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The Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (Leibniz-IZW) in the Forschungsverbund Berlin e.V., a part of the Leibniz Association, aims to understand and, where possible, ‘improve’ the adaptive capacity of wild animals to cope with global change. To this end, it focuses on the diversity of lifestyles, diseases and mechanisms of evolutionary adaptation of mammals and birds, on the limits of these mechanisms in natural and anthropogenically influenced environments, and on conservation strategies that take these into account. The Institute fulfils this mission through long-term, application-oriented, interdisciplinary basic research in evolutionary ecology, ecological dynamics, evolutionary genetics, wildlife diseases, reproductive biology and reproductive management.

Subject to funding: For our Department of Ecological Dynamics and the project ‘Combating WNV through an integrated One Health approach’ we are seeking to appoint a

Scientist (f/m/div), part time (75%)

West Nile virus (WNV) is on the rise in Europe, fuelled by a changing climate. The number of human cases, including those with severe neurological complications and fatal outcomes, as well as the number of affected countries are increasing each year. The overall aim of the project is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the interactions between WNV vectors, avian amplification hosts, human infection rates, land cover and climate change at fine temporal and spatial resolution. Specific subproject aims are sampling bird species across Berlin and spatial risk modelling of WNV infection.

Responsibilities include:

  • Sample collection in Berlin, including the organisation of the field teams;
  • Handling, processing and analysis of the samples;
  • Management and statistical analysis of data;
  • Communication with the city of Berlin’s authorities (in German) for permits and licenses, with cooperation partners and with the public;
  • Preparation of scientific publications and project reports.

Requirements:

  • Completed university degree and doctorate / PhD in ecology, veterinary sciences, biostatistics, or related areas
  • Adequate publication track record
  • Expertise in fieldwork and hands-on bird capturing, ringing and blood sampling (car license mandatory, bird ringing license is an asset).
  • Excellent knowledge of German and English (able to work in English, both written and spoken).
  • Experience with the analysis of spatial data and machine learning algorithms.
  • Proficiency in (spatial) statistics and data management;
  • Good programming skills, ideally in R and/or Python; experience with reproducibility, code sharing and version control is an asset.
  • High motivation, flexibility and ability to work both independently and as part of a team with a diverse team of scientists;
  • Willingness to organise and conduct field work for longer periods of time.
  • Good interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Knowledge in modelling of infectious disease transmission in wildlife systems is highly desirable.

Our offer:

  • An interesting and responsible position with room for manoeuvre in an international and dynamic scientific working environment in a beautiful location right next to the Tierpark Berlin-Friedrichsfelde.
  • A comprehensive induction programme and a well-functioning team that will be happy to support you.
  • Working on an equal footing between all those involved and respectful co-operation within the team.
  • An employment relationship of 29,25 hours per week in flexitime.
  • A salary in accordance with the public collective bargaining law TVöD (Bund) up to level E13, with an annual bonus payment.
  • Company pension scheme (VBL) and subsidised capital-forming benefits (VWL).
  • Flexible working hours and possibility of mobile working to allow scope for work-life balance.
  • 30 days holiday per calendar year, based on a 5-day week. In addition, 24 December and 31 December are days off.
  • Excellent connectivity with public transport, to underground stations Friedrichsfelde or Tierpark (U5) or Friedrichsfelde-Ost (S5, S7, S75), as well as three tram lines and several bus routes.
  • Employer subsidy for the annual public transport ‘job ticket’.
  • Free admission to the Tierpark (current agreement between Leibniz-IZW and Tierpark Berlin) from Monday to Friday.
  • The position will be filled by 1st April, 2026 and is limited to 3 years. The position may be extended for an additional two years if the project is positively evaluated by the funding agency.
  • We welcome applications regardless of gender, origin, sexual orientation and religion. Disabled persons will be given preferential consideration in case of equal suitability. The IZW lives the principles enshrined by the German “Charta of Diversity” (“Charta der Vielfalt”), has a diversity and inclusion strategy, is "Total-E-Quality" certified, promotes equality and actively supports a work-life balance. We promote diversity, so please convince us with your quality and competence.
  • Enquiries or questions should be directed to Prof. Dr. Stephanie Kramer-Schadt (kramer@izw-berlin.de).

Are you interested:

Then please apply by 5 December 2025 and submit your complete and informative application via our recruitment platform at https://www.izw-berlin.de/en/job-offer including:

1) Short letter of motivation, highlighting particular skills for this position

2) Resume (maximum 3 pages) without photo

3) Digital copies of relevant degrees

4) List of publications

5) Arbeitszeugnisse and/or recommendation letters and/or references

Finalist candidates will be informed by email within a few days of this deadline and will be invited to short interviews mid-January 2026, which can also take place via video call. Finalist candidates will be asked to prepare a short (ca. 10 min) presentation of their previous and current research.

We look forward to receiving your application!