Postdoctoral researcher for the professorship of Agro-Ecological Modeling

The University of Bonn is an international research university offering a broad range of subjects. With a 200-year history, some 31,500 students, more than 6,000 employees and an outstanding reputation in Germany and abroad, the University of Bonn is one of the leading universities in Germany and has been awarded the status of a University of Excellence.

The professorship of Agro-Ecological Modeling at the Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation, within the Faculty of Agricultural, Nutritional and Engineering Sciences, is inviting applications for a

Postdoctoral researcher (100%)

starting as soon as possible. This is a full-time position for 3 years with the possibility of extension for another 3 years upon positive evaluation. The position is limited according to § 2 Abs. 1 WissZeitVG, aimed at supporting the scientific qualification of the postdoctoral researcher, such as the development of an independent research profile and preparation for a long-term academic career.

Founded in 2024 within the Cluster of Excellence PhenoRob, our Agro-Ecological Modeling research group is dedicated to research addressing the biodiversity crisis, with a particular focus on agriculture. We develop and apply advanced quantitative techniques to tackle critical questions and research challenges in landscape and agro-ecology, as well as biodiversity conservation. By integrating basic and applied research, we are laying a foundation for developing sustainable solutions that align human activities with the natural environment in a rapidly changing world. Our key research areas include advancing and innovating: (1) Biodiversity and ecosystem monitoring, (2) Integrated biodiversity modeling across spatial and temporal scales, and (3) Transdisciplinary conservation research that bridges theory and practice. We are looking forward to welcoming a new colleague who is enthusiastic about contributing their own ideas and initiatives to these research areas and who enjoys working in an open-minded, interdisciplinary, international and creative team.

Your tasks:

• Advance monitoring and modeling workflows to investigate habitat selection, species occupancy, and ecological interactions in agroecosystems, while contributing to the further development of state-of-the-art research methods and the testing of ecological theory,
• Coordinate and conduct fieldwork to collect biodiversity data using digital monitoring technologies at the experimental sites of the University of Bonn and at other locations in Germany, Sweden and other European countries,
• Build an independent research profile that both reflects your vision and strengthens the group’s overarching research agenda,
• Lead and contribute to third-party funding proposals, both independently and collaboratively with colleagues,
• Engage in scientific collaboration with researchers from PhenoRob, our faculty, the University of Bonn, and regional and international partners, fostering cross- and transdisciplinary partnerships,
• Engage in outreach and public events to share research insights with both the general public and policy stakeholders,
• Teach courses in BSc and MSc programs, particularly in MSc Nature Conservation and Landscape Ecology, with a commitment of 3 hours per week (4 SWS) during lecture periods,
• Supervise and mentor bachelor and master students on thesis projects related to your own research,
• Present your research results at international conferences and publish them in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Your profile:

• PhD in (landscape) ecology, conservation biology, ecological modeling, environmental sciences, or related fields, with expertise in biodiversity monitoring and modeling; agroecosystem experience is a plus,
• Strong background in statistical, probabilistic and/or mechanistic modeling, spatial data analysis (preferably in R or Python) and/or AI applications for analyzing complex ecological and environmental data,
• Experience in, and willingness to, conduct fieldwork,
• Field-based species identification skills (birds and/or plants) are an advantage,
• Publication record in international peer-reviewed journals,
• Previous experience in teaching and/or supervising is a plus,
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team, contributing positively to a dynamic and supportive team environment,
• Self-driven, flexible, and results-oriented work ethic and ability to manage independent projects,
• Willingness to contribute to outreach activities, public events, and policy briefs,
• Fluency in written and spoken English, with strong scientific writing skills; German language skills are a plus for teaching but not required.

What we offer:

• Excellent and well-funded working environment that supports innovation and high-quality research,
• Tailored support to strengthen your research profile and career development,
• Pathways for further academic advancement (e.g., habilitation),
• Opportunities for funded research stays at other (international) institutions,
• Collaborative, international work environment that fosters cross-disciplinary exchange,
• Company pension scheme (VBL),
• Extensive university sports programs,
• Centrally located workplace in Bonn with excellent public transport connections,
• Remuneration according to pay group 13 TV-L.

The University Bonn is an equal opportunities employer and places particular emphasis on fostering career opportunities for women. Qualified women are therefore strongly encouraged to apply as they are underrepresented in the field. The university has committed itself to being a family-friendly institution and supports their employees in balancing work and family life. The mission of the University is to employ a greater number of severely disabled persons. Applications from severely disabled persons with equivalent qualifications will be given preference.

Please submit your application in English as a single PDF file, including your CV and publication list, a two-page motivation letter outlining your interest in the position, the contact details of three referees, and copies of your degree certificates (BSc/MSc/PhD), with the ID 2025/147. Applications should be sent by email to aecomod@uni-bonn.de until November 9th, 2025. If you have questions about the position, please contact Prof. Dr. Anna Cord, anna.cord@uni-bonn.de.

We are looking forward to your application!

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