The Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (Leibniz-IZW) in the Forschungsverbund Berlin e.V., a part of the Leibniz Association, aims to understand and, where possible, ‘improve’ the adaptive capacity of wild animals to cope with global change. To this end, it focuses on the diversity of lifestyles, diseases and mechanisms of evolutionary adaptation of mammals and birds, on the limits of these mechanisms in natural and anthropogenically influenced environments, and on conservation strategies that take these into account. The Institute fulfils this mission through long-term, application-oriented, interdisciplinary basic research in evolutionary ecology, ecological dynamics, evolutionary genetics, wildlife diseases, reproductive biology and reproductive management.

For our Department of Reproduction Biology, we are seeking to appoint a

Scientist (f/m/div), PhD position, part time (65 %)

for an international cooperation project in the field of feline reproduction and endocrinology.

Responsibilities include:

• Sample acquisition and collection in Europe (esp. Spain and Portugal) and Latin America;
• Hormone measurements in different matrices (serum, urine and feces);
• Identification of (novel) biomarkers for monitoring reproductive processes using metabolomics/proteomics;
• Handling, processing and analysis of sperm and tissue samples;
• Assistance in reproductive biotechnologies on animals (semen collection, Artificial Insemination);
• Management and statistical analysis of data;
• Communication with cooperation partners;
• Teaching assistance (reproductive biology and biotechnology);
• Preparation of scientific publications.

Requirements:

• Completed university degree in Veterinary Medicine/Sciences;
• Expertise and hands-on experience in reproductive medicine, reproductive endocrinology and/or gamete biology within the field of species conservation;
• Excellent command of English (written and spoken);
• Business fluent command of Spanish and/or Portuguese;
• Proficiency in statistics and data management;
• Willingness and ability to travel and to work abroad for longer periods of time;
• Interest and ability to work in an international team and with a diverse community of scientists and stakeholders;

Advantageous skills:

• Experience with the legal and bureaucratic requirements of international scientific cooperations in the field of wildlife conservation (Nagoya, CITES, export control, etc.);
• Strong networking and communication skills;
• Proficiency in scientific writing;
• First teaching experience (reproductive biology) is a plus.

Our offer:

• An interesting and responsible position with room for manoeuvre in an international and dynamic scientific working environment in a beautiful location right next to the Tierpark Berlin-Friedrichsfelde.
• A comprehensive induction programme and a well-functioning team that will be happy to support you.
• Working on an equal footing between all those involved and respectful co-operation within the team.
• A full-time employment relationship of 25,35 hours per week (65%) in flexitime.
• A salary in accordance with the public collective bargaining law TVöD (Bund) with an annual bonus payment. Depending on qualifications, experience and the tasks assigned, you will be graded up to pay group E13.
• Company pension scheme (VBL) and subsidised capital-forming benefits (VWL).
• Flexible working hours and possibility of mobile working to allow scope for work-life balance.
• 30 days holiday per calendar year, based on a 5-day work week. In addition, 24 December and 31 December are days off.
• Excellent connectivity with public transport, to underground stations Tierpark (U5) or Friedrichsfelde-Ost (S5, S7, S75), as well as three tram lines and several bus routes.
• Employer subsidy for the annual public transport ‘job ticket’.
• Free admission to the Tierpark (current agreement between Leibniz-IZW and Tierpark Berlin) from Monday to Friday.

The position will be filled preferably by December 1st, 2025 and is initially limited to 3 years.

We welcome applications regardless of gender, origin, sexual orientation and religion. Disabled persons will be given preferential consideration in case of equal suitability. The IZW lives the principles enshrined by the German “Charta of Diversity” (Charta der Vielfalt), has a diversity and inclusion strategy, is “Total-E-Quality” certified, promotes equality and actively supports a work-life balance. We promote diversity, so please convince us with your quality and competence.

Enquiries or questions should be directed Prof. Dr. Jennifer Schön by email (schoen@izw-berlin.de) or telephone +49 30 5168 611.

Are you interested:

Then please apply by 5 October 2025 and submit your complete and informative application, which includes: 1) a letter of motivation highlighting particular skills for this position (maximum 1 page), 2) a CV (maximum 3 pages), 3) copies of relevant degrees, 4) a list of publications and 5) the feedback (or alternatively the names and contact details) of two referees, 6) without photo via our recruitment platform at https://www.izw-berlin.de/en/job-offers.html

We look forward to receiving your application!