Job Description

The Institute for Fisheries Ecology of the Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute, Federal Research Institute for Rural Areas, Forestry and Fisheries, in Braunschweig is looking for a

research assistant in the field of biology

(f/m/d) for the ‘Aqua-Probe’ project on a part-time basis (65%, currently 25.35 hours/week) starting on 1 January 2026 for a fixed term until 31 October 2028 at the latest.



The infestation of a fish population with disease-causing agents and their spread in the water environment are among the greatest potential threats in fish farming and aquaculture. One of the most cost-effective measures for prevention is careful diagnostics. As part of the Aqua-Probe project, new diagnostic approaches for infectious diseases that threaten aquaculture in Germany will be tested. Environmental RNA/DNA analysis (eDNA/eRNA) and the stress and health status of fish will be investigated using minimally invasive sampling methods. These methods are expected to significantly improve the early detection of potential infestations with disease-causing agents and simultaneously reduce the effort and costs associated with monitoring potential outbreaks.



The employment relationship is governed by the TVöD Bund (collective agreement for civil servants) and, if the collective agreement and personal requirements are met, remuneration is based on pay grade

13 TVöD Bund.

Job-ID:

J000000172

Location:

Bremerhaven

Start date:

01.01.2026

Organization:

Institut für Fischereiökologie (FI)

Job Category:

Natural sciences

Working hours:

Part time

Published:

29.09.2025

Your Tasks:

---------------

Development and establishment of methods for the genetic detection of disease-causing agents using environmental RNA/DNA analysis Conducting bioinformatic and biostatistical data analysis Presenting research results Publishing research results in international scientific journals

Your Profile:

-----------------

Technical Requirements:

Completed university degree (university diploma, master's degree) in biology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, fisheries science, or a related field Practical laboratory experience with molecular biological working methods Knowledge of statistical methods and skills in statistical data analysis, particularly with R Proficient use of statistical, spreadsheet, presentation, and word processing software Experience in bioinformatic analysis of next-generation sequencing data is an advantage Good English language skills in speaking and writing

Personal requirements:

Willingness to pursue a Ph.D. Willingness to take multi-day business trips for data collection and/or work meetings Excellent communication skills High degree of teamwork and ability to work independently Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and self-directed, structured work style

Our offer:

--------------

Our offer:

Responsibility and a sense of purpose

: responsible work in a dedicated team, involvement in a dynamic, interdisciplinary research institute and proximity to current policy and practice-relevant topics

Flexibility and work-life balance

: flexible working time models, fundamental possibility of part-time employment as well as mobile working and teleworking, certified employer berufundfamilie audit with a wide range of offers for reconciling work and life phases

Prospects:

further training opportunities for the area of responsibility and individual development

Benefits:

employment based on collective agreements with attractive social benefits (e.g. company pension scheme, one-off annual payment, capital-forming benefits)

Health:

company health management and preventative healthcare programmes

Mobility:

JobTicket, public transport connections, free parking spaces and the option of using e-charging stations




The Thünen Institute promotes professional equality between women and men and therefore expressly welcomes applications from women.



We live a diverse and cosmopolitan coexistence. The Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute is committed to inclusion. Applications from people with severe disabilities are therefore expressly encouraged. They will be given preferential consideration in the selection process. Please enclose proof of severe disability or equal status with your application.



If you have any requests or need additional information, please contact Herr Prof. Dr. Reinhold Hanel and Frau Dr. Peggy Weist (E-Mail: reinhold.hanel@thuenen.de / peggy.weist@thuenen.de).



If you have an international degree, please also enclose a certificate evaluation from the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) with your application. If you do not yet have a certificate evaluation, you must apply for one if your application is successful. You can find further information at https://www.kmk.org/zab/zeugnisbewertung.html



Please send your application with a letter of motivation, a tabular CV, description of education and professional career, as well as copies of certificates electronically as a single pdf document under the reference "

2025-219-FI

" by

October 25, 2025

to

fi-bewerbungen@thuenen.de.

We look forward to receiving your application!