Research Assistant / Doctoral researcher (m/f/d), EG 13 TV-H

Research Assistant / Doctoral researcher (m/f/d), EG 13 TV-H, fixed-term contract, part-time (currently 30 hours per week)

Application deadline:

25.06.2024

Date of hire:

as soon as possible

vacancy number:37407

Part-time with 75,00% of the regular working time of a full-time employee. The position is initially limited for 3 years with the possibility of extension for up to another 2 years (qualification position according to WissZeitVG) and with the goal of further scientific qualification (doctorate).

The position is part of a project that is currently starting to ensure the long-term survival of the thick-shelled river mussel population (Unio crassus) in Rhineland-Palatinate with a particular focus on the River Sieg catchment area. Due to the currently low natural reproduction rates of the species, a breeding program for stocking measures at the River Nister in the Westerwald has been established since 2020. For a sustainable protection of the mussel population, it is important, among other things, to characterize the habitat of potential stocking areas, as well as regular monitoring of known mussel and host fish populations in the field.

The aim of the doctorate is to scientifically support the breeding program. Thereby, it is planned to use modern scientific methods in order to analyse and optimize the rearing of juvenile mussels, taking into account sediment quality, flow conditions and nutritional requirements using inter alia stable isotope analysis and laboratory flow channels.

Tasks:

• Scientific assistance in research and teaching in the team Freshwater Ecology in Landscape Planning ([uni-kassel.de/go/limnology](https://www.uni-kassel.de/fb06/institute/landschaftsarchitektur-und-planung/fachgebiete/gewaesseroekologie-/-gewaesserentwicklung/fachgebiet)):
• Scientific qualification (doctorate) by independent research within a sub-area in the above-described scientific topic
• Conception and application for third-party funded projects in freshwater ecology research (especially in the context of the PhD topic) as well as their scientific and administrative supervision
• Teaching courses (3 SWS) in the Bachelor's and Master's program "Landscape Architecture and Landscape Planning" in the field of freshwater ecology as well as on ecological basics in landscape planning
• Writing of publications in international journals with peer-review procedures

Requirements:

• M.Sc. degree (good to excellent) in biology, environmental science, landscape planning/landscape ecology or related field of study. The required degree must be received by the starting date at the latest
• Above average knowledge in scientific principles of general ecology, limnology, and/or animal ecology
• Good knowledge of German (at least register B1 or equivalent)

Advantageous:

• Previous experience in research (e.g. conducting experiments) and teaching
• Experience with working in aquatic environments
• Taxonomic knowledge with regard to freshwater systems
• License for electrofishing
• Driver license class B
• Very good knowledge of English

The regular office is in Kassel. In addition, the willingness to travel (also for several days) and work in the field (at the facility for mussel breeding and the River Nister, Rhineland-Palatinate), as well as cooperation with related departments of the University of Kassel and external partners is expected.

For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. René Sahm, Email: rene.sahm(at)asl.uni-kassel.de.