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 Ecological Dynamics we are seeking to appoint a

Scientist (f/m/div), doctoral / PhD position, part time (65%)
as part of the DFG-RTG 3096 in One Health

Biotic and abiotic drivers of parasite infections at the interface of wildlife and livestock: Understanding the factors that determine parasite distribution patterns and transmission routes is crucial at the ever-increasing interface between humans, livestock and wildlife. Different livestock management systems, from free-range, organic to intensive, represent such a close boundary. Especially in free-range farming systems, moving wildlife might come in direct contact with livestock or their parasites in contaminated soils; however, the extent of this transmission route is yet unknown. The project aims to elucidate whether certain animal farming systems increase the spill-over risk, especially of soil-transmitted helminths, from livestock to wildlife, and whether certain environmental factors mediate prevalence and transmission.

Responsibilities include:

• Sample acquisition and collection in Germany;
• Parasite load measurements in different matrices (soil, fecal, liver, gut);
• Handling, processing and analysis of the samples;
• Assistance in reproductive biotechnologies on animals (semen collection, Artificial Insemination);
• Management and statistical analysis of data;
• Communication with cooperation partners;
• Preparation of scientific publications.

Requirements:

• Completed university degree in ecology, veterinary sciences, biostatistics, computer science or related areas.
• Expertise in fieldwork and hands-on animal sampling (car license mandatory); knowledge in movement ecology and telemetry is an asset.
• Excellent knowledge of English (able to work in English, both written and spoken).
• Experience with the analysis of spatial data and machine learning algorithms.
• Proficiency in statistics and data management;
• Good programming skills, ideally in R and/or Python; experience with reproducibility, code sharing and version control is an asset.
• High motivation, flexibility and ability to work both independently and as part of a team with a diverse team of scientists; willingness to travel for longer periods of time.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Knowledge in modelling of infectious disease transmission in wildlife systems is highly desirable.

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 April 1st, 2026 and is initially limited to 4 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. Stephanie Kramer-Schadt  by email: kramer@izw-berlin.de.

Are you interested:

Please consult the following website for how to apply for project P7 Biotic and abiotic drivers of STH infections in wildlife, livestock, humans:

https://www.vetmed.fu-berlin.de/en/einrichtungen/sonstige/grk3096/call_for_applications/index.html

The application process will be conducted by the Dahlem Research Center. The call is open between 19th of September and 30th of October 2025; The assessment will take place in Berlin from 19 to 21 January 2026.

Please submit your application exclusively via the above-mentioned website. Applications received through other channels cannot be considered or forwarded.

We look forward to receiving your application!