Fachbereich 13 - Biologie Department of Behavioural Biology Doctoral Research Associate (Wissenschaftliche*r Mitarbeiter*in, salary level TV-L E 13, 65%) 15.05.2026

at the earliest possible date. Within the DFG-funded project “From lab to field: Studying the reproducibility of laboratory versus field animal experiments”, we are offering a part-time position (65% FTE) for 3 years (corresponding to the project’s duration). Full-time employees are required to teach 4 hours per week during the semester.

Your tasks:

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate interested in behavioural biology, the methodological refinement of animal experimentation, experimental design and data analysis. Using laboratory mice as a model species, the aim of the PhD project is to develop and validate practicable and effective strategies that may improve the reproducibility of research findings from animal experiments in the lab. In particular, the PhD candidate will investigate whether more “natural” study approaches that transfer knowledge from field to lab experiments might improve the reproducibility of the outcomes. The PhD candidate will be involved in all stages of the scientific method, including the experimental design, project coordination, data collection and analysis, and delivery of results to the research community. This position is tied to working towards a doctoral qualification.

Our expectations:

• A graduate degree (MSc or an equivalent degree in, for example, biology, the life sciences, biomedicine, neuroscience, biosciences or animal sciences) is required.
• A strong interest or expertise in experimental design and/or data analysis is advantageous.
• Experience and interest in behavioural biology and animal welfare science are advantageous.
• Further training in laboratory animal science is desirable (e.g., equivalent to a FELASA course).
• Good organizational, writing and presentation skills, as well as the ability to work well both independently and in a team environment, are advantageous.
• Very good knowledge of spoken and written English is mandatory.
• German language skills would be advantageous but are not a requirement.

Advantages for you:

• As an educational institution, we are deeply committed to offering occupational training and continuing education opportunities tailored to your individual needs.
• As a university employee, you are entitled to numerous benefits afforded to public servants, e.g. an attractive company pension scheme (VBL), an annual end-of-year bonus and a position that is shielded from economic fluctuations.
• Appreciation, commitment, openness and respect – these values are important to us.
• From A – Z, Aikido to Zumba, our sport and health programmes ensure a healthy work-life balance.

Research environment

The Department of Behavioural Biology at the University of Münster offers a mind-stimulating and interdisciplinary research environment. Current research projects deal with, for example, (1) stress, stress avoidance and animal welfare, (2) the role of inter-individual differences in welfare questions, (3) the behavioural ecology of optimism/pessimism, and (4) human-induced rapid environmental changes on various animal species. The PhD student will be embedded in a structured graduate program (e.g. the Münster Graduate School of Evolution or the Otto Creutzfeldt Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience) .

The University of Münster strongly supports equal opportunity and diversity . We welcome all applicants regardless of sex, nationality, ethnic or social background, religion or worldview, disability, age, sexual orientation or gender identity. We are committed to creating family-friendly working conditions.

We actively encourage applications by women. Women with equivalent qualifications and academic achievements will be preferentially considered unless these are outweighed by reasons which necessitate the selection of another candidate.
If you have any questions, please contact Prof Helene Richter ( [email protected] / +49 (0)251 8321014) or Prof Melanie Dammhahn ( [email protected] / +49 (0)251 8321222). Are you interested? Then we look forward to receiving your application. Applications may be written in German or English, and should include a cover letter, CV, list of publications (if any), degree certificates and the names of two referees. Applications should be received by 2026-05-15 by e-mail (with all documents merged into one PDF file) at University of Münster
Department of Behavioural Biology
Prof Helene Richter
Badestraße 13, 48149 Münster, Germany
Email: [email protected] / [email protected]
Phone: +49(0)251 8321014
Website: Reference number: 2026_01_10