Research Assistant (Doctoral Position) on the topic of "The influence of climate change scenari[...]

Research Assistant (Doctoral Position) on the topic of "The influence of climate change scenarios on the prevalence of pathogenic microorganisms in soils"

(salary scale 13 TV-L, 65%)

Nestled in a modern city surrounded by nature and with an exceptional standard of living, Leibniz University Hannover offers excellent working conditions in a vibrant scientific community.

The Soil Microbiology Working Group of the Institute of Microbiology welcomes applications for the follwing position starting July 1st, 2026: Research Assistant (Doctoral Position) on the topic of "The influence of climate change scenarios on the prevalence of pathogenic microorganisms in soils" (salary scale 13 TV-L, 65%).

The position is limited to 36 months. The position corresponds to 65% of the standard working hours.

We offer the opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary team as part of the MWK-funded joint project "Bacterial Climate Resilience in One Health" (BaklimON).

Tasks and project description

The project aims to investigate the effects of climate stress factors on microbial communities in soil incubations with a focus on pathogens. Your tasks will include preparing and carrying out the incubations, measuring soil chemical and physiological activity parameters, amplicon analyses, quantitative PCR, metagenomics, and live germ count determinations. You will collaborate with other doctoral candidates within BaklimON, participate in project-related seminars and present your findings at national and international conferences. You will also write scientific publications on your project results.

Who are we looking for?

A prerequisite for employment is a completed university degree in subjects such as microbiology, life sciences, biotechnology, or related disciplines. We expect a high level of motivation for independent research work, the ability to work in a team and very good written and spoken English communication skills. Confident use of Office programmes (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and an affinity for IT are required. Experience with soil incubation, microbial physiology, aerobic and anaerobic cultivation techniques, high-throughput sequencing methods and bioinformatics is an advantage.

Equal opportunities and diversity are core values at Leibniz University Hannover. Our goal is to tap into individual potential and open up possibilities. We therefore welcome applications from anyone interested in the position, irrespective of gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or ideology, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity.

We strive towards a balanced and diverse workforce and a reduction in under-representation in accordance with the Lower Saxony Equal Rights Act (Niedersächsisches Gleichberechtigungsgesetz – NGG). We therefore also welcome applications from women for the above-mentioned position. Preference will be given to equally-qualified candidates with disabilities.

With more than 5.000 employees, Leibniz University Hannover is one of the largest and most attractive employers in the Hannover region. We offer a vibrant interdisciplinary and international working environment, and promote personal and professional development ranging from subject-related skills to leadership and languages.

Your future workplace offers modern, ergonomic IT equipment with height-adjustable desks, state-of-the-art laboratories, excellent public transport connections and charging facilities for electric vehicles. A canteen offering a wide range of options (including traditional and vegan cuisine) is within walking distance.

Remote work (mobile work, work from home) can be arranged upon request. We support employees with balancing work and family life, through services such as back-up childcare, childcare during school holidays, and parent-child offices, as well as providing individual advice regarding family responsibilities and caring for dependants.

To promote health and well-being among employees, we offer an extensive sports programme with over 100 different sports, as well as a fitness centre with a sauna and climbing space. Health management measures, such as courses on stress management, good nutrition and relaxation, aim to ensure a healthy workplace.

Further information

Please send your application with the usual documents (cover letter, CV, certificates, list of publications and contact details of two references) by March 31st, 2026 in electronic form (a *.pdf document smaller than 30 MB) with the reference "BaklimON Soil Microbiology" to

Research Assistant Doctoral Position on the topic of The influence of climate change scenarios on the prevalence of pathogenic microorganisms in soils • Hannover, DE