Research Associate (Postdoc, m/f/d)

Job advertisement

Vacancy ID: 299/2026
Closing date:

The Friedrich Schiller University Jena is a dynamic and innovation-driven university centrally located in Germany. With a broad range of disciplines, it shapes the future through excellent research and teaching. Its scientific excellence is reflected in the profile areas Light – Life – Liberty, which provide pioneering insights and sustainable solutions for the society of tomorrow. Through close collaborations with leading research institutions, innovative companies, and renowned cultural organizations, it advances interdisciplinary developments. With around 17,000 students and approximately 10,000 employees, it defines Jena as a vibrant, internationally connected city of science and innovation.

The Institute of Zoology and Evolutionary Research (Brehm Lab) seeks to fill the position of a

Research Associate (Postdoc, m/f/d)

commencing on 1 February 2027 in the research project OviOzone: AI-based insect monitoring and development of ARNI-Agri. We offer a full-time position (40 hours per week) as a fixed-term position until 31 December 2029 (project duration approx).

Funded by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space, the OviOzone project is developing a pesticide-free strategy against agricultural insect pests: a brief, local increase in night-time ozone concentration is intended to break down the odour compounds that pests use to locate their host plants. The project is a collaboration between the Knaden Lab (Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology) and the Brehm Lab (University of Jena). Your position covers the part of the project that investigates the effects on insect diversity and develops a new, low-cost monitoring system for pests.

Your responsibilities:

• Setting up and operating ARNI-Pro devices for monitoring nocturnal insects at ozone-treated and control sites in Erfurt and Jena
• Adapting the LEPMON software to the project requirements, regular data retrieval and data management on the LAUP portal (
• Further training of the AI image recognition using the LEPMON annotation tools, with a focus on microlepidoptera and other insect groups; supervising a student assistant
• Statistical analysis of species data and relative abundances (R) to assess the effects of ozone on insect diversity
• Developing ARNI-Agri: a new ARNI system that is smaller, more cost-effective and specialised in nocturnal pests, with on-site image analysis (edge AI) and data transmission via mobile network and LoRaWAN; building a demonstrator
• Testing various cameras, lenses and hardware variants (including Raspberry Pi and ESP systems) and implementing edge AI
• Planning and conducting field trials with 32 ARNI-Agri devices and various pest species, and analysing the data
• Publishing the results, presenting them at scientific conferences, and public outreach

Your profile:

• Master's degree in biology, ecology, entomology, computer science, environmental sciences or a related field
• Enthusiasm for a project that involves a lot of testing, developing and optimising
• Knowledge of entomology, ideally in the identification of moths
• Experience in conducting field studies and in statistical data analysis using R and Python
• Interest in AI-based image recognition and edge computing, embedded systems and sensor technology
• Ability to work independently, team spirit and enjoyment of collaboration between biology, computer science and engineering
• Very good English skills; basic knowledge of German is desirable; driving licence (category B)

We offer:

• An interdisciplinary project in a stimulating scientific environment at the University of Excellence Jena and the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology
• Work in a small and productive research group at the interface of ecology, entomology and technology
• Access to an established entomology network and to the systems developed in the LEPMON project
• Attractive fringe benefits, e.g. capital formation benefits (VL) and an occupational pension (VBL)
• Remuneration based on the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Federal States (TV-L) at salary scale E13, depending on the candidate’s personal qualifications, including a special annual payment in accordance with the collective agreement
• 30 days of vacation per calendar year plus two days off on December 24 and 31

The advertised position is offered as a fixed-term position until 31 December 2029 (project duration).

This is a full-time position (40 hours per week).

In principle, the job is also suitable for part-time employment. The extent to which a part-time request can be granted, in particular with regard to the location and scope of the part-time work, will be assessed on the basis of the needs of the service.

Friedrich Schiller University Jena promotes equal opportunities. Candidates with severe disabilities will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications and suitability, provided that they are able to carry out the field work.

If you have any questions about the position, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Gunnar Brehm at: Email:

For further information for applicants and the information on the collection of personal data, please refer to Data privacy and information for applicants