Postdoctoral Research Associate (Wissenschaftliche*r Mitarbeiter*in, salary level E 13 TV-L)

Postdoctoral Research Associate (Wissenschaftliche*r Mitarbeiter*in, salary level E 13 TV-L)

The Molecular Evolution and Sociobiology Group (AG Gadau) at the Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity (IEB) at the University of Münster, Germany, is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the areas of Chemical Ecology, Molecular Evolution, and Evolutionary Ecology of Hymenoptera commencing on 1 November 2026. The position is a fixed‑term full‑time appointment for three years, with the possibility of extension. Full‑time employees are required to teach four hours per week during the semester.

Your tasks:

• Develop an independent, internationally visible, and competitive research program in Evolutionary Biology, Molecular Evolution or Chemical Ecology of Hymenoptera
• Participate in teaching (4 SWS/semester) of Bachelor/Master/PhD students, with the option of developing own teaching modules
• Participate in academic self‑administration
• Work toward a Habilitation

Our expectations:

• Enjoy doing research and teaching in Evolutionary Biology
• Hold a university degree and a PhD in Biology or a related field
• Have extensive experience in chemical ecology and one of the following fields: molecular evolution or evolutionary ecology, demonstrated by publications in peer‑reviewed articles
• English language proficiency at an excellent level
• Postdoctoral research in evolutionary biology, evolutionary ecology, or chemical ecology is an advantage but not required
• Willingness and motivation to work closely with students (BS, MS, PhD) in teaching and supervision
• Experience with third‑party funding applications to build a sustainable and independent research program in Evolutionary Biology
• High level of organizational and communication skills and a readiness to collaborate on shared projects within the IEB/AG Gadau

Advantages for you:

• The AG Gadau and the Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity offer a wide range of opportunities for basic research and teaching in evolutionary biology, evolutionary ecology, bioinformatics, and biodiversity research (
• International and interdisciplinary teams foster a collaborative environment and involvement in numerous national and international research consortia, providing ideal conditions for collaborations and independent projects
• Values of appreciation, commitment, openness and respect
• Flexible work‑time models and possibility to work from home
• Family Service Office support for balancing private and professional responsibilities
• Occupational training and continuing education opportunities tailored to individual needs
• Sport and health programmes for a healthy work‑life balance
• Benefits for public servants, including an attractive pension scheme (VBL), an annual end‑of‑year bonus, and job stability against economic fluctuations

The University of Münster strongly supports equal opportunity and diversity. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to creating family‑friendly working conditions. Part‑time options are generally available. We actively encourage applications by women and will preferentially consider women with equivalent qualifications unless overridden by other criteria.

Contact: Prof. Jürgen Gadau ( ) or Dr. Lukas Schrader ( ).

Applications, including CV and a 2–3 page research plan, are due by and must be submitted exclusively via our online application portal.

For sustainability reasons, please refrain from submitting paper or printed documents.

Reference number: 2026_07_08

U niversität Münster
Prof. Dr. Jürgen Gadau
Faculty of Biology
Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity
Hüfferstr. 1
48149 Münster