Independent Junior Research Group Leader in the field of genotype-phenotype interactions

Submitted: 08/13/2025
Submitted By: Agnes Fatz
Department: Cluster of Excellence HUMAN ORIGINS
Institution: University of Tübingen
Job type: Full time
Apply by: 09/10/2025
Application Email: agnes.fatz@uni-tuebingen.de
Application URL:

The Cluster of Excellence HUMAN ORIGINS invites applications for a Independent Junior Research Group Leader (m/f/d, TV-L E14 100 %) in the field of genotype-phenotype interactions, to promote understanding of the genetic mechanisms affecting past and present observable traits. The position should start on January 1st, 2026 and will be limited to five years.

Requirements for the position include a PhD in Genetics, Anthropology, Evolutionary Biology, or related fields, postdoctoral experience and an outstanding research record. The ideal candidate will focus on extant and extinct hominins for which both present-day and ancient DNA data are available, considered alongside the morphology of the fossil record with the aim of shedding light on the evolutionary processes leading to major biological transformations in human evolution. An excellent publication and third-party funding track record, as well as relevance of research for human evolution, are expected. The successful candidate should show a strong interdisciplinary agenda and articulate a vision for developing a research group in accordance with the goals of the Cluster of Excellence. He or she will be expected to participate and contribute to the Cluster’s activities (symposia, colloquia, retreats) and develop collaborations with Cluster PIs and projects.

The position additionally offers four-year salary funds for one doctoral researcher and operational costs. We also offer excellent opportunities for cutting-edge collaborative research, state-of-the-art laboratories, and access to a wide range of facilities.

The ‘Human Origins: Excellence Cluster of Integrative Human Origins Studies’ is a newly approved Cluster of Excellence at the University of Tübingen. It will focus on the comprehensive, bio-cultural investigation of human evolution, to be examined through the integration of diverse disciplines, diachronically and at different scales throughout the last 5 million years of human evolution. The Cluster will commence its work on January 1st, 2026.

The University seeks to raise the number of women in research and teaching and therefore urges qualified women to apply for these positions. The University of Tübingen is committed to equity and diversity and actively promotes equal opportunities. Disabled candidates will be given preference over other equally qualified applicants.

Applications should be submitted electronically no later than September 10th, 2025. They should include: (1) a statement of research achievements and future directions (not to exceed 3 pages); (2) curriculum vitae with publication list; (3) certificates / diplomas; (4) reprints of up to 5 key publications; and (5) the names and contact information of three referees.

Please submit applications as a single PDF file (max. 10 MB) to Agnes Fatz (agnes.fatz@uni-tuebingen.de) by September 10th, 2025.