3 Junior Research Group Leaders (100%)

University of Bonn; Bonn; On-site; EUR 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

TV-L pay grade 14

Independent research group with two Ph

Open, interdisciplinary work

Job summary

The University of Bonn invites applications for three Junior Research Group Leaders (100%) starting 2027, funded until 2032 with potential for permanent employment. The PhenoRob Cluster seeks independent researchers to build international, high-impact groups.

Candidates should have postdoctoral experience, a strong publication record, and a drive to lead PhD students; responsibilities include publishing, collaboration, acquiring funding, and developing demonstrators around CP use cases, with

Qualifications

• PhD required with strong publication record.
• Independent researcher capable of leading a group.
• Experience in interdisciplinary, collaborative research.

Responsibilities

• Design the research profile and establish an independent group.
• Publish in high-ranked journals and attract funding.
• Lead PhD students and collaborate across CPs.

Skills

Publication record

Independent research leadership

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Mentoring PhD students

Education

PhD degree

Postdoctoral experience

Job description

The University of Bonn is an international research university with a wide education and research profile. With a 200-year history, approximately 31,500 students, more than 6,000 staff, and an excellent reputation at home and abroad, the University of Bonn is one of the most important universities in Germany and is recognized as a university of excellence. The Cluster of Excellence PhenoRob - Robotics and Phenotyping for Sustainable Crop Production seeks for 3 Junior Research Group Leaders (100%) from 2027 onwards, limited until December 31, 2032 in accordance with § 2 (1) WissZeitVG with the option for permanent employment. The research group leader positions are full-time positions (100%).

Your tasks

Designing the research profile and building up an internationally visible, independent research group that makes central contributions to at least one of the seven CPs. Central contributions include (i) publishing in high-ranked publications, (ii) collaborating with other PhenoRob members, (iii) building research demonstrators around a CP use case, and (iv) attracting additional funding.

Your profile

• A postdoctoral researcher with a strong publication record in one of the Cluster's or related disciplines,
• An independent scholar who wants to shape the Cluster's research and has the ability to conduct highly visible and impactful research,
• An interest in interdisciplinary and collaborative research and openness to new ideas,
• The aptitude to lead a small team of PhD students

What we offer

• Remuneration in accordance with TV-L pay grade / Entgeltgruppe 14,
• An independent research group with two funded PhD positions,
• Easy access to laboratory and field experiments,
• Financial support from the Cluster,
• The opportunity of conducting independent research and the support that is necessary to do so,
• Formal eligibility to supervise PhD students,
• An individual target agreement for permanent employment,
• An open, stimulating and interdisciplinary work environment.

Application requirements

• An application consisting of: (a) motivation letter (max. 1 page); (b) curriculum vitae; (c) list of publications; (d) link to Google Scholar profile; and (e) a copy of your PhD certificate;
• An outline of the concept for your Research Group, including a short outline for two PhD projects (max. 2 pages in sum);
• The name and contact details of two potential referees (position, professional address, email).

Equality, diversity and inclusion

The University of Bonn promotes an open, respectful, and non-discriminatory academic culture and is actively committed to equal opportunity and family friendliness. We aim to eliminate structural disadvantages and to strengthen diversity in research, teaching, and administration. Therefore, we welcome all applications, regardless of ethnic or social background, gender, sexual orientation, religion or belief, disability, or age.

Applications from women and people with a documented severe disability (or equivalent status) will be given preferential consideration in accordance with the State Equality Act (LGG) NRW and Social Code (SGB) IX.

Application Deadline

November 2, 2026