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The Federal Institute of Hydrology is seeking to fill a position in the G3 “Biochemistry and Ecotoxicology” department within the framework of the research project MEG-Div: 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 in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, ecotoxicology, environmental science, toxicology or comparable qualification

The place of work is Koblenz. Reference code of the job posting: 20261795_0002.
The advertised position is a “PhD position”, meaning a doctorate is expected.

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.

The MEG-Div research project investigates the biotic interactions within the macrophyte, epiphyte, and grazer complex (MEG) and its modulation by organic trace substances. As part of an interdisciplinary team, you will contribute to the project’s research activities, design and implement laboratory experiments to investigate MEG in microcosms. You will develop new investigative methods and apply classical and modern analytical techniques, such as RNA sequencing, DNA metabarcoding, and imaging. You will also prepare and process the data to mechanistically describe and interpret toxic effects.
Your responsibilities will further include the preparation of peer-reviewed scientific publications and reports, the presentation of results at scientific conferences and events, and, ideally, the completion of a doctoral dissertation.
You can expect exciting scientific tasks in a highly topical and application-oriented research field, good laboratory infrastructure with modern analytical equipment, a pleasant working atmosphere in a research-oriented working group, and diverse opportunities for national and international collaboration.

Your profile

You should definitely bring the following:

• Completed university degree (university diploma/Master’s) in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, ecotoxicology, environmental science, toxicology or comparable qualification

This is what sets you apart:

• Enjoyment of research and work in the laboratory and field
• Practical experience in handling aquatic organisms and/or microbial systems
• Molecular biological practical experience
• Good mathematical and statistical skills and knowledge of R
• Basic knowledge of ecotoxicological techniques and issues; practical experience is an advantage.
• Good communication skills
• Enjoyment of interdisciplinary work in an international context
• Excellent English skills and basic German skills, both spoken and written.
• Willingness to undertake multi-day business trips and to take samples from bodies of water

We offer you this

Remuneration is based on the TVöD pay scale, group E13. 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 training.

Special notes

You can look forward to a well-equipped work environment with an innovative team as well as interesting professional challenges. The collectively agreed weekly working time is currently 29.25 hours.

We offer our employees flexible working hours, including part-time and flexitime options, to accommodate work-life balance. Subject to operational requirements, alternating teleworking arrangements can be made. 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).

People with severe disabilities 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 20261795_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. Fenske (Tel.: +49 261 1306-5281) or Dr. Buchinger (Tel.: +49 261 1306-5316). For personnel-related inquiries, please contact personalgewinnung@bafg.de.