Freie Universität Berlin
Fachbereich Veterinärmedizin - Institut für Tierschutz, Tierverhalten und Versuchstierkunde
The DFG Graduate School 3RTG calls for applications of positions at Freie Universität
Berlin, Robert-Koch-Institut and Tierärztliche Hochschule Hannover:
Assessment of Behaviour and Stress to Understand and Improve Veterinary Infectious
Disease Models
The interdisciplinary 3RTG Graduate School invites applications for PhD positions in the field
of infectious disease research using animal models. Our program focuses on understanding
hostpathogen interactions across species (mice, chickens, pigs, dogs) using well-established
viral (e.g., Marek's disease virus, Theiler virus, Hepatitis E), bacterial (e.g., Listeria
monocytogenes, Staphylococcus pseudintermedius), and parasitic (e.g., Heligmosomoides
polygyrus, Giardia muris) infection models.
While animal models remain essential in studying systemic infectious processes, immune
responses, and evaluating therapies, refinement measures to reduce stress and improve
welfare in experimental animals are underexplored. In this 3RTG, we will address the central
hypothesis of these infections causing general stress responses and behavioural changes,
which can be assessed on metabolic level or by video observation and artificial intelligence
analysis, respectively. New insights into these stress responses and behavioural changes
will increase our knowledge of the respective diseases whilst contributing to minimise the
disease burden on the experimental animals. Our strategy will allow us to compare stress
responses and behavioural data between different species and classes of pathogens,
leading to important synergies by using standardised methods.
The 3RTG program provides a unique opportunity to:
- Conduct research at the intersection of infection biology, animal welfare, and digital
analytics - Develop and apply innovative technologies for behavioural monitoring and stress
assessment - Work in an interdisciplinary, collaborative environment with access to advanced
infrastructure - Receive structured training in infection biology, animal models, and 3R principle
Research assistant (postdoc) (m/f/d) - Fachbereich Veterinärmedizin - Institut für Tierschutz, Tierverhalten und Versuchstierkunde
full-time job
limited to 31.03.2031
salary grade (Entgeltgruppe) 13 TV-L FU
reference code: PostDoc_3RTG
Tasks
Job description:
Technische Universität Berlin and Freie Universität Berlin, School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Animal Welfare, Animal Behaviour and Laboratory Animal Sciences invite applications for a Post Doc position at the 3RTG:
Graduate School:
Al based assessment of behaviour and thermal changes in veterinary infectious disease models (Project P08: Prof. Thöne-Reineke)
Working field:
- Video-based action recognition for various laboratory animal species (pig, dog, chicken, mouse)
- AI-based analysis of well-being
- Multi-modal (video, thermography, acoustic, RFID) analysis
- Research, development and implementation of deep-learning approaches
- Network architecture search
- Real-time image analysis
- Establishing multi modal (video, thermography, acoustic, RFID) analyses
- Interaction within the 3RTG in an interdisciplinary manner
- Integration of data within all projects and comparative analyses
- Compilation of the results for presentations, project reports, and publications Responsibilities include scientific research within the project and academic services in the 3RTG.The position requires participation in research colloquia, lecture series and workshops, as well as an active engagement in the 3RTG activities.
Requirements
Requirements:
successfully completed university degree (Master's, Diploma or equivalent) and relevant PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related discipline
Desirable:
- very good programming skills
- intensive up-to-date knowledge and experiences in computer vision or pattern recognition or applied mathematics
- interests in cooperation with veterinary-medicine research groups and big data analyses (statistics)
- interest in behavioural biology, animal welfare and laboratory animal science
- very good command of English, both written and spoken
- a keen interest in understanding behaviour and strong communicative skills required for interdisciplinary research
- conscientious work approach, flexibility, good time management, and ability to work in a team
How to apply
Application process:
Details about the application process can be found on our Graduate School 3RTG website https://vetmed.fu-berlin.de/grk3051-1, in order to apply please follow the link there.
The processing of a postal application cannot be guaranteed.
Your application should include:
- Letter of motivation
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Transcripts (Bachelor's and Master's, or Veterinary license/DVM, if applicable)
- Copies of degree certificates (Bachelor's, Master's, Veterinary license/DVM, if applicable)
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Abstracts of your Bachelor's and Master's theses (and any additional theses, if applicable)
- List of publications (if available)
- Contact details of two referees
Additional documents supporting your qualifications may be included.
With an electronic application, you acknowledge that FU Berlin saves and processes your data. FU Berlin cannot guarantee the security of your personal data if you send your application over an unencrypted connection.
Freie Universität Berlin is an equal opportunity employer.
Facts
| Published | 24.09.2025 |
|---|---|
| Category | Research assistant |
| Location | Germany, Berlin, Berlin |
| Area of responsibility | Academia and research, Research (academic) |
| Start date (earliest) | Earliest possible |
| Duration | limited to 31.03.2031 |
| Full/Part-time | full-time job |
| Remuneration | salary grade (Entgeltgruppe) 13 TV-L FU |
| Working language and expected level |
|
| Homepage | https://www.fu-berlin.de/ |
Requirements
| Field of study | Engineering, Natural sciences and mathematics, Computer science |
|---|
Apply
| Application deadline | 31.10.2025 |
|---|---|
| Reference number | PostDoc_3RTG |
| Application documents | • Letter of motivation • Curriculum vitae (CV) • Transcripts (Bachelor's and Master's, or Veterinary license/DVM, if applicable) • Copies of degree certificates (Bachelor's, Master's, Veterinary license/DVM, if applicable) • Proof of English language proficiency • Abstracts of your Bachelor's and Master's theses (and any additional theses, if applicable) • List of publications (if available) • Contact details of two referees |
| Online | https://vetmed.fu-berlin.de/grk3051-1 |