plus additional days on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve
• Fair remuneration according to TV‑L, including annual bonus and supplementary pension scheme
• Numerous sports and health services

About the Employer

With more than 40,000 students, the University of Duisburg‑Essen is one of Germany’s largest universities and has positioned water research as a central profile, organized in the Centre for Water and Environmental Research (ZWU) and the Collaborative Research Centre 1439 RESIST on river ecosystems under multiple stressors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the contract?

Three years.

What is the salary range?

TV‑L 13 gross 38,560 € to 54,807 €.

What language proficiency is required?

High proficiency in written and spoken English.