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Philipps-Universität Marburg
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PhD Researcher in Wild Bee Translocation, Genetic Connectivity and Ecological Restoration Philipps-Universität Marburg in Germany
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Ecology
Funding
This is a third-party-funded part-time position at 65% of regular working hours, paid at salary grade E 13 TV-H under the Collective Agreement for the Public Service of the State of Hesse. The appointment is fixed for three years. Benefits include free public transport in Hesse through the Landesticket, a company pension scheme (VBL), and professional-development opportunities through MARA, the International Office and the Higher Education Didactics Office.
Deadline
Nov 29, 2026
Country
Germany
University
Philipps-Universität Marburg
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About this position
PhD Researcher in Wild Bee Translocation and Genetic Connectivity
The Animal Ecology research group at Philipps-Universität Marburg is offering a doctoral research position within the international BeeConn project, “Bee Genetic Connectivity Across Landscapes: Insect Translocation and Population Establishment for Ecological Restoration.” The position is offered in collaboration with Dr. Felix Fornoff at the Chair of Nature Conservation and Landscape Ecology at the University of Freiburg.
The project addresses major challenges in pollinator restoration: establishing translocated pollinator populations, restoring genetic diversity and gene flow through connected stepping-stone habitats, and developing restoration strategies supported by stakeholders. The PhD researcher will work with project partners in Germany, Poland and Sweden, contributing to research on how ecological restoration can support wild bee populations across different landscapes.
The doctoral project will focus particularly on ground-nesting wild bees. It will investigate how different translocation methods contribute to population recovery and how outcomes are influenced by abiotic factors such as soil substrate. The research will also examine how habitat connectivity affects genetic exchange between populations of cavity-nesting wild bees. The work combines field ecology, population and landscape studies, genetic connectivity and interdisciplinary collaboration.
The position is shared between Marburg and Freiburg. The intended arrangement is approximately 1.5 years in Marburg followed by 1.5 years in Freiburg, although alternative arrangements may be agreed to accommodate personal preferences or work-life considerations. The doctoral degree will be formally completed in Marburg, with supervision shared throughout the project by Prof. Anne Mupepele and Dr. Felix Fornoff.
The successful researcher will develop an independent PhD project, conduct fieldwork, collect and analyse data, prepare peer-reviewed publications and present findings at working-group seminars and academic conferences. The research environment includes exchanges with groups at both German universities and collaboration with partners including the National Research Institute of Animal Production, the Institute of Animal Systematics and Evolution of the Polish Academy of Sciences, the University of Gothenburg and Halmstad University.
Funding details
This is a third-party-funded part-time position at 65% of regular working hours, paid at salary grade E 13 TV-H under the Collective Agreement for the Public Service of the State of Hesse. The appointment is fixed for three years. Benefits include free public transport in Hesse through the Landesticket, a company pension scheme (VBL), and professional-development opportunities through MARA, the International Office and the Higher Education Didactics Office.
What's required
Applicants must hold a completed Diplom, Master's degree or equivalent in biology, nature conservation, environmental sciences, bioinformatics or a related field. Experience with, or willingness to learn, computer-based data collection and analysis methods such as statistics in R is required, along with the ability to handle challenging fieldwork, organisational skills, strong communication and teamwork abilities, and excellent written and oral English presentation skills. Sufficient German or a proven willingness to acquire it is required for interactions with authorities and landowners and everyday life in Germany. Knowledge of entomology, particularly wild bees, is advantageous. Applicants should be willing to collaborate with geneticists, social scientists and farmers. A Class B driving licence and willingness to travel to fieldwork locations are desirable. Willingness to undertake an independent doctoral project in ecology is expected.
How to apply
Submit one PDF containing a motivation letter, CV and relevant certificates through the online application button by 29 November 2026.
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Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.