Student or scientific assistant (m/f/d)

Friedrich Schiller University is a traditional university with a strong research profile rooted in the heart of Germany. As a university covering all disciplines, it offers a wide range of subjects. Its research is focused on the areas Light-Life-Liberty. It is closely networked with non-research institutions, research companies and renowned cultural institutions. With around 18,000 students and more than 8,600 employees, the university plays a major role in shaping Jena's character as a cosmopolitan and future-oriented city.

The German Centre for integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig seeks to fill the position of a

Student or scientific assistant (m/f/d)

on the project: "Molecular Mechanisms and Ecological Consequences of Chemodiversity in Solanum dulcamara" with option for Bachelor or Master thesis

commencing as soon as possible until 31 October 2021. Extent of work is flexible between 32 to 64 hours per month. The work place will be at the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig in the city of Leipzig. Sometimes you will have to work in Bad Lauchstädt, too.

Research topic:

The bittersweet nightshade (Solanum dulcamara) contains steroidal glycoalkaloids (SGAs) that vary across accessions. This chemodiversity occurs at the level of intraspecific variation: different chemotypes exists within one species. Also, SGAs play a critical role in resistance against herbivores, for example, against gastropods. To learn more about the ecological consequences of this chemical variation a field-experiment will be conducted at the experimental research station of Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ in Bad Lauchstädt. We are looking for a motivated student or scientific assistant that can assist us with logistics, setting-up of the field experiment and data collection. The project is supervised by Prof. Dr Nicole M. van Dam (head of iDiv's Molecular Interaction Ecology group). Adam Anaia, PhD student on this project will be your daily supervisor.

Your responsibilities:

• assisting in the field experiment that will be conducted in Bad Lauchstädt in terms of logistics, setting-up of the experiment, data collection and driving to the field-site
• assisting in related projects in our lab

Your profile:

• Enrolled as BSc or MSc student (or equivalent) in a related research discipline (e.g. biology, ecology, life sciences, biochemistry etc.)
• Ability and interest to distinguish different plants, herbivores and (buzz)-pollinators
• Fluency in written and spoken English
• Team player, reliable and precise in collecting scientific data
• Valid (German) driver`s license (B) is necessary
• Willing to work outside in the field

We offer:

• Work in a dynamic, international and interdisciplinary environment
• Opportunities to develop and advance scientific networks
• Cutting edge research in modern facilities
• Opportunity to carry out your BSc or MSc thesis project in our group (joint supervision with the university where you are enrolled as a student is possible)
• Attractive remuneration with regard to your qualification

Queries concerning the position should be directed to Redouan Adam Anaia ().

Submission deadline is 31 January 2021.

All applications should include

• Cover letter in English describing motivation for the project, research interests and relevant experience
• complete curriculum vitae listing relevant skills and qualifications
• digital copy of BA/Diploma certificates, if applicable
• digital copy of transcript of records

Candidates with severe disabilities will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications and suitability.

Are you eager to work with us? Kindly send your application, quoting the vacancy ID 014/2021, via our application portal at https://apply.idiv.de. While we prefer applications via this portal, hard-copy applications may also be sent to: German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research - iDiv (Halle-Jena-Leipzig), Adam Anaia, Puschstr. 4, 04103 Leipzig.

iDiv is committed to establishing and maintaining a diverse and inclusive community that collectively supports and implements our mission to do great science. We will welcome, recruit, develop, and advance talented staff from diverse genders and backgrounds.

Since all application documents will be duly destroyed after the recruitment process, we ask you to submit only copies of your documents.

For further information for applicants, please also refer to www4.uni-jena.de/Job portal (in German).

Please also note the information on the collection of personal data at

https://www4.uni-jena.de/en/jobs_information_collecting_personal_data-path-18,27.html.