1 year Postdoc Bioinformatics in Evolutionary Virology

Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research Berlin

Stellenbeschreibung:

Job Title

Employer

Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research

Department

Department of Wildlife Diseases

Location

Berlin, Germany

Job Overview

The Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (Leibniz‑IZW) is seeking a full‑time postdoctoral bioinformatician in the field of evolutionary virology. The position is jointly funded by the EU PANDASIA project ( and the Volkswagen Stiftung SIMPEL project ( Funding covers one year. The role involves analysing high‑throughput sequencing data from wild mammal samples to identify and characterise novel viral lineages as part of pandemic risk reduction projects.

Responsibilities

Implementation, development, and refinement of methods for identifying viral sequences in wild animals from high‑throughput sequence data.
Evolutionary analysis of viral sequences, including phylogenetic analysis, selection analysis, and assessment of the effects of mutations on protein structure.
Statistical analysis of data related to spatial, temporal, and ecological aspects of the projects.
Writing up results for peer‑reviewed publication.

Qualifications

Experience working with high‑throughput sequence data from pathogens.
Experience with viral sequences is a major advantage.
Experience working with non‑model systems.
Experience in statistical analysis.
Background in evolutionary biology and theory is a great advantage.
High motivation, flexibility, and ability to work independently and as part of a diverse international team.
Excellent English (written and spoken) and good knowledge of German.

Offer

Employment of 39 hours per week with flexi‑time and part‑time option.
Salary in accordance with the public collective bargaining law TVöD (Bund) up to level E13, with an annual bonus payment.
Company pension scheme (VBL) and subsidised capital‑forming benefits (VWL).
Flexible working hours and mobile‑working options.
30 days holiday per calendar year and additional days off on 24 December and 31 December.
Employer subsidy for the annual public transport ‘job ticket’.
Free admission to Tierpark Berlin from Monday to Friday.
Comprehensive induction programme and well‑functioning team support.
Opportunity to work in a dynamic scientific environment in a beautiful location next to Tierpark Berlin‑Friedrichsfelde.

Application Process

Short letter of motivation highlighting particular skills for this position.
Resume (maximum 3 pages) without photo.
Digital copies of relevant degrees.
List of publications.
Submit application by 2 November 2025 via the recruitment platform (contact: Prof. Alex Greenwood, ‑berlin.de).

Diversity & Inclusion

We welcome applications regardless of gender, origin, sexual orientation and religion. Disabled persons will be given preferential consideration in case of equal suitability. The IZW adheres to the German ‘Charta of Diversity’ and promotes equality and a healthy work‑life balance.

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