Research Assistant / Doctoral researcher (m/f/d), EG 13 TV-H, fixed-term contract, part-time (currently 30 hours per week)

Part-time with 75,00 % of the regular working time of a full-time employee. The position is initially limited for 3 years with the possibility of extension for up to another 2 years (qualification position according to § 2 Abs. 1 Satz 1 WissZeitVG) and with the goal of further scientific qualification (doctorate).

The position is part of a project that is currently starting to ensure the long-term survival of the thick-shelled river mussel population (Unio crassus) in Rhineland-Palatinate with a particular focus on the River Sieg catchment area. Due to the currently low natural reproduction rates of the species, a breeding program for stocking measures at the River Nister in the Westerwald has been established since 2020. For a sustainable protection of the mussel population, it is important, among other things, to characterize the habitat of potential stocking areas, as well as regular monitoring of known mussel and host fish populations in the field.

The aim of the doctorate is to scientifically support the breeding program. Thereby, it is planned to use modern scientific methods in order to analyse and optimize the rearing of juvenile mussels, taking into account sediment quality, flow conditions and nutritional requirements.

Tasks:

Scientific assistance in research and teaching in the team Freshwater Ecology in Landscape Planning (uni-kassel.de/go/limnology):

• Scientific qualification (doctorate) by independent research within a sub-area in the above-described scientific topic
• Conception and application for third-party funded projects in freshwater ecology research (especially in the context of the PhD topic), as well as their scientific and administrative supervision.
• Teaching courses (3 SWS) in the Bachelor's and Master's program "Landscape Architecture and Landscape Planning" in the field of freshwater ecology, as well as on ecological basics in landscape planning.
• Writing of publications in international journals with peer-review procedures

Requirements:

• Good to excellent Master’s or Diploma degree in biology, environmental science, environmental engineering, landscape planning/landscape ecology, or related field of study. The required degree must be received by the starting date at the latest
• Above average knowledge in scientific principles of general ecology, limnology, animal ecology, and/or hydrology/water management.
• Good knowledge of German (at least register B1 or equivalent)

Advantageous:

• Previous experience in research (e.g. conducting experiments) and teaching
• Experience with working in aquatic environments
• Taxonomic knowledge (with regard to freshwater systems)
• License for electrofishing
• Driver license class B
• Very good knowledge of English

The regular office is in Kassel. In addition, the willingness to travel (also for several days) and work in the field (at the facility for mussel breeding and the River Nister, Rhineland-Palatinate), as well as cooperation with related departments of the University of Kassel and external partners is expected.

For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. René Sahm, Email: rene.sahm(at)asl.uni-kassel.de.

Our Offer:

As an employee of the University of Kassel

• you will be offered an interesting and diverse range of tasks within the framework of a modern and ambitious university,
• you will be part of an interdisciplinary team with a good and collegial working atmosphere,
• you will have the opportunity to participate in professional and interdisciplinary further education measures,
• your workplace is centrally located in the city of Kassel with good public transport connections, which you can currently use for free.

In addition, you will benefit from the advantages of employment in the public service such as:

• an additional company pension (VBL),
• an optional child supplement in accordance with TV-Hessen, a family-friendly university (including childcare for emergencies),
• an annual bonus
• an entitlement to capital-accumulation benefits,
• a promotion of voluntary commitment,
• low-cost participation in university sports and a full range of fitness activities as part of Unifit, as well as workplace health management

You can find more jobs at stellen.uni-kassel.de

Please send your application with the usual informative documents, stating the reference number in the subject line, via the online form. We have compiled further information for you in our FAQ.

In exceptional cases, we will also accept your application documents in paper form addressed to: The President of the University of Kassel, 34109 Kassel, Germany, or via mail to bewerbungen[at]uni-kassel.de, stating the reference number.

In the case of postal applications, please submit only copies of your documents (no folders), as these cannot be returned. All documents will be destroyed after completion of the selection process in compliance with data protection regulations.

The protection of your personal information is very important to us, so we will handle your personal information with care. By your application, you allow us the storage and use in the sense of the Hessian Data Protection and Freedom of Information Act. You can object to this at any time. Your personal data will be deleted.

Information according to Art. 13 DSGVO for the application process at the University of Kassel can be found at:
www.uni-kassel.de/go/ausschreibung-datenschutz

Information and FAQ about applying for a job offer:

https://www.uni-kassel.de/uni/universitaet/stellenangebote/hinweise-und-faq-zur-bewerbung-auf-ein-stellenangebot

The University of Kassel is very interested in the professional satisfaction of its employees. It is distinguished as a family-friendly university and, in the interests of equal opportunities, strives to offer everyone the same opportunities for development and to counteract existing disadvantages. It promotes the Family Welcome Service and also the Dual Career Service for positions that are scientifically and academically filled. One of the strategic goals of the University of Kassel is to significantly increase the proportion of women in research and teaching. Applications from women are therefore particularly welcome. Seriously handicapped and equivalent applicants are given preference if they have the same suitability, qualifications and professional performance. Full-time positions are generally divisible (except when filling civil servant positions). Applications indicating the Position Number, which may be in digital form, should be sent to the President of the University of Kassel, 34109 Kassel, Germany quoting the applicable reference number.