The Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (Leibniz-IZW) in the Forschungsverbund Berlin e.V., a part of the Leibniz Association, aims to understand and, where possible, ‘improve’ the adaptive capacity of wild animals to cope with global change. To this end, it focuses on the diversity of lifestyles, diseases and mechanisms of evolutionary adaptation of mammals and birds, on the limits of these mechanisms in natural and anthropogenically influenced environments, and on conservation strategies that take these into account. The Institute fulfils this mission through long-term, application-oriented, interdisciplinary basic research in evolutionary ecology, ecological dynamics, evolutionary genetics, wildlife diseases, reproductive biology and reproductive management.
For our Department of Reproduction Biology, we are seeking to appoint a
Team Leader Scientist (full time)
in the Field of Mammalian Gamete Biology and Reproductive Biotechnologies
The ideal candidate is interested in investigating the effects of endogenous and exogenous factors on mammalian fertility traits, such as functional performance of sperm and oocytes or embryonic development, with a focus on wildlife species and conservation.
Responsibilities include:
- Development and pursuit of an innovative research programme as a group leader in the field of mammalian gamete biology, embryology and/or reproductive biotechnologies with special emphasis on its applicability for conservation purposes;
- Publication of research results in international journals and presentation of results at conferences;
- Acquisition of third-party funding;
- Laboratory management and occupational safety;
- Teaching (reproductive biology and biotechnology) ;
- Supervision of students (bachelor, master, PhD) and technical assistants.
Requirements:
- Completed university degree in biology, biotechnology, biochemistry, veterinary sciences, animal sciences or related relevant field;
- Completed PhD and research experience (postdoc) in mammalian reproductive biology, reproductive biotechnology or reproductive medicine, ideally in the context of species conservation;
- Strong publication record in the field of gamete biology, embryology and/or reproductive biotechnologies;
- Profound expertise in microscopy/imaging technologies (incl. fluorescence);
- Excellent command of English (written and spoken);
- Interest and ability to work in an international team and with a diverse community of scientists and stakeholders.
Advantageous skills:
- Expertise in single cell characterization (e.g. flow cytometry, sperm assessment) and/or in vitro techniques (e.g. IVF/ICSI, cell culture, microfluidics);
- Experience in the supervision of technical assistants and students/junior researchers;
- Initiation and management of international scientific cooperation in the field of wildlife conservation including their legal requirements (Nagoya, CITES, export control, etc.);
- Strong networking and communication skills.
Our offer:
- An interesting and responsible position with room for manoeuvre in an international and dynamic scientific working environment in a beautiful location right next to the Tierpark Berlin-Friedrichsfelde.
- A comprehensive induction programme and a well-functioning team that will be happy to support you.
- Working on an equal footing between all those involved and respectful co-operation within the team.
- A full-time employment relationship of 39 hours per week in flexitime with part-time option.
- A salary in accordance with the public collective bargaining law TVöD (Bund) with an annual bonus payment. Depending on qualifications, experience and the tasks assigned, you will be graded up to pay group E14.
- Company pension scheme (VBL) and subsidised capital-forming benefits (VWL).
- Flexible working hours and possibility of mobile working to allow scope for work-life balance.
- 30 days holiday per calendar year.
- Excellent connectivity with public transport, to underground stations Tierpark (U5) or Friedrichsfelde-Ost (S5, S7, S75), as well as three tram lines and several bus routes.
- Employer subsidy for the annual public transport ‘job ticket’.
- Free admission to the Tierpark (current agreement between Leibniz-IZW and Tierpark Berlin) from Monday to Friday.
The position will be filled preferably by March 1st, 2026 and is initially limited to 3 years.
We welcome applications regardless of gender, origin, sexual orientation and religion. Disabled persons will be given preferential consideration in case of equal suitability. The IZW lives the principles enshrined by the German “Charta of Diversity” (Charta der Vielfalt), has a diversity and inclusion strategy, is "Total-E-Quality" certified, promotes equality and actively supports a work-life balance. We promote diversity, so please convince us with your quality and competence.
Enquiries or questions should be directed to Prof. Dr. Jennifer Schön by email (schoen@izw-berlin.de) or telephone +49 30 5168 611.
Are you interested?
Then please apply by 16.11.2025 and submit your complete and informative application via our recruitment platform at https://www.izw-berlin.de/en/job-offers including:
1) A short letter of motivation, highlighting your skills for this position
2) A Resume (maximum 3 pages) without photo
3) Digital copies of relevant degree/s
4) List of publications
5) Arbeitszeugnisse and/or recommendation letters and/or references
We look forward to receiving your application!
