Fully Funded PhD Position: Insect Ecology – University of Würzburg, Germany
Quick Overview
The University of Würzburg is inviting applications for a PhD position in Insect Ecology to investigate the impacts of heatwaves on flower detection and visitation in insect pollinators. This DFG-funded project extends previous work on bumblebees to assess whether other pollinators—wild bees, butterflies, and hoverflies—show similar vulnerabilities to heat stress, and how heatwaves affect foraging behaviour and pollination efficiency. The position offers a 3-year contract with 65% TV-L E13 salary.
Key Details
| Position | PhD Researcher (m/f/d) |
| Project | The heat is on: impacts of heatwaves on flower detection and visitation in insect pollinators |
| Institution | Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg |
| Department | Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology (Zoology III) |
| Location | Würzburg, Germany |
| Qualification | MSc in Biology, Ecology, Entomology, or related field |
| Salary | TV-L E13 (65%) |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Start Date | December 1, 2026 |
| Deadline | October 15, 2026 |
| Apply Via | sabine.nooten@uni-wuerzburg.de |
| Contact | Dr. Sabine Nooten |
Research Background
Heat waves increasingly threaten pollination services. Previous work has shown that heat stress impairs bumblebees’ olfactory ability to detect floral scents, with limited recovery, potentially compromising foraging success and colony survival. This project extends that work to ask whether other pollinators—wild bees, butterflies, hoverflies—show similar vulnerabilities, and how heat waves affect foraging behaviour and pollination efficiency (pollen transfer, flower visitation).
The research has significant implications for understanding the impacts of climate change on pollination services, which are critical for both natural ecosystems and agricultural production. By investigating multiple pollinator taxa, the project will provide a comprehensive assessment of heatwave vulnerability across different functional groups.
Key Responsibilities
- Assess heat-stress vulnerability across multiple pollinator taxa
- Conduct behavioural assays on floral resource detection and foraging under heat stress
- Quantify effects on pollination efficiency via field and lab experiments
- Analyse and publish results
- Contribute to project management and supervision of student assistants
Candidate Profile
Required:
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Biology, Ecology, Entomology, or related field
- Interest in insect physiology, behavioural ecology, and/or pollination biology
- Willingness to work within an interdisciplinary and collaborative project
- Good statistical skills in R
- Fluent written and spoken English
Desirable:
- Fieldwork/laboratory experience with insects
- German language skills (advantage)
What They Offer
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 years |
| Start Date | December 1, 2026 |
| Salary | TV-L E13 (65%) |
| Location | Würzburg, Germany |
| Research Environment | Active, international research group |
| Facilities | Access to field sites and laboratory infrastructure |
| Training | Support for professional development and doctoral training programs |
Application Tips
- Highlight insect ecology experience – Emphasize any experience with insect physiology, behavioural ecology, or pollination biology.
- Show statistical skills – Good statistical skills in R are required. Provide examples of your experience.
- Demonstrate fieldwork capability – The project involves both field and lab experiments. Showcase your fieldwork experience.
- Mention German language skills – While not required, German language skills are an advantage.
- Submit a single PDF – Include CV, motivation letter, research interests summary, certificates, and contact information of two references.
How to Apply
Submit your application as a single PDF file to Dr. Sabine Nooten at sabine.nooten@uni-wuerzburg.de
Required documents:
- CV
- Motivation letter
- Short summary of research interests
- Complete certificates
- Contact information of two references
Alternatively: Submit application materials as copies to Dr. Sabine Nooten, Chair of Zoology III, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg
Application Deadline: October 15, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the project focus? Impacts of heatwaves on insect pollinators.
- What is the qualification requirement? Master’s in Biology, Ecology, Entomology, or related field.
- What is the salary? TV-L E13 (65%).
- What is the duration? 3 years.
- What is the start date? December 1, 2026.
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