The Leibniz-IZW is an internationally recognized research institute belonging to the Leibniz Association. The institute's aim is to understand the adaptability of wild animals in an age of global change and to contribute to species conservation using scientifically sound methods. The Leibniz-IZW researches the distribution, population dynamics and adaptations of wild animal species and investigates how they interact with pathogens, environmental influences and humans. Research at the Leibniz-IZW is interdisciplinary and ranges from molecular biology studies to the analysis of landscapes and ecosystems. In order to put its research into practice, the institute works closely with stakeholders, policy makers and conservationists.
For our Department of Reproduction Management, we are seeking to appoint a
Scientific Coworker in IVF-laboratory
in the BMFTR (“Bundesministerium für Forschung, Technologie und Raumfahrt “/Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space) funded Consortium Project “Advanced Reproduction Technologies for the Rescue of Highly Endangered Mammals such as the Northern White Rhino – Subproject I: Coordination and Assisted Reproduction”.
The project is carried out in collaboration with the Max-Delbrueck-Centrum for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz-Gemeinschaft (MDC), the University of Padua (Italy) Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, the Italian Biotech company AVANTEA, Laboratory of Reproductive Technologies, Cremona, Kyushu University, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Fukuoka City and ZOO Dvůr Králové, a.s.
Responsibilities include:
- Work in the IVF laboratory and, to a limited extent, on field assignments for gamete retrieval;
- Experience with in vitro oocyte maturation, fertilization, ICSI, micromanipulation, EmbryoScope, and conventional embryo culture and cryopreservation of gametes and embryos;
- Sample documentation and management.
Requirements:
- Completed university degrees in medicine, veterinary medicine or biology or similar subjects and hold a doctoral degree or has submitted a doctoral dissertation
- A strong background in In Vitro fertilization techniques including ICSI, cell culture and cryo-preservation
- Excellent communication skills in English (skills in German will be helpful) in writing and speaking
- High motivation and a willingness to work as part of a team
- Excellent organizational skills and the ability to work independently, in a structured way and efficient use of her or his time
- High flexibility and the ability to offer a rapid response to novel challenges
- Familiarity with the writing and publication of papers in peer-reviewed journals.
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 in pay group 13.
- 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, based on a 5-day week. In addition, 24 December and 31 December are days off.
- 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 as soon as possible and is initially a fixed-term contract for two (2) years. An extension of the project is requested.
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 Prof Dr Thomas Hildebrandt by email (hildebrandt[at]izw-berlin.de or nguyen[at]izw-berlin.de) or telephone +49 30 5168 440.
Are you interested:
Please apply exclusively via our recruiting portal (button “Apply online”) by 20 October 2026 and upload the following application documents there:
1) Short letter of motivation, highlighting your skills for this position
2) Resume (maximum 3 pages)
3) Digital copies of relevant degree/s
4) List of publications
5) “Arbeitszeugnisse” and/or recommendation letters and/or references
Finalist candidates will be informed by email within a few days of this deadline and will be invited to short interviews between 02 Nov 2026 and 13 Nov 2026, which can also take place via video call. You will then be asked to prepare a short (approx. 10-minute) presentation on your past and current research work.
We look forward to receiving your application!
