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The Federal Institute of Hydrology is seeking to fill a position in the G2 “Water Chemistry” department within the framework of the MEG-Div project (The Macrophyte-Epiphyton-Graz Complex as an underestimated biodiversity component in federal waterways: Ecological and ecotoxicological significance) starting on January 1, 2027, and ending on December 31, 2030 .

Research Assistant (University Diploma/Master’s Degree) (m/f/d)

Specialization: Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Geoecology

The advertised position is a “PhD position”, meaning a doctorate is expected.

The place of work is Koblenz.
Reference code of the advertisement: 20261782_0002

The MEG-Div research project investigates the biotic interactions within the macrophyte, epiphyte, and grazer complex (MEG) and its influence by organic trace substances. As part of an interdisciplinary team, you will conduct independent work on the uptake, transfer, and transformation of organic trace substances within the MEG complex and their effects on metabolic processes. This involves developing and utilizing innovative analytical methods for the detection and identification of known and previously unknown organic trace substances and metabolites, as well as conducting water sampling and microcosmic studies in the laboratory. The position offers exciting scientific and organizational tasks in a highly topical, application-oriented research field with diverse opportunities for national and international collaboration. The excellent laboratory infrastructure with state-of-the-art analytical instruments, within the context of an established research group, provides you with an ideal research environment.

Application deadline: November 9, 2026
Start of work: as soon as possible
working hours: Part-time
Type of contract: temporary
career: higher service
Applicant group: Salaried employees

workplace

Designation: Federal Institute of Hydrology
Location: Koblenz
Postal code: 56068
Federal State: Rhineland-Palatinate

We need you for this.

• Application of LC- and GC-based target methods and non-target screening (NTS) methods to characterize the chemical exposure of the MEG complex in microcosms and in the environment
• Conducting doping experiments in microcosms and creating mass balances
• Establishment of LC-MS-based metabolomics analyses
• Identification of unknown transformation products and metabolites using NTS methods
• Statistical analysis of complex datasets using multivariate methods
• Preparation of scientific publications (peer-reviewed) and research reports in English
• Presentation of results at scientific conferences and specialist events

Your profile

You should definitely bring the following:

• Completed university degree (university diploma/Master’s) in chemistry, environmental sciences or geoecology or comparable qualification

This is what sets you apart:

• Motivation for scientific work with the goal of writing a dissertation
• Sound technical knowledge in the fields of environmental chemistry and instrumental (environmental) analysis (preferably using LC or GC-(HR)MS)
• Knowledge of identifying unknown substances based on mass spectrometric data
• Knowledge of the uptake, transfer and transformation processes of organic trace substances in aquatic organisms
• Knowledge in the field of quality assurance and statistical data analysis
• Programming skills are an advantage
• Enjoyment of working in an inter- and transdisciplinary team
• Excellent English skills and basic German skills, both spoken and written.
• Willingness to undertake multi-day business trips

We offer you this

Remuneration is based on the TVöD pay scale, group E 13. In addition, we offer supplementary benefits in accordance with the TVöD-Bund (Federal Collective Agreement for Public Service Employees). You will receive onboarding from a highly qualified team as well as needs-based professional development and continuing education.

Special notes

You can look forward to a well-equipped work environment with an innovative team, as well as interesting professional challenges. The standard weekly working time under the collective agreement is currently 29.25 hours.

We offer our employees flexible working hours, including part-time and flexitime options, to accommodate work-life balance. Under certain conditions, flexible working from different locations is possible based on a company agreement. A parent-child workspace is available for employees facing childcare emergencies. We actively promote employee health through a range of health initiatives. Initial and ongoing training and development are tailored to individual needs.

Applications from women are expressly encouraged. In cases of equal qualifications, women will be given preferential consideration in accordance with Section 8 of the Federal Equal Opportunities Act (BGleiG).

Severely disabled applicants will be given preference if they have the same professional qualifications. Only a minimum level of physical fitness is required.

We welcome applications from people of all nationalities.

If you have obtained a foreign educational qualification , please include proof of its recognition by the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs with your application documents.

Selection will be made by a committee.

Do you feel addressed?

Then please apply by November 9, 2026 via the Electronic Application Procedure (EBV) on the entry page.http://www.bav.bund.de/Einstieg-EBV

Please select only the option “Application via reference code” and enter the reference code 20261782_0002 during the application process . You can find the user documentation via the link above.

Please then upload your complete application documents ( cover letter, CV, university diploma/Master’s degree certificate and transcript, work references/evaluations, and school leaving certificate ) as attachments to your candidate profile.

In addition, please enter your relevant academic qualifications under “Education/Qualifications” in your candidate profile and your employers for the last 5 years under “Professional Experience”

. For questions regarding the electronic application process, please contact the Federal Office for Administrative Services at +49 4941 602-240.

Contact persons

For technical information, please contact Dr. Beckers (Tel.: +49 261 1306-5318, Beckers@bafg.de), Dr. Wick (Tel.: +49 261 1306-5408; Wick@bafg.de) and Prof. Dr. Ternes (Tel.: +49 261 1306-5560; Ternes@bafg.de). For personnel-related information, please contact personalgewinnung@bafg.de.