Postdoc Position in Environmental DNA Biodiversity Time‑Series Analysis, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany

Summary

The University of Duisburg‑Essen seeks a postdoctoral researcher for the TrendDNA 2.0 project, funded by the German Environment Agency. The role focuses on developing a reproducible statistical toolbox for DNA‑based biodiversity time series, creating and validating genetic indicators, and building a DNA‑based climate indicator. The candidate will work with international experts, supervise students, and contribute to teaching. The position offers a TV‑L 13 salary, a contract until 30 September 2030, and a range of benefits including flexible hours, family‑friendly services, and professional development opportunities. Applications are due by 25 November 2026.

Key Facts

Employer	University of Duisburg-Essen
Department	Faculty of Biology, Aquatic Ecosystem
Position Type	Postdoctoral Researcher
Discipline	Biology
Research Area	Environmental DNA (eDNA) biodiversity monitoring
Degree Required	Doctorate (PhD)
Salary	TV-L 13 (gross €59,324 – €84,319)
Funding	Project funding (German Environment Agency)
Contract Duration	until 30 September 2030
Language	English
Deadline	2026-11-25
Required Documents	motivation letter, CV, list of publications, certificates, links to code examples (e.g. R scripts or repositories)
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 extends a two‑decade eDNA time series from the German Environmental Specimen Bank by adding 1,800 new river and soil samples. The project aims to build a modular statistical toolbox for DNA metabarcoding and metagenomics, develop validated genetic indicators, and create a DNA‑based climate indicator to support the German Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop a modular, reproducible statistical toolbox (R/Python) for DNA metabarcoding and metagenomic time series
• Analyse spatio‑temporal biodiversity trends in rivers and soils
• Develop and validate new genetic indicators and define reference states
• Lead development of a DNA‑based climate indicator and test its robustness
• Derive statistical requirements for robust trend detection and produce guidance for authorities
• Publish results in peer‑reviewed journals and present at conferences
• Co‑supervise doctoral and master’s students
• Support teaching with limited weekly hours and supervise theses

Required Skills

• Expert knowledge in statistical data analysis of biodiversity time series
• Proficiency in R; Python and package development are an advantage
• Track record demonstrated by publications and publicly available code
• Ability to work independently and present results at conferences
• Professional written and spoken English; German language skills are a plus
• Team spirit and clear communication of statistical results to non‑specialists

Who Should Apply

Candidates holding a doctorate in biology, environmental sciences, bioinformatics, statistics or a related field, with strong statistical data‑analysis skills, experience in R/Python, and a record of publications and code development. Proficiency in English is required; German is advantageous.

Benefits

• Stable public‑service employment conditions
• Research‑focused environment with international scope
• Opportunity to develop own research profile and academic career
• Access to wide training and education programmes
• Canteens and cafés on campus
• Corporate Benefits discounts
• Family‑friendly services (child care, advice)
• Excellent public‑transport accessibility and free parking
• Flexible working hours and partial remote work
• 30 days annual leave plus additional days on Christmas and New Year’s Eve
• Fair remuneration according to TV‑L, annual bonus and supplementary pension
• University sports and health services

About the Employer

UDE is one of Germany’s largest universities with over 40,000 students. It hosts the Centre for Water and Environmental Research (ZWU) and the Collaborative Research Centre 1439 RESIST, focusing on river ecosystems under multiple stressors. The Aquatic Ecosystem Research group, led by Prof. Dr. Florian Leese, specializes in environmental DNA methods and operates its own Genomics Core Facility.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline?

The deadline is 25 November 2026.

How long is the contract?

The contract runs until 30 September 2030, the end of the project.

What language proficiency is required?

Professional written and spoken English is required; German is an advantage.

Is teaching part of the role?

A small teaching load (approximately one hour per week per semester) and supervision of theses are expected.

What is the salary range?

The position is paid according to TV‑L 13, gross €59,324 – €84,319.