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 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)
Are you hesitating because you don't meet one or some of our requirements? Please do not hesitate to apply and give us a chance to get to know you.
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: gunnar.brehm@uni-jena.de
Are you eager to work for us? Then apply by 26.11.2026 using our online form.
