Website Ruhr University Bochum
Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology:
Chair of Molecular Evolution of Plants.
We are seeking to fill a full-time (39.83 hours/week = 100%) position as soon as possible on a fixed-term contract.
Research Associate (m/f/d) (Postdoc) with the goal of habilitation.
The Chair of Molecular Evolution of Plants investigates the genetic, biochemical, and evolutionary processes underlying the diversity and adaptability of plant organisms. A particular focus is on the role of glycosylation processes and the plant cell wall as central factors in plant development and evolution. To comparatively investigate evolutionary biological questions and understand mechanisms at various levels, from individual genes to complex tissues, the Chair utilizes diverse eukaryotic model systems.
As a research associate (m/f/d), you will independently qualify for habilitation in the field of plant systematics, evolution, and biodiversity. You will teach courses in botany and plant biology, supervise students, and contribute to the further development of the curriculum.
| Scope: | Full-time |
| Duration: | temporary, 4 years |
| Start: | at the earliest possible date |
| Apply by: | March 9, 2026 |
Your tasks:
- Collaboration in research and teaching in the field of Prof. Dr. Berit Ebert.
- Participation in courses
- Module “Fundamentals of Botany and Biodiversity” (Biology and Geography),
- Master’s program “Biodiversity” .
- Implementation and co-organization of
- Exercises on plant morphology and anatomy ,
- Lectures on plant biodiversity ,
- Field trips (field biology).
- Supervision of master’s theses and doctoral dissertations .
- Contributing to the further development of courses .
- Support in raising third-party funds (own initiatives expressly encouraged).
- Teaching is predominantly conducted in German .
- Participation in teaching according to § 3 of the teaching obligation regulation NRW.
Your profile:
- Completed university degree in the field of biosciences/botany .
- PhD in botany, plant ecology, evolution and/or systematics of plants or in a closely related field.
- Proven teaching experience in field biology .
- Sound knowledge of the local flora .
- Knowledge of classical and molecular genetic methods for investigating the systematics, evolution, or ecology of plants is desirable.
- Willingness to cooperate closely with the Botanical Garden of the RUB .
- Excellent German and English skills, both spoken and written.
- Organizational and teamwork skills as well as a high motivation for interdisciplinary collaboration.
- A driver’s license is an advantage.
We offer:
- Challenging and varied tasks with a high degree of personal responsibility
- Employment at one of Germany’s largest universities, part of the University Alliance Ruhr
- A qualified training program
- Collaboration in a dedicated and appreciative team
- Extensive training and further education opportunities
- A qualification position for habilitation with independent scientific creative freedom.
- An active, diverse research environment with good networking opportunities.
- Support in acquiring third-party funding and developing own projects.
- Opportunities to participate in scientific conferences, workshops and further training courses.
Further information:
Employment is on a salaried basis and is governed by the collective agreement for public sector employees of the German states (TV-L).
Upon fulfillment of the personal and collective agreement requirements, the position will be classified in pay grade E 13 TV-L.
Further information can be found at https://oeffentlicher-dienst.info/ .
The place of employment is Ruhr University Bochum.
The scope of the teaching load is governed by Section 3 of the North Rhine-Westphalia Teaching Load Ordinance.
Inquiries can be directed to Prof. Dr. Berit Ebert. Please upload your application with comprehensive documents (cover letter, CV, copies of certificates, details of research interests and research plans) to our online application portal.
RUB sees itself as a university with an international reach. The campus languages are German and English. Proficiency in at least one of these languages and a willingness to learn the other are required. RUB provides corresponding free language courses for employees.
The Staff Council has the right to participate in all selection interviews. Upon request from an applicant, the Staff Council will guarantee its participation in the entire process. Please contact wpr@rub.de .
Ruhr University Bochum (RUB) is one of Germany’s leading research universities. As a reform-oriented campus university, it uniquely unites the entire spectrum of major academic disciplines in one location. The dynamic interaction between subjects and academic cultures offers researchers and students alike exceptional opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.
RUB stands for diversity and equal opportunities. Therefore, we promote collaboration in diverse teams and the career development of individuals who are underrepresented in their respective fields. RUB explicitly encourages applications from women. In areas where they are underrepresented, they will be given preferential consideration if equally qualified. Applications from people with disabilities are also very welcome.
Contact persons for further information:
Prof. Dr. Berit Ebert Tel.: +49 234 32 15241
Nina Feldhaus Tel.: +49 234 32 24491
Unfortunately, travel expenses, accommodation costs, loss of earnings, and other application costs for job interviews cannot be reimbursed.
We look forward to receiving your application, quoting reference number 5256, by March 9, 2026, via our online application portal.
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