Research Assistant (m/f/d) - agricultural entomology

Universität Rostock; Rostock; On-site; EUR 48,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

Universität Rostock invites applications for a part-time Research Assistant in agricultural entomology. The role focuses on drought stress effects on aphids and virus spread, employing real-time EPG methods for aphid feeding analysis.

Laboratory and field-based experiments, molecular quantification, and student-focused teaching are included. The position involves independent project work, collaboration with the department, and active dissemination of findings in peer-reviewed journals.

Qualifications

• Completed university degree in Biology, Agricultural Sciences, or related field.
• For habilitation: completed PhD in the mentioned fields.

Responsibilities

• Research in drought stress influence on aphid behavior and virus spread for scientific qualification.
• Apply electrophysiological methods (EPG) for real-time aphid feeding analysis.
• Conduct laboratory and mesocosm behavioral experiments.
• Perform RT-qPCR molecular quantification of viral loads.
• Teach 2 SWS/week including tutorials and field trips in agricultural entomology.

Skills

Insect biology

EPG (Electropenetrography)

PCR

R (GLMs/GLMMs)

English proficiency

German basics

Independent working style

Team collaboration

Education

Biology degree

Agricultural Sciences degree

PhD for habilitation

Tools

EPG equipment

PCR

R software

Job description

The University of Rostock offers a diverse, varied and challenging position in a tradition-conscious, yet innovative, modern and family-friendly university in a lively city by the sea.

Research Assistant (m/f/d) - agricultural entomology

• Start date at the earliest possible date
• Working hours part-time with 20 hours
• Remuneration pay group 13 TV-L
• Location Rostock
• Tender number W 131/2026
• Limitation limited until for 3 years
• Application time 2026-11-15

Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information:

• HR department:
• Anja Kunert
• Tel.-Nr.: 0381/498-1296
• E-Mail:
• [e-mail]
• Department:
• Prof. Ilka Vosteen
• Tel.-Nr.: 0381/498-3160
• E-Mail:
• [e-mail]

Drought stress affects the feeding behavior of aphids, leading to a less efficient transmission of persistent viruses between aphids and plants. On the other hand, drought-stressed plants serve as less suitable hosts for aphids, which could cause them to emigrate earlier, potentially accelerating the spread of viral infections within the crop. This research project aims to investigate these interconnected factors using drought-resistant and drought-susceptible varieties.

THIS ARE YOUR TASKS:

• research in the field of "Influence of drought stress on the behavior and population dynamics of aphids and the resulting consequences for the spread of plant viruses" with the aim of scientific qualification (doctorate or habilitation)
• apply modern electrophysiological methods (Electropenetrography – EPG) for the real-time analysis of faphid eeding behavior
• conduct and evaluate behavioral experiments in the laboratory as well as epidemiological studies in large field cages (mesocosms)
• perform molecular biological quantification of viral loads using RT-qPCR
• scholarly, research-based teaching (2 SWS / hours per week) including tutorials, practical courses, and field trips in the field of agricultural entomology, with the goal of enabling students to conduct independent academic research
• assist with module examinations (acting as an exam assessor, minute-taking, and co-evaluation)
• support academic administrative tasks (study organization, committee work)
• organize scientific and public events (e.g., Night of Science)
• publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals

THIS MAKES YOU A GOOD FIT:

• completed university degree (state exam, diploma, master's degree or comparable degree) in Biology, Agricultural Sciences, or a related discipline
• for a qualification leading to a habilitation: a completed PhD in the above-mentioned fields
• excellent knowledge in the field of entomology, with a focus on plant-insect interactions and aphid biology
• practical experience in insect rearing, EPG (Electropenetrography), choice assays, PCR, and statistical data analysis in R (including GLMs and GLMMs)
• proficiency in written and spoken English
• basic knowledge of German or the willingness to acquire it quickly; strong German language skills are an advantage, as teaching is primarily conducted in German
• willingness to work seriously and with commitment on a project of one's own scientific qualification
• an independent working style, flexibility regarding working hours, a strong sense of responsibility, and an exceptional level of commitment, combined with team spirit and excellent communication skills

WE AS AN EMPLOYER:

Equal opportunities are important to us. We welcome applications from suitable severely disabled people or people from traditionally underrepresented groups. We aim to increase the proportion of women in research and teaching and therefore encourage suitably qualified women to apply. We welcome applications from people of other nationalities or with a migration background.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

We will determine the experience level individually, taking into account your previous professional experience. If you are already employed part-time at the university, we will check individually whether an increase in working hours is possible as a result of your application. The temporal limitation of the employment relationship is based on

• 2 (1) Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz.

Contact

Universität Rostock
18051 Rostock
Tel.: [phone] - 0

Sitze des Rektorats:

Universitätsplatz 1
18055 Rostock