Research Associate / Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) “Olfactory Control of Behavior in Amphibians”
Founded in 1607, Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU) is a research university rich in tradition. Inspired by curiosity about the unknown, we enable around 25,000 students and 5,800 employees to advance science for society. Join us in breaking new ground and writing success stories - your own and those of our university.
We are looking for your support from 01.11.2026, in a full time position as
Research Associate / Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d)
“Olfactory Control of Behavior in Amphibians”
The position is part of the externally funded project “The sense of smell as a modulator of feeding behavior during developmental transitions in poison frogs” and is to be filled on a fixed-term basis in accordance with § 2 WissZeitVG and § 72 HessHG with the opportunity for own academic qualification at the Chair of of Animal Physiology and Molecular Biomedicine within the Institute of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Chemistry. The salary is in accordance with the collective labour agreement of the State of Hessen (E 13 TV-H).
As long as the maximum permissible duration of a fixed-term contract is not exceeded, you will be employed for a period of 3 years.
The Research Group
Our research activities primarily focus on developmental, cellular, and functional aspects of the olfactory system in amphibians and other aquatic vertebrates. Using advanced imaging, neurophysiological, and molecular biological methods, we investigate the olfactory system. Furthermore, we use the olfactory network as a model to study the dynamics of neuronal development, synaptogenesis, neuronal degeneration, and regeneration. Our research is complemented by behavioral studies that explore the role of olfactory cues under natural conditions. We place great value on a collegial working environment, early scientific responsibility, and the targeted support of the academic development of our team members.
Your tasks at a glance
• You will be responsible for designing and preparing neurobiological experiments within the above-mentioned externally funded research project
• You will conduct neurobiological experiments based on predefined scientific questions and established or project-specific methods
• You will analyze experimental data using appropriate quantitative, statistical and/or image-analysis methods
• You will prepare research results for project reports, scientific presentations and publications
• You will contribute to the publication of scientific results in peer-reviewed journals, including the preparation of figures, methods descriptions and presentation of results
• Supervision of Bachelor’s and Master’s students within the scope of the project
The provision of academic services (including the processing of a research project financed by third party funds on a temporary basis) also serves the purpose of academic qualification.
Your qualifications and competences
• Completed master‘s or equivalent university degree doctoral degree in biology, neurobiology or a related natural science discipline
• Experience working with amphibians or other aquatic vertebrates is advantageous
• Basic experience with techniques such as fluorescence microscopy and functional imaging, including confocal and multiphoton microscopy, electrophysiological techniques, immunohistochemistry, molecular biology techniques and behavioral experiments, is advantageous
• Experience in the analysis of scientific data, particularly from imaging approaches and behavioral experiments, is advantageous
• Good written and spoken English skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Our offer to you
• A varied job with flexible working hours
• Free use of public transportation (“LandesTicket Hessen”)
• The possibility to attend more than 100 seminars, workshops, and e-learning courses annually, along with diverse health and sports offerings
• Salary that follows TV-H regulations, with supplementary pension benefits, child allowances, and special payments
• Good work-life balance ("audit familiengerechte hochschule")
For further questions, please feel free to contact Prof. Dr. Ivan Manzini by phone (+49 641/99-35050) or email (Ivan.Manzini).
Commitment to Equal Opportunity and Diversity
JLU aims to increase the proportion of women in research and strongly encourages qualified female scientists to apply. As part of our gender equality plan, we are committed to increasing female representation. JLU is a certified family-friendly university. Applications from scientists with children are welcome. Applications from persons with disabilities will be given preference in case of equal qualification. JLU values diversity, equity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from individuals of all cultural, social, and personal backgrounds.
You want to break new ground with us?
Apply via our online form by August 18th, 2026, indicating reference number 286/08. We look forward to receiving your application.