2026 Doctoral Research Associate in Biology at the University of Munster

The Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity at the University of Münster, Germany, is seeking to fill the position of a Doctoral Research Associate. 

Your tasks involve the genetic analysis and manipulation of stickleback MHC, using CRISPR-Cas technology, to conduct experiments on the role of MHC for spermatogenesis, sperm function, and gamete interaction. You will further be involved in the analysis of human whole exome sequencing (WES) data of infertility cases and controls.

This position is tied to working towards a doctorate.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Documents
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineFebruary 27, 2026
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorUniversity of Münster
• City to studyNorth Rhine-Westphalia
• School to studyUniversity of Münster
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• Working in the highly collaborative environment of the CRC ‘Principles of Reproduction’ with access to state-of-the-art technology and datasets.
• Benefiting from collaboration with another PhD student carrying out related work in the cavefish and with our external collaborator, Prof. Tobias Lenz (University of Hamburg), who is an expert on both fish and human MHC.
• A unique opportunity to combine basic research in evolutionary ecology with applied research on human reproduction.
• Appreciation, commitment, openness and respect – values which are important to us.
• Our broad range of diverse work-time models offers great flexibility – also when working from home.
• If you have family members or young children in your care, our Family Service Office offers concrete support to help you balance your private and professional responsibilities.
• As an educational institution, we are deeply committed to offering occupational training and continuing education opportunities tailored to your individual needs.
• From A – Z, Aikido to Zumba, our sport and health programmes ensure a healthy work-life balance.
• As a university employee, you are entitled to numerous benefits afforded to public servants, e.g. an attractive company pension scheme (VBL), an annual end-of-year bonus and a position that is shielded from economic fluctuations.
•  salary level E 13 TV-L

Requirements

• Applicants must have the equivalent of a master’s degree in biology, preferentially with a focus on evolution, molecular biology, reproductive biology or a related field.
• A background, and ideally some experience, in any of the following areas will be useful: molecular laboratory skills, functional genomics and/or practical fish work.
• Applicants should have excellent communication skills and be able to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• The working language of the Institute and the lab is English, therefore good proficiency in spoken and written English is a requirement; a willingness to learn German is desirable

Application Documents

Please include, in one pdf document:

• Cover letter with a statement of research interest and motivation (max 1 page)
• CV including details about research experience and publications
• Transcript and scanned copies of your degree certificates
• Names and contact details of at least two references

Check also:
2026 Fully Funded Humboldt Research Fellowship
2026 Konrad Adenauer Foundation Scholarship

Application Deadline

How To Apply

Aplplications are made via the Online Application Portal.

For more information, kindly visit the University of Münster website.