Senior Research Associate in Experimental Plant Biodiversity Research

The Landscape Ecology group at the University of Hohenheim (Stuttgart, Germany) invites applications for a
Senior Research Associate in Experimental Plant Biodiversity Research
Our group (headed by Frank Schurr) studies biodiversity dynamics and the underlying ecological and evolutionary processes at different spatial and temporal scales as well as multiple hierarchical levels (genotypes, populations, species and communities). Much of our work is motivated by the need to quantitatively understand and forecast biodiversity responses to various drivers of environmental change in natural and human-dominated landscapes. To address our research objectives, we integrate experimental and observational studies, process-based modelling and advanced statistics (see ecology.uni-hohenheim.de/en/67896).
We are looking for a highly motivated researcher who is keen to further develop their scientific profile, enjoys collaborating and has a strong publication record commensurate with their career stage. The successful candidate will have expertise in aspects of plant biodiversity research such as functional, community and population ecology, conservation or evolutionary biology. We particularly invite applications from candidates that experimentally study the ecological and/or evolutionary processes determining the dynamics of plant diversity under environmental change. Expertise in plant identification is a bonus; knowledge of German is welcome but not obligatory.
The position gives you the opportunity to establish your own research team within our group, supervise students, apply for third-party research funding and pursue a Habilitation (postdoctoral qualification degree). Our group comprises technical staff and is well equipped with common garden, greenhouse, lab, and computer facilities.
Hohenheim has a highly dynamic research environment that offers ample opportunities for collaboration in ecology, evolutionary biology, biodiversity research and related fields (see here for an overview). Our group is strongly involved in research initiatives on the role of biotic interactions for biodiversity dynamics (ecology.uni-hohenheim.de/en/flint), biodiversity enhancement in agricultural landscapes (nocsps.uni-hohenheim.de/en/english, habit.uni-hohenheim.de/en), as well as two recently funded Clusters of Excellence that will integrate plant biodiversity research with molecular biology (greenrobust.de) and the geosciences (uni-tuebingen.de/en/research/core-research/cluster-of-excellence-terra).
Situated in the Southern German city of Stuttgart, the University of Hohenheim is located on a beautiful campus (one of the most species rich in Germany). Stuttgart has a rich cultural life, attractive surroundings (Swabian Jura, Black Forest) and offers ample job opportunities for partners.
The position is initially available for three years, with the possibility of extension for another three years. The starting date is negotiable (September 2025 or later). The position involves a moderate amount of teaching (4 semester hours per week). Candidates should hold a PhD and must be willing to supervise students and apply for external funding. In cases of equal qualification, severely disabled applicants will be given preference in hiring. Since the university aims to increase the proportion of female researchers, applications from women are especially welcome. The successful candidate can either be employed as a civil servant (payscale A13) or an employee (payscale TV-L E13), if the respective conditions are met.
If you are interested in this position, please apply through Hohenheim’s Application Portal (link given below) and enclose a single PDF file containing your CV, publication list, contact details of at least two references and a short description of your research interests. The application deadline is 4 July 2025. For enquiries, please contact Frank Schurr (via ecology@uni-hohenheim.de).

Link to University of Hohenheim’s Application Portal:
https://www.uni-hohenheim.de/en/job-openings?tx_unijobs_joboffers%5Bjoboffer%5D=4211&tx_unijobs_joboffers%5Baction%5D=show&tx_unijobs_joboffers%5Bcontroller%5D=Joboffer&cHash=dcefd5f1aca2a4b7582892f3b3a91b3e