At the Institute of Botany and Landscape Ecology, Experimental Plant Ecology Group, which belongs to the University of Greifswald’s Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, there is a job vacancy, subject to the allocation of funds, expected to be available from 1 February 2026, for a part-time position (50 %) as
Research Assistant.
The position is limited until 31 December 2028. Payment will be made in accordance with pay group 13 TV-L Wissenschaft.
The Experimental Plant Ecology Group at the University of Greifswald’s Institute of Botany and Landscape Ecology conducts research on various ecosystems and species, including fens, forests, coastal heathlands, and shallow-water areas of the Baltic Sea (macroalgae). Our work combines basic research with applied and practice-oriented approaches. A key strength lies in the breadth and integration of research on restoration measures and sustainable land use.
The goal of the research project MAKROBIO is to establish sustainable cultivation of native macroalgae in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and to develop new, environmentally friendly biomaterials derived from macroalgae. The project investigates suitable species, optimises cultivation and processing techniques, and thereby builds a regional value chain that offers ecological benefits and new economic opportunities for coastal communities. Project partners include Alles Alge e.V. and the University of Rostock (Institute of Biological Sciences).
The advertised position will focus on developing a cultivation system for the macroalgae Fucus vesiculosus and Furcellaria lumbricalis – from selecting suitable strains and optimising reproduction and sowing methods to testing practical in-situ cultivation techniques. This includes developing a co-cultivation system, conducting site analyses, and testing environmentally friendly materials.
The position is suitable for completing a doctorate.
Tasks:
- Data collection at field sites and subsequent analysis
- Setup and maintenance of research stations
- Conducting reproduction experiments in climate chambers
- Publication of results in scientific journals
Required:
- M.Sc. degree (or equivalent) in biology, ecology, geoecology or another related discipline by the time employment starts
- Solid background in plant ecology, particularly macroalgae of the southern Baltic Sea
- Experience in (pre-)cultivation of macroalgae (preferably Fucus vesiculosus and Furcellaria lumbricalis)
- Experience with statistical analysis of experimental data, preferably in R
- Excellent English language skills
- High level of motivation to join an interdisciplinary and international research and training environment.
This vacancy is open to all persons, irrespective of gender. Severely disabled applicants with the same qualifications will be considered with preference.
In accordance with § 68(3) PersVG M-V, the Staff Council will only be involved in staff matters of the academic or artistic staff on request.
Unfortunately, application costs (e.g. travel expenses for interviews) will not be reimbursed by the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
Please note that by submitting your application, you provide your consent pursuant to data protection law for our processing of your application data. Further information about the legal bases and the use of your data can be found here.
Applications comprising all usual documents must be sent with reference to the job advertisement number 25/Wi32 by 15 December 2025, preferably via email (one PDF file), to:
Universität Greifswald
Institut für Botanik und Landschaftsökologie
Herrn Prof. Dr. Jürgen Kreyling
Soldmannstr. 15
17489 Greifswald