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The University of Rostock offers a diverse, varied and challenging position in a tradition-conscious, yet innovative, modern and family-friendly university in a lively city by the sea.

At the Faculty of Agriculture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Department of Phytopathology and Sustainable Plant Protection, subject to budgetary provisions, we are filling the following position at the earliest possible date on a temporary basis for a period of three years:

Research Assistant (m/f/d) - agricultural entomology

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Start date
at the earliest possible date
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Working hours
 part-time with 20 hours
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Remuneration pay group 13 TV-L
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Location Rostock
Tender number
 W 131/2026
Limitation limited until for 3 years
Application time 2026-11-15

Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information:

HR department:

Anja Kunert
Tel.-Nr.: 0381/498-1296
E-Mail: anja.kunert@uni-rostock.de

Department:

Prof. Ilka Vosteen
Tel.-Nr.: 0381/498-3160
E-Mail: ilka.vosteen@uni-rostock.de

Drought stress affects the feeding behavior of aphids, leading to a less efficient transmission of persistent viruses between aphids and plants. On the other hand, drought-stressed plants serve as less suitable hosts for aphids, which could cause them to emigrate earlier, potentially accelerating the spread of viral infections within the crop. This research project aims to investigate these interconnected factors using drought-resistant and drought-susceptible varieties.

THESE ARE YOUR TASKS:

  • research in the field of "Influence of drought stress on the behavior and population dynamics of aphids and the resulting consequences for the spread of plant viruses" with the aim of scientific qualification (doctorate or habilitation)
  • apply modern electrophysiological methods (Electropenetrography – EPG) for the real-time analysis of faphid eeding behavior
  • conduct and evaluate behavioral experiments in the laboratory as well as epidemiological studies in large field cages (mesocosms)
  • perform molecular biological quantification of viral loads using RT-qPCR
  • scholarly, research-based teaching (2 SWS / hours per week) including tutorials, practical courses, and field trips in the field of agricultural entomology, with the goal of enabling students to conduct independent academic research
  • assist with module examinations (acting as an exam assessor, minute-taking, and co-evaluation)
  • support academic administrative tasks (study organization, committee work)
  • organize scientific and public events (e.g., Night of Science)
  • publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals

THIS MAKES YOU A GOOD FIT:

  • completed university degree (state exam, diploma, master's degree or comparable degree) in Biology, Agricultural Sciences, or a related discipline
  • for a qualification leading to a habilitation: a completed PhD in the above-mentioned fields
  • excellent knowledge in the field of entomology, with a focus on plant-insect interactions and aphid biology
  • practical experience in insect rearing, EPG (Electropenetrography), choice assays, PCR, and statistical data analysis in R (including GLMs and GLMMs)
  • proficiency in written and spoken English
  • basic knowledge of German or the willingness to acquire it quickly; strong German language skills are an advantage, as teaching is primarily conducted in German
  • willingness to work seriously and with commitment on a project of one's own scientific qualification
  • an independent working style, flexibility regarding working hours, a strong sense of responsibility, and an exceptional level of commitment, combined with team spirit and excellent communication skills

WE AS AN EMPLOYER:

Equal opportunities are important to us. We welcome applications from suitable severely disabled people or people from traditionally underrepresented groups. We aim to increase the proportion of women in research and teaching and therefore encourage suitably qualified women to apply. We welcome applications from people of other nationalities or with a migration background.

WE OFFER YOU:

FURTHER INFORMATION:

We will determine the experience level individually, taking into account your previous professional experience.

If you are already employed part-time at the university, we will check individually whether an increase in working hours is possible as a result of your application.

The temporal limitation of the employment relationship is based on § 2 (1) Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz.

We look forward to receiving your application (cover letter, CV, degree certificate stating your final grade) by 15.11.2026 at the latest. Please submit a one-page motivation letter explaining your interest in this topic and your relevant prior experience. We can only consider applications received via our homepage. Please send us your documents via the ‘Online application’ button at the end of a job offer. Unfortunately, we cannot accept e-mail applications.

Incomplete application documents may not be considered in the further course of the selection process.

Unfortunately, we can not cover application and travel costs.

Become part of the team

In the Department of Phytopathology and Sustainable Plant Protection, we study pest organisms — such as insect pests, pathogens, and weeds — and the protection of our crops through preventive, physical, biological, and chemical measures. A key focus is the impact of abiotic stress, such as drought, on the interactions between crops and pests. We are a small team characterized by flat hierarchies, open communication, and strong personal relationships. As the professorship is currently being established, there is plenty of room to shape your own profile and actively contribute to the design and development of our working environment.

We look forward to receiving your application!