Scientific collaboration in plant ecology and biodiversity research

Leibniz University Hannover offers excellent working conditions in a vibrant scientific environment, embedded in the outstanding living conditions of a modern metropolis surrounded by greenery.

The Institute of Earth System Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Vegetation Ecology, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, is seeking to fill the following permanent position as soon as possible: Scientific Associate in Plant Ecology and Biodiversity Research (salary grade 13 TV-L, 100%)

Your position at a glance 

• They are responsible for teaching courses totaling 10 LVS in the fields of botany and ecology in various degree programs (especially B.Sc. and teacher training programs), including lectures, identification courses, field practicals and the supervision of theses.
• They are involved in the department’s research activities and participate in applying for third-party funding as well as in ongoing research projects (including joint publications).
• They assume organizational tasks with their own responsibility in the academic self-governance within the department.

Who are we looking for?

The prerequisite for this position is a completed doctorate in biology, plant ecology, botany, or a related field, as well as several years of postdoctoral experience. Demonstrated expertise in research and teaching in at least one of the following areas is expected: vegetation ecology, plant sociology, plant population biology, biodiversity research, functional ecology, or biogeography.

Furthermore, a strong publication profile in international journals, appropriate to the respective career level, as well as proven teaching experience at a university, especially in practice-oriented teaching formats, are expected.

Other qualifications include:

• Experience with field ecological methods, especially vegetation surveys, reliable species identification (at least in Central Europe) and sampling
• solid knowledge of modern quantitative data analysis methods (e.g. in R or Python)
• Experience in applying for third-party funding or substantial involvement in such applications
• very good German skills, both spoken and written, for conducting lectures

The following skills and abilities are advantageous:

• strong teaching motivation and didactic competence
• Strong organizational skills and resilience, especially in teaching-intensive tasks.
• independent yet team-oriented work style
• Experience in handling vegetation databases (e.g. Turboveg, EVA or comparable proprietary data structures)
• Basic GIS knowledge (e.g., QGIS or ArcGIS), including map creation and simple spatial analysis.
• Willingness to familiarize oneself with historical datasets and long-term data
• Experience with multi-day field work, including work under challenging environmental conditions
• Driving licence class B or the willingness to obtain one at short notice

Leibniz University Hannover is committed to equal opportunities and diversity. Our goal is to utilize the potential of everyone and create opportunities for them. We therefore welcome applications from all interested individuals, regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

We strive for an even distribution of employees and a reduction of underrepresentation in accordance with the Lower Saxony Equal Opportunities Act (NGG). Therefore, we welcome applications from women for the aforementioned position. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preference if equally qualified.

What do we offer?

With more than 5,000 employees, Leibniz University Hannover is one of the largest and most attractive employers in the Hannover region. We offer an exciting interdisciplinary and international working environment and promote the personal and professional  development of our employees, from subject-specific and interdisciplinary skills to leadership competencies and language skills.

Part-time work, mobile working, and working from home are possible by arrangement. We support the  reconciliation of family and career with emergency childcare and holiday care services, as well as parent-child offices, and offer individual advice on family and caregiving responsibilities.

For the health and well-being of our employees, we offer a comprehensive  sports program with over 100 sports, a fitness studio including a sauna, and a climbing wall. The goal of our  health management program is to ensure a healthy workplace, for example, with courses on stress management, healthy eating, and relaxation.

Further information 

For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Sergey Rosbakh (phone: 0511 762-3631, email:  rosbakh@geobotanik.uni-hannover.de ).

Please submit your application, including a cover letter (max. 2 pages), complete CV, certificates, and lists of publications and courses taught, by April 15, 2026 , in electronic form (documents in a single PDF file named with your last name) and with the reference “VegEco26” (e.g., Schmidt_VegEco26) to

Email:  apply@geobotanik.uni-hannover.de

or alternatively by post to:
Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz University Hannover
, Faculty of Natural Sciences,
Institute of Earth System Sciences,
Department of “Vegetation Ecology, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics” (“Geobotany”),
Herrenhäuser Str. 2, 30419 Hannover

Information pursuant to Article 13 GDPR regarding the collection of personal data can be found at:  https://www.uni-hannover.de/de/datenschutzhinweis-bewerbungen/