Are you an early-career scientist passionate about evolutionary biology, population genomics, and cutting-edge genetic research? The University of Rostock, one of Germany’s oldest and most respected universities, invites applications for a full-time, permanent Research Assistant (Postdoc) position in Population Genomics.
This exciting opportunity begins on October 1, 2025, within the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Institute of Biology. Located in the scenic coastal city of Rostock, the university provides a dynamic, family-friendly academic environment, blending centuries of tradition with innovative research.
🔍 Position Overview
- Job Title: Research Assistant in Population Genomics / Evolutionary Genomics (m/f/d)
- Institution: University of Rostock, Germany
- Department: Institute of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences
- Start Date: October 1, 2025
- Job Type: Full-time (40 hours/week)
- Contract Type: Permanent
- Salary: Pay grade 13 TV-L (according to the German public service scale)
- Reference Number: W 86/2025
- Application Deadline: August 11, 2025
🧬 Key Responsibilities
As a Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Population Genomics, your role will include:
- Leading and conducting independent research on invertebrate population genomics and evolutionary processes.
- Developing your own research agenda within the lab’s focus on genomic adaptation, hybridization, and evolutionary mechanisms.
- Teaching up to 8 hours per week in genetics and population biology (BSc, MSc, and teaching programs).
- Organizing and evaluating exams, and mentoring BSc/MSc students’ research projects and theses.
- Participating in fieldwork, including field course supervision.
- Publishing research in high-impact journals and applying for competitive third-party funding.
- Supporting academic administration, including committee work and program development.
🎓 Eligibility Criteria
To apply for this population genomics research position, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Completed PhD in Biology or a related discipline by the start of the contract.
- A Master’s degree or equivalent in biological sciences.
- 1–2 years of postdoctoral research experience in genomics or evolutionary biology.
- Expertise in high-throughput sequencing techniques (e.g., RNAseq, ATACseq, scRNAseq).
- A solid record of peer-reviewed publications.
- Teaching experience at the university level in life sciences.
- Proficiency in both English and German (spoken and written).
- Experience with non-model organisms and field-based research is a strong advantage.
- Previous involvement in grant writing and project funding applications is desirable.
🔬 Research Focus and Lab Environment
This position is based in the Chair of Population Genetics, headed by Prof. Dr. Mathilde Cordellier, established in 2024. The lab’s research bridges evolutionary biology, population genomics, and ecology, with a focus on:
- Sediment-core-based genomic studies in invertebrates such as Daphnia.
- Investigating evolutionary trajectories of sex chromosomes in spiders.
- Integrating transcriptomics, life-history experiments, and bioinformatics tools.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a globally connected lab committed to innovation and collaboration in genomics research.
🌟 Why Choose the University of Rostock?
The University of Rostock offers a supportive and rewarding research environment with numerous employee benefits:
- 30 days of paid vacation
- Access to health and wellness programs
- Flexible working hours and mobile work options
- On-campus sports, fitness, and recreation facilities
- Bicycle leasing, meal discounts, and public transport benefits
- Career development through professional training and mentoring
- Structured onboarding and family-friendly policies
- An inclusive and equal opportunity employer—applications from women, individuals with disabilities, and minority groups are strongly encouraged.
📑 How to Apply
Prepare the following documents in a single PDF file:
- A cover letter outlining your motivation
- Your CV including a full list of publications
- Degree certificates with final grades
- Contact information for two academic referees
- A summary of your previous research
- A 2-page proposal for future research directions
Submit your complete application via the official online portal by August 11, 2025. Incomplete or improperly submitted applications may not be considered.
👉 Apply Now via the University of Rostock Online Portal
📞 Contact Information
For administrative queries:
Lisa Malke
Human Resources
📞 +49 381 498-1281
📧 lisa.malke@uni-rostock.de
For academic questions:
Prof. Dr. Mathilde Cordellier
Chair of Population Genetics
📞 +49 381 498-6020
📧 mathilde.cordellier@uni-rostock.de