Research Scientist Institute of Animal Welfare and Animal Husbandry

Research Scientist (m/w/d) in the Institute of Animal Welfare and Animal Husbandry

The Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut is one of the world's leading research institutes in the fields of animal diseases, animal welfare, animal husbandry, animal nutrition and farm animal genetics. It is part of the Federal Minister of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity and informs and advises the federal government on these topics.

At the Institute of Animal Welfare and Animal Husbandry in Mecklenhorst/ Mariensee with a newly built, modern animal husbandry center, the permanent full-time position is available at the earliest possible date of a

Research Scientist ( m/w/d ).

The successful candidate will undertake research tasks in the field of poultry farming (with a focus on fattening poultry). The focus is on independent research into innovative husbandry systems and techniques, particularly with regard to improving animal welfare, primarily on the requirements for animal husbandry that are derived from the animals’ behaviour (‘behavioural needs’). Responsibilities also include acquiring and coordinating third-party funded projects, publishing research results, actively participating in scientific panels, and writing scientific opinions on poultry farming topics.

• Degree and PhD in Agricultural Sciences, Veterinary Medicine, Biology or a related field
• Proven scientific expertise in research on husbandry and welfare of fattening poultry, in particular on the requirements for animal husbandry that are derived from the animals’ behaviour
• Experience in publishing in international peer-reviewed journals
• Experience in acquiring and coordinating third-party funding
• Several years’ experience as a postdoctoral researcher, combined with supervising PhD students and managing staff
• Scientific knowledge and experience in research on husbandry and welfare of poultry kept for other purposes (e.g. laying hens)
• Knowledge of organic poultry farming
• Experience in conducting animal experimental studies (incl. relevant qualifications)
• Interest and experience in committee work
• Willingness and interest in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary collaboration
• German language skills at C1 level or above, or a willingness to achieve this level within three years by providing appropriate evidence

An independent workflow, enjoyment of working as part of a team, a high intrinsic motivation and resilience, strong communication skills as well as the willingness to travel for several days (driver's license) are mandatory.

In addition to a challenging and varied job in a scientifically interesting and interdisciplinary environment, we offer you:

• a permanent full-time employment (39 hours /week)
• an excellent research infrastructure including a modern IT environment
• working in a highly motivated team

Our institute is committed to a family-friendly working environment by offering flexible working hours as well as the basic possibility of part-time employment. Our social benefits include company health and reintegration management, company social counseling, company pension plans and capital-forming benefits. The location of the Institute for Animal Welfare and Animal Husbandry in Mecklenhorst/Mariensee is connected to public transport and supports the “Deutschlandjobticket”.

We are a diverse and cosmopolitan community. In keeping with our international orientation, we welcome applications from people of all nationalities and ethnicities.

The Friedrich Loeffler Institute is committed to inclusion. Applications from people with severe disabilities are therefore expressly encouraged. They will be given priority in the selection process.

The FLI aims to increase the proportion of women in leadership positions and explicitly encourages women to apply. In cases of equal qualifications, women will be given preferential consideration in accordance with § 8 of the Federal Employment Act (BGleiG).

For further details please contact Prof. Dr. Schrader at  or by e-mail  .

We look forward to receiving your application, which should include a motivation letter, a CV, a publication record, a research statement and relevant certificates. Please submit your meaningful application by 31 st August 2026 as a single PDF document by E-mail  with the subject "Position 076/26".

Please note that incomplete documents may lead to exclusion from the application procedure.

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