Team Leader Scientist full time (fmdiv) Mammalian Gamete Biology and Reproductive Biotechnologies

The Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (Leibniz-IZW) in the Forschungsverbund Berlin e.V. a part of the Leibniz Association aims to understand and, where possible, improve the adaptive capacity of wild animals to cope with global change. It focuses on the diversity of lifestyles, diseases, and mechanisms of evolutionary adaptation of mammals and birds on the limits of these mechanisms in natural and anthropogenically influenced environments and on conservation strategies that take these into account. The Institute fulfils this mission through long‑term application‑oriented interdisciplinary basic research in evolutionary ecology, ecological dynamics, evolutionary genetics, wildlife diseases, reproductive biology, and reproductive management.

For our Department of Reproduction Biology we are seeking to appoint a Team Leader Scientist (full time) in the Field of Mammalian Gamete Biology and Reproductive Biotechnologies.

The ideal candidate is interested in investigating the effects of endogenous and exogenous factors on mammalian fertility traits such as functional performance of sperm, oocytes, or embryonic development with a focus on wildlife species and conservation.

Responsibilities

• Development and pursuit of an innovative research programme as a group leader in mammalian gamete biology, embryology, and/or reproductive biotechnologies with special emphasis on its applicability for conservation purposes;
• Publication of research results in international journals and presentation at conferences;
• Acquisition of third‑party funding;
• Laboratory management and occupational safety;
• Teaching (reproductive biology and biotechnology);
• Supervision of students (bachelor, master, PhD) and technical assistants.

Requirements

• Completed university degree in biology, biotechnology, biochemistry, veterinary sciences, animal sciences or a related field;
• Completed PhD and research experience (postdoc) in mammalian reproductive biology, reproductive biotechnology or reproductive medicine, ideally in species conservation;
• Strong publication record in gamete biology, embryology, and/or reproductive biotechnologies;
• Profound expertise in microscopy/imaging technologies (including fluorescence);
• Excellent command of English (written and spoken);
• Interest and ability to work in an international team and with a diverse community of scientists and stakeholders.

Advantageous skills

• Expertise in single‑cell characterization (e.g., flow cytometry sperm assessment) and/or in vitro techniques (e.g., IVF/ICSI, cell culture, microfluidics);
• Experience in supervising technical assistants and students/junior researchers;
• Initiation and management of international scientific cooperation in wildlife conservation, including legal requirements (Nagoya, CITES export control, etc.);
• Strong networking and communication skills.

Our offer

• An interesting and responsible position with room for manoeuvre in an international and dynamic scientific working environment in a beautiful location next to Tierpark Berlin‑Friedrichsfelde;
• A comprehensive induction programme and a well‑functioning team that will support you;
• Working on an equal footing within the team and respectful co‑operation;
• A full‑time employment relationship of 39 hours per week, flexitime with a part‑time option;
• A salary in accordance with the public collective bargaining law TVöD (Bund) with an annual bonus payment, graded up to pay group E14 depending on qualifications and tasks;
• Company pension scheme (VBL) and subsidised capital‑forming benefits (VWL);
• Flexible working hours and possibility of mobile working to allow work‑life balance;
• 30 days holiday per calendar year, with 24 and 31 December as days off;
• Excellent connectivity with public transport to underground stations Tierpark (U5) or Friedrichsfelde‑Ost (S5, S7, S75) and several tram and bus routes;
• Employer subsidy for the annual public transport job ticket;
• Free admission to the Tierpark (current agreement between Leibniz-IZW and Tierpark Berlin) from Monday to Friday.

The position will be filled preferably by March 1 2026 and is initially limited to 3 years.

We welcome applications regardless of gender, origin, sexual orientation, or religion. Disabled persons will be given preferential consideration in case of equal suitability. The IZW lives the principles enshrined by the German Charta of Diversity (Charta der Vielfalt) and promotes equality and an active work‑life balance.

Enquiries or questions should be directed to Prof. Dr. Jennifer Schön by email () or telephone.

Application

Then please apply by 28 Nov 2025 and submit your complete and informative application via our recruitment platform, including:

• A short letter of motivation highlighting your skills for this position;
• A Resume (maximum 3 pages) without photo;
• Digital copies of relevant degree(s);
• List of publications;
• Arbeitszeugnisse and/or recommendation letters and/or references.

We look forward to receiving your application!