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Friedrich Schiller University Jena
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Postdoctoral Research Associate in AI-Based Insect Monitoring, Entomology and Edge AI Friedrich Schiller University Jena in Germany
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
Full-time employment at 40 hours per week, fixed-term until 31 December 2029, with remuneration according to the German Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Federal States (TV-L), salary scale E13, depending on qualifications, plus a special annual payment. Benefits include capital formation benefits, occupational pension, 30 days of annual leave and two additional days off on 24 and 31 December.
Deadline
Nov 26, 2026
Country
Germany
University
Friedrich Schiller University Jena
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About this position
Friedrich Schiller University Jena’s Institute of Zoology and Evolutionary Research, through the Brehm Lab, is recruiting a postdoctoral Research Associate for the interdisciplinary OviOzone project. The project is conducted with the Knaden Lab at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology and develops a pesticide-free approach to agricultural pest management.
OviOzone investigates whether brief, local increases in night-time ozone can break down the odour compounds that insect pests use to locate host plants. The postdoctoral researcher will focus on the effects of ozone treatment on insect diversity and on the development of a low-cost automated monitoring system for nocturnal agricultural pests.
The role combines insect ecology, entomology, computer science and engineering. The researcher will operate ARNI-Pro devices at ozone-treated and control sites in Erfurt and Jena, manage monitoring data through the LEPMON platform, and improve AI image recognition for microlepidoptera and other insect groups. The position also includes supervision of a student assistant and analysis of species data and relative abundances using R.
A major component is the development of ARNI-Agri, a smaller and more cost-effective monitoring system with on-site edge-AI image analysis and data transmission through mobile networks and LoRaWAN. The researcher will test cameras, lenses and hardware configurations including Raspberry Pi and ESP systems, build a demonstrator, conduct field trials with 32 devices and multiple pest species, and analyse the resulting data.
The successful candidate will work in a small research group at the interface of ecology, entomology and technology, with access to an established entomology network and systems developed through the LEPMON project. The work will contribute to publications, scientific conference presentations and public outreach within an internationally connected research environment.
Funding details
Full-time employment at 40 hours per week, fixed-term until 31 December 2029, with remuneration according to the German Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Federal States (TV-L), salary scale E13, depending on qualifications, plus a special annual payment. Benefits include capital formation benefits, occupational pension, 30 days of annual leave and two additional days off on 24 and 31 December.
What's required
Applicants must hold a Master's degree in biology, ecology, entomology, computer science, environmental sciences or a related field. Desired qualifications include knowledge of entomology, ideally moth identification; experience with field studies and statistical data analysis using R and Python; interest in AI-based image recognition, edge computing, embedded systems and sensor technology; enthusiasm for testing, developing and optimising systems; independent working ability, team spirit and willingness to collaborate across biology, computer science and engineering. Very good English skills are required, basic German is desirable, and a category B driving licence is required. Candidates must be able to carry out field work.
How to apply
Apply by 26 November 2026 through the online application form linked in the job advertisement. Contact Dr. Gunnar Brehm by email with questions about the position.
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