Waterways are complex aquatic systems. The Federal Institute of Hydrology (BfG), located within the portfolio of the Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV), contributes to their sustainable and efficient management. As the federal government’s scientific institute for research, assessment, and consulting in the fields of hydrology, water use, water quality, ecology, and water protection, it advises the BMV, other federal ministries, the Federal Waterways and Shipping Administration (WSV), and third parties. The BfG employs dedicated individuals from many disciplines working in a modern, well-equipped environment.

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The Federal Institute of Hydrology is seeking to fill a position in the U4 “Animal Ecology” 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: Biology, Aquatic Ecology, Environmental Sciences

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

The place of work is Koblenz.
Reference code of the job posting: 20261820_0002.

The MEG-Div research project investigates the biotic interactions within the complex of macrophytes, epiphytes, and grazers (MEG) and its influence by organic trace substances. As part of an interdisciplinary team, you will investigate the importance of macrophytes in federal waterways as a food source for benthic grazers and the biotic interactions between macrophytes, epiphytes, and benthic grazers. This involves conducting field surveys and laboratory experiments, analyzing the nutritional quality of epiphytes and the physiological response of benthic grazers, and evaluating the measurement data in the context of the real-world environmental situation in federal waterways. The position is characterized by exciting scientific and organizational tasks in a highly topical, application-oriented research field. The excellent laboratory infrastructure with state-of-the-art analytical instruments, within the context of an established research group, offers you an ideal research environment.

Application deadline: November 12, 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.

• Taxonomic and qualitative characterization of macrophyte populations, epiphytes and benthic invertebrates
• Quantification of Graz’s resource use using stable isotope analysis
• Planning and execution of laboratory experiments on the food use of benthic Graz plants
• Analysis of physiological responses to different food qualities
• 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 biology, aquatic ecology or environmental sciences or comparable qualification

This is what sets you apart:

• Motivation for scientific work with the goal of writing a dissertation
• Sound expertise in the field of aquatic ecology
• Knowledge of classical and molecular taxonomy
• Experience in conducting laboratory experiments with algae and benthic grazers (algae cultivation, experimental design, handling of animals)
• Methodological knowledge in the field of physiological or molecular analyses or stable isotopes
• Knowledge of statistical data analysis using R
• 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
• Driver’s license

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 12, 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 20261820_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 Prof. Dr. Winkelmann (Tel.: +49 261 1306-5944). For personnel-related information, please contact personalgewinnung@bafg.de.