Job Description

At the University of Göttingen -Public Law Foundation-, Abt. Forstentomologie der Fakultät für Forstwissenschaften und Waldökologie, there is a position as

Postdoctoral researcher (all genders welcome)

Entgeltgruppe 13 TV-L/100%

to be filled. Starting date is as soon as possible. The position is limited to 3 years with the possibility for an extension for another 3 years.




The newly established Department of Forest Entomology studies the ecology and evolution of forest-dwelling insects, focusing on species with ecological and economic impacts. We are particularly interested in insect interactions with their biotic and abiotic environment. We study insect responses to temperature, photoperiod and other factors, in order to understand seasonal adaptations (e.g., dormancy, diapause) and strategies to cope with extreme conditions (e.g., responses to heat or cold). We aim to understand how abiotic environmental conditions affect the performance and distribution of insects, and how this knowledge might be leveraged for sustainable forest management strategies in a changing climate.


We also study associations of insects with players of different trophic levels. Particularly, we are interested in symbiotic interactions among insects, fungi, and bacteria but also with other organisms, and how the different players affect each other’s performance. This information will help to understand how such symbioses impact the health of forest trees.


We use molecular tools to infer the regulatory mechanisms of insect adaptations to their biotic and abiotic environment and to understand their evolutionary trajectories. We apply molecular approaches to study the genetic structure of various species and use these tools to unravel biodiversity patterns, aiming to sustain forest ecosystem services by considering environmentally-friendly approaches and protecting nature.

Your tasks

Establish an independent research group focusing on the main research fields of the Department of Forest Entomology Initiate collaborative research within the Department of Forest Entomology, both in the laboratory and the field Publish results in international scientific journals and present them at conferences Apply for third-party funding Supervise the ecophysiology and molecular laboratories Co-supervise Bachelor, Master, and PhD students Contribute to teaching courses on the ecology and evolution of forest insects (4 contact hours/”Semesterwochenstunden”)

Your profile

Completed university degree (Master, Diploma) and PhD in biology, ecology, zoology, entomology, forestry, genetics or a related field (your PhD has to be completed by the start of the employment) Research focus on insects, preferably with experience in 1-2 of the abovementioned research fields Interest in experimental work in the laboratory and the field Knowledge of molecular methods, statistics, and/or bioinformatics Motivation and creativity reflected by a strong publication record Teaching experience at university level Communication skills; working independently and as part of an international team Fluent written and spoken English (German skills are not mandatory) Driver’s license Class B

What we offer

Work at a vibrant and diverse, newly established department with plenty of possibilities to collaborate across the faculty and university Cutting-edge research on insects in forest ecosystems in a changing world Cutting-edge ecophysiology and molecular laboratories Become an independent group leader in a department with a strong publication record. Follow your own career path and develop your research profile (with the possibility to acquire the Venia legendi, i.e., habilitation/postdoctoral lecture qualification) Flexible working hours and home office possibility Extensive training opportunities as part of the university’s qualification program and the faculty’s postdoc network A wide range of benefits (childcare options during school holidays, sports activities for university employees) as well as a company pension plan (VBL) and annual bonus in accordance with TV-L
With its almost 300-years old university, Göttingen is a vibrant German town with a vivid academic atmosphere. According to international rankings, the University of Göttingen is one of the leading universities in both Germany and Europe for Forest, Agricultural and Biological Sciences. The excellent environment with leading scientists in these fields provides a unique opportunity to pursue one’s own research within a dynamic and interdisciplinary research environment.

Your application should include

(in the following order, compiled in one pdf file): a cover letter, a letter of motivation (1 page), your research concept for the position (1-2 pages), your CV including education, academic career, skills and experiences, a list of publications, projects and teaching experience, certificates and transcripts, and contact of two references.




The University of Göttingen is an equal opportunities employer and places particular emphasis on fostering career opportunities for women. Qualified women are therefore strongly encouraged to apply in fields in which they are underrepresented. The university has committed itself to being a family-friendly institution and supports their employees in balancing work and family life. The University is particularly committed to the professional participation of severely disabled employees and therefore welcomes applications from severely disabled people. In the case of equal qualifications, applications from people with severe disabilities will be given preference. A disability or equality is to be included in the application in order to protect the interests of the applicant.




Please upload your application in one pdf file including the usual documents until 10/16/2025 on the application portal of the university using this link:

http://obp.uni-goettingen.de/de-de/OBF/Index/76125

. For more information get in touch with Prof. Dr. Martin Schebeck directly via E-Mail: martin.schebeck@uni-goettingen.de, Tel. 004369918039130 .

Please note:

With submission of your application, you accept the processing of your applicant data in terms of data-protection law. Further information on the legal basis and data usage is provided in the Information General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)