Student Assistant in Stable Isotope Laboratory - 15 hours per week

The Leibniz-IZW is an internationally recognised research institute belonging to the Leibniz Association. The institute's aim is to understand the adaptability of wild animals in an age of global change and to contribute to species conservation using scientifically sound methods. The Leibniz-IZW researches the distribution, population dynamics and adaptations of wild animal species and investigates how they interact with pathogens, environmental influences and humans. Research at the Leibniz-IZW is interdisciplinary and ranges from molecular biology studies to the analysis of landscapes and ecosystems. In order to put its research into practice, the institute works closely with stakeholders, policy makers and conservationists.

For our Department of Evolutionary Ecology, we are seeking to appoint a

Student Assistant (f/m/div), 15 hours per week

The Stable Isotope Laboratory of the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW) use stable isotope techniques to determine the relative abundance of isotopes in different biological materials (e.g. feathers, fur, muscle tissue) for the determination of the geographic origin and dietary patterns of animal species.

Responsibilities include:

• Assist with preparation of samples (e.g. washing, lipid extraction, drying, grinding, weighing) for stable isotope analysis, and other samples, as required.


• Assist with the inventory management of chemicals stock and other consumables.


• Maintain records of sample preparation procedures according to specified criteria to ensure proper data integrity.


• Clean equipment and glassware according to the required quality standards following prior instruction.


• Assist to develop technical, analytical, and teamwork skills relevant to laboratory setting.

Desirable knowledge and skills:

• Completed Bachelor degree in biology, chemistry, environmental sciences or a related field;


• The candidate must be enrolled as student in a master’s degree (or PhD) at a German university in sciences – ideally in biology, chemistry or similar;


• Experience in a laboratory setting and handling chemicals safely;


• Basic knowledge of isotope techniques and applications or similar is preferable;


• Previous experience with using high-resolution balances, preparing biological or environmental samples is an asset;


• The candidate must be able to work in Berlin (work in person, no remote work);


• Ability to work independently, high degree of self-motivation and commitment and attention to detail;


• Ability to communicate in English (both verbally and in writing).

The position will be filled preferably by 1st April 2026 and is initially limited to 3 months. Working hours are 15 hours per week, with salary of 14.84 euros (gross) per hour.

(Note: Employment is subject to the provisions of the working student privilege (“Werkstudentenprivileg”). During the lecture period, a maximum of 20 hours per week may be worked in total, including all student employments. Employment during a leave of absence (“Urlaubssemester”) is unfortunately not possible.)

We welcome applications regardless of gender, origin, sexual orientation and religion. Disabled persons will be given preferential consideration in case of equal suitability. The IZW lives the principles enshrined by the German “Charta of Diversity” (“Charta der Vielfalt”), has a diversity and inclusion strategy, is "Total-E-Quality" certified, promotes equality and actively supports a work-life balance. We promote diversity, so please convince us with your quality and competence.

Enquiries or questions should be directed Dr David Soto (he) by email ([email protected]) or telephone +49 30 5168 710.

Interested:

Then please apply by 28 February 2026 and submit your complete and informative application via our recruitment platform at https://www.izw-berlin.de/en/job-offers.html including:

1)        Short letter of motivation, highlighting your skills for this position

2)        Resume (maximum 3 pages)

3)        Enrolment certificate

4)        Digital copies of relevant degree/s

5)        “Arbeitszeugnisse” and/or recommendation letters and/or references

We look forward to receiving your application!