Jobs for Scientists

On this page you find all open job positions at Senckenberg for scientists.

You may apply via mail or by filling out the form at the bottom of the page.

Jobs in Frankfurt

Ref. #01-25032 PhD Position (m/f/d) in palaeobiology

The Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung (SGN) was founded in 1817 and is one of the most important research institutions in the field of biodiversity. At its twelve locations throughout Germany, scientists from almost 40 nations conduct cutting-edge research on an international scale. The Society’s headquarter is in the Main metropolis of Frankfurt in the heart of Germany. This is also where one of the best-known Senckenberg facilities, the Senckenberg Natural History Museum, is located.

The Senckenberg Society for Nature Research (SGN) at the location in Frankfurt am Main is seeking to fill the following position starting ideally 01.09.2025

PhD Position (m/f/d) in palaeobiology

(Part time, 75%)

The Department of Palaeontology and Historical Geology is seeking a highly motivated PhD student (m/f/d) to conduct research on a DFG-funded project focused on trace fossils, and the evolution of behavioral complexity over the Ediacaran-Cambrian boundary.  This project will combine detailed specimen-based analysis of trace fossils with exploratory fieldwork in southern Namibia, and neoichnological experiments in collaboration with scientists at Senckenberg am Meer in Wilhelmshaven. With this combination of approaches we aim to answer three principal questions:

1) How does the complexity of treptichnid trace fossils change through the late Ediacaran and Cambrian?

2) What specific behaviors do these burrows represent?

And finally:

3) What were the geobiological impacts of these behaviors?

At the culmination of this work, we aim to produce a comprehensive understanding of treptichnid- style burrows, the implications of these behaviors for the character of animal evolution over the Ediacaran-Cambrian boundary, and the utility of Treptichnus pedum as a biostratigraphic marker for the base of the Phanerozoic.

Your tasks

  • Work to describe and quantify the behavioral evolution of Ediacaran and Cambrian-aged trace fossils, making use of the exceptional collections housed at the Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt and Tübingen University
  • Perform exploratory fieldwork in remote parts of southern Namibia and South Africa.
  • Spend periods of time (potentially 5-6 weeks at a stretch) with our collaborators at Senckenberg am Meer, in order to:
  • Use our research vessel – the FK Senckenberg – to collect a variety of benthic
    Organisms
  • Maintain organisms in tanks for observation/recording of behaviors
  • Monitor tanks using temperature, oxygen, and pH probes
  • Present results at conferences
  • Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals
  • Collaborate with other working groups and other researchers involved in the project

 

Your Qualfications

  • Master’s degree in paleontology, geology or a related field
  • Background in trace fossil research is desirable but not mandatory
  • Good communication skills in English, both written and verbal
  • Knowledge of German and/or a willingness to learn
  • Computer/programming literacy, for example in R, and/or software used in image processing (Adobe Photoshop, ImageJ etc.)
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

 

We offer

  • A challenging interdisciplinary research project at the interface of evolutionary biology, ichnology, and Precambrian geology
  • The opportunity to travel as part of fieldwork in southern Africa
  • Opportunities to present research findings at conferences (funds are budgeted for 2 conferences per year, attend focused workshops to learn new skills, and publish in peer- reviewed journals
  • An attractive and challenging position in a motivated team
  • Independent work in an international and professional environment
  • The possibility to conduct a PhD thesis
  • Flexible working hours – mobile working – Support with childcare or caring for family members (certified by the “audit berufundfamilie” (work and family audit) – Employee ID card with free admission to municipal museums – Annual bonus – Company pension plan

 

Location:                               Frankfurt

Employment scope:            Part Time (75%)

Contract type:                      Limited for three years, starting ideally 1st of September 2025

Compensation:                    E 13 TV-H / Collective agreement of the state Hesse

 

Senckenberg is committed to diversity. We benefit from the different expertise, perspectives and personalities of our staff and welcome every application from qualified candidates, irrespective of age, gender, ethnic or cultural origin, religion and ideology, sexual orientation and identity or disability.Applicants with a severe disability will be given special consideration in case of equal suitability. Senckenberg actively supports the compatibility of work and family and places great emphasis on an equal and inclusive work culture.

Would you like to apply?

Please send us your complete and comprehensive application documents (cover letter, detailed CV, training and employment references) electronically (as a single PDF file) quoting reference #01-25032 by 15th of June 2025 to recruiting@senckenberg.de.

Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung

Senckenberganlage 25

60325 Frankfurt a.M.

E-Mail: recruiting@senckenberg.de

For data protection information on the processing of personal data as part of the application and selection process, please refer to the privacy policy on our homepage at https://www.senckenberg.de/en/imprint/.

 

For any job-related inquiries, Dr. Simon Darroch will be happy to assist you at simon.darroch@senckenberg.de.

Ref. #01-25033 Technical Assistent (m/f/d) for the Project Senckenberg Ocean Species Alliance (SOSA)

The Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung (SGN) was founded in 1817 and is one of the most important research institutions in the field of biodiversity science. At its twelve sites throughout Germany, scientists from over 40 nations are conducting cutting-edge research at
international level. SGN is headquartered in Frankfurt, the metropolis on the Main in the heart of Germany. The city is also home to one of the best-known Senckenberg institutions, the Senckenberg Natural History Museum.

For the project Senckenberg Ocean Species Alliance (SOSA), based at the Department of Marine Zoology at the Frankfurt am Main site, we are seeking to fill, at the earliest possible convenience, a position for a

Technical Assistant (m/f/d)
(full-time / part-time options available)

SOSA combines marine biodiversity research, species conservation and science communication through a novel integrative approach that aims at supporting the scientific documentation of, and promoting public awareness and enthusiasm for, marine biodiversity. This interdisciplinary project consists of three pillars – the Discovery Unit, the Red Listing Unit and the Engagement
Unit – whose tasks are complementary and closely interlinked.
The Discovery Unit has been developing and testing a novel model to support biodiversity research by providing taxonomic services to scientists within and beyond Senckenberg, in order to more effectively describe the still largely unknown biodiversity of our oceans. The technical team of the Discovery Unit will consist of three people working together to support taxonomic species descriptions of marine invertebrates. The advertised position
covers a diverse range of tasks, such as sample and data management, specimen preparation, state-of-the-art microscopy, morphological imaging and image processing, thereby providing high-quality data for integrative species descriptions of marine invertebrates to international clients. We are looking for highly motivated candidates who have specific experience in one or
more of the following tasks:

Your tasks

  • Support workflows that contribute to taxonomic species descriptions
  • Sample and associated sample data management
  • Assistance in the preparation of (technical) protocols and information materials
  • Assistance in the organization and maintenance of operations in the technical laboratory
  • Supporting the supervision of interns and guests
  • Reporting to the lab manager

Your qualifications

  • completed vocational training as technical assistant (m/f/d) for natural history museums and research institutes, or adequate / comparable training and demonstrable knowledge and experience in this field
  • Careful handling of important specimens (e.g., collection material, taxonomic types)
  • Strong team spirit and sense of responsibility
  • Good English communication skills
  • Ability to plan and prioritize tasks to meet specific goals and timelines
  • Ability to follow protocols
  • Proficiency with basic word processing and spreadsheet programs (e.g., MS Word and Excel)
  • Curiosity, accuracy, conscientiousness, and attention to detail, processes and data
  • Fascination and enthusiasm for marine organisms
  • Familiarity with marine invertebrates and morphological terminology
  • Basic understanding of scientific procedures, communication and workflows
  • Willingness to participate in further and advanced trainin

Applicants should also have one or more of the following skills or attributes:

  • Experience in microscopy and microscopic imaging (e.g., confocal microscopy, μCT, scanning electron microscopy)
  • Experience in scientific illustration / drawing (Camera Lucida, Adobe Illustrator)
  • Experience with image processing software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, Fiji /ImageJ)
  • Knowledge and experience in handling hazardous chemicals
  • Experience in the preparation and dissection of preserved marine invertebrates
  • Experience in managing and cataloguing biological specimens and datasets
  • Experience in DNA barcoding (tissue sampling and sample processing)
  • Experience in assembling illustrations / photographs into figure plates
  • Knowledge of the German language
  • Interest in and familiarity with taxonomy and taxonomic species description
  • Class B driver’s license

We offer

  • An interesting, varied and challenging work environment in a dynamic and stimulating team of researchers, technicians and science communicators in the international SOSA project team
  • The opportunity to be at the forefront of a new movement of scientists,
    conservationists and science communicators dedicated to exploring, protecting and raising awareness of marine biodiversity
  • Flexible working hours – mobile working – support with childcare or caring for family members (certified by the “audit berufundfamilie” (work and family audit) – employee ID card with free admission to several municipal museums – annual bonus – company pension plan

Location: Frankfurt

Scope of employment: Full-time / part-time options available

Type of contract: The contract should start as soon as possible. You will initially receive a contract limited to 2 years, which will be extended until
the end of the project, December 31st, 2031, if your performance and suitability for the position are positively assessed within this
period.

Remuneration: Collective agreement of the state of Hesse (TV-H), probably
according to E 6 – 7

Senckenberg is committed to diversity. We benefit from the different expertise, perspectives and personalities of our staff and welcome every application from qualified candidates, irrespective of age, gender, ethnic or cultural origin, religion and ideology, sexual orientation and identity or disability.Women are particularly encouraged to apply, as they are underrepresented in the field of this position; in the case of equal qualifications and suitability they will be given preference. Applicants with a severe disability will be given special consideration in case of equal suitability. Senckenberg actively supports
the compatibility of work and family and places great emphasis on an equal and inclusive work culture.

Would you like to apply?

Then, please send us your complete and informative application documents (cover letter, detailed CV, training and work references) in electronic form (as a single PDF file), quoting reference #01-25033, by 15.06.2025 to recruiting@senckenberg.de, or apply directly on our homepage using the
online application form.

Senckenberg Society for Nature Research
Senckenberganlage 25
60325 Frankfurt a.M.
E-mail: recruiting@senckenberg.de

For data protection information on the processing of personal data as part of the application and selection process, please refer to the privacy policy on our homepage at https://www.senckenberg.de/en/imprint/.

Further information on the SOSA project can be found at https://sosa.senckenberg.de/.

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Dr Jan Steger at
jan.steger@senckenberg.de.

Jobs in Hamburg

#02-25008 doctoral student in zooplankton ecology

Founded in 1817, the Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung (SGN) is one of the world’s major research institutions in the field of biological diversity. At our twelve sites in Germany, scientists from over 40 nations conduct cutting-edge research on an international level. Maintaining locations in both Wilhelmshaven and Hamburg, Senckenberg am Meer with our German Center for Marine Biodiversity Research “Senckenberg am Meer” is devoted to geobiodiversity research on marine systems.

For our German Center for Marine Biodiversity Research in Hamburg, the Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung with headquarters in Frankfurt (Main) is seeking to fill the position of a

                                doctoral student in zooplankton ecology (m/f/d)

                                                          part time (75%)

as soon as possible.

The general objective of the position is to characterize and understand plankton dynamics and plankton size structure and the factors driving the observed spatial patterns and temporal trends in the southern North Sea.

Your tasks
  • Statistical analyses of long-term zooplankton data
  • Integration of imaging technologies like FlowCam, Planktoscope, Zooscan in the assessment of plankton biodiversity
  • Organization of the Plankton LTER Senckenberg Station
  • Annual sampling during different plankton expeditions resulting in 6 weeks at sea each year
  • Contribution to teaching activities
  • Writing of publications

 Your profile

  • Diploma or Master degree in marine biology or natural science
  • Strong interest in the application of plankton imaging technologies (Zooscan, Flowcam, Planktoscope) is an advantage
  • Good knowledge in statistical analyses, preferably using R
  • Experience with sea-going expeditions on research vessels and sampling of plankton
  • Willingness to participate in interdisciplinary work
  • Good communication skills in order to work in a highly collaborative and international environment
  • Very good command of written and spoken English. Knowledge of German is appreciated but is not a requirement
We offer
  • Excellent working conditions in the inspiring environment of a dynamic team of researchers within a globally recognized research institution
  • Excellent opportunities for further qualification
  • The opportunity to build a network with scientists in interdisciplinary fields
  • Flexible working hours, remote working options, support with childcare or caring for family members (certified by “audit berufundfamilie”)
  • Special annual payment, 30 days leave p.a., company pension scheme
  • Free entry to numerous museums

 

Location:                      Hamburg

Working hours:           part time (75%)

Position:                       temporary contract limited to 3 years

Remuneration:           E 13 according to collective agreement of the German Land Hesse (TV-H)

Entry date:                  as soon as possible

 

Senckenberg is committed to diversity. We benefit from the different expertise, perspectives and personalities of our staff and welcome every application from qualified candidates, irrespective of age, gender, ethnic or cultural origin, religion and ideology, sexual orientation and identity or disability. Applicants with a severe disability will be given special consideration in case of equal suitability. Senckenberg actively supports the compatibility of work and family and places great emphasis on an equal and inclusive work culture. The legal regulations regarding part-time work are met.

 

How to apply?

Please send your complete and comprehensive application (letter of motivation with a short description of your previous and current research foci, a CV, certificates of academic achievements, list of publications as well as letter(s) of recommendation, if available) electronically (as a single PDF) to recruiting@senckenberg.de stating the reference “#02-25008 doctoral student zooplankton ecology m/f/d” by July 1, 2025 or apply online, using the application form on our website www.senckenberg.de/de/karriere/bewerbung/

 

Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung

Senckenberganlage 25

60325 Frankfurt a.M.

E-Mail: recruiting@senckenberg.de

 

If you have any specific questions about the position, please contact Dr. Jasmin Renz at jasmin.renz@senckenberg.de

Please visit our website at www.senckenberg.de for further information about the Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung.

For data protection information on the processing of personal data as part of the application and selection process, please refer to the privacy policy on our homepage at https://www.senckenberg.de/en/imprint/

 

 

 

 

Jobs in Wilhelmshaven

Ref.#02-25001 Mechatronics engineer / electrical engineer (m/f/d)

For its institute Senckenberg am Meer (SaM) with sites in Wihelmshaven and Hamburg, the Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung, headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, is seeking to fill the following position based at SaM’s German Centre for Marine Biodiversity Research (DZMB):

 

Mechatronics engineer / electrical engineer (m/f/d)

(full time / part-time (75%)

 

Location:                                    Wilhelmshaven (mostly) / Hamburg (occasionally)

Employment scope:               full-time / part-time (at least 75%)

Type of contract:                    temporary contract limited two years

Remuneration:                        collective agreement of the state Hesse, TV-H E8-E10

                                                      (depending on qualifications)

 

Founded in 1817, Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung (SGN) is one of the world’s leading research institutions in the field of biodiversity. At our twelve sites in Germany, scientists from over 40 nations conduct cutting-edge research on an international scale. Named for its location bordering the North Sea, our northernmost institute “Senckenberg am Meer” in Wilhelmshaven cooperates with major marine research institutions in Germany as well as colleges and universities. The area around Wilhelmshaven is well-known for its unspoilt nature and general recreational value.

With ALONGate (A Longterm Observatory of the North Atlantic Gateway to the Arctic Ocean), Senckenberg establishes a new project designed to research deep-sea benthic habitats. We are looking for an inspired mechatronics engineer to join this innovative project for a period of two years.

Your tasks
  • you support the construction and development of Benthic Lander Observation Systems (BLOS)
  • you participate in ship-based missions over several weeks to deploy and recover BLOS (two journeys over approx. four weeks during the contract term)
  • you manage and curate the collected data according to the FAIR principles (Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability, Reusability)
  • you provide technical support for BLOS and ensure current and standardized data management

 Your profile

  • you have a university degree (university of applied sciences) or completed vocational training including professional experience in the field of mechatronics with a focus on electrical engineering, marine technology or a related field of expertise
  • you are willing and able to spend several weeks on board of oceanic research vessels and work with colleagues in different fields of expertise (two journeys over several weeks during the contract term)
  • you have a strong interest in technical innovation and sustainable exploration of the subarctic deep sea between Iceland, Greenland and Norway (Svalbard)
  • you are fluent in English (written and spoken)
  • you are experienced in data management and familiar with digital databases

Desirable skills

  • you have experience in the technical operation and maintenance of marine sensors and deep-sea equipment
  • you have a class B driver’s license
  • you are able to communicate in German (written and spoken)
  • you are able to communicate in French
  • you are willing to travel on occasion (business trips e.g. to France, Norway or Iceland of approx. 2 – 5 days, a maximum of four trips during the contract term)
We offer
  • access to an international network of scientists, policymakers and research organizations
  • an attractive job within the inspired and dynamic working environment of an internationally recognized research institution
  • flexible working hours – mobile working options – assistance with child care and care for family mambers („audit berufundfamilie“) – employee ID card with free admission to Senckenberg museums – annual special payment – collectively agreed vacation entitlement  – company pension plan (ZVK)

 

Senckenberg is committed to diversity. We benefit from the different expertise, perspectives and personalities of our staff and welcome every application from qualified candidates, irrespective of age, gender, ethnic or cultural origin, religion and ideology, sexual orientation and identity or disability. Applicants with a severe disability will be given special consideration in case of equal suitability. Senckenberg actively supports the compatibility of work and family and places great emphasis on an equal and inclusive work culture.

 

How to apply?

Please send your application (letter of motivation with a short description of your previous and current research foci, a CV, certificates of academic achievements, list of publications as well as letter(s) of recommendation, if available) electronically (as a single PDF) to recruiting@senckenberg.de stating the reference #02-25001  by July 25, 2025 or apply online, using the application form on our website www.senckenberg.de/de/karriere/bewerbung/

 

Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung

Senckenberganlage 25

60325 Frankfurt a.M.

E-Mail: recruiting@senckenberg.de

 

If you have any specific questions about the position, please contact Prof. Dr. Saskia Brix at saskia.brix-elsig@senckenberg.de

For data protection information on the processing of personal data as part of the application and selection process, please refer to the privacy policy on our website at https://www.senckenberg.de/en/imprint/

Please visit our website at www.senckenberg.de for further information about the Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung.

Jobs in Görlitz

Ref.#08-25012 Postdoctoral researcher (m/f/d) in Environmental Data Science and Machine Learning for the project BoTiKI

Job announcement ref. #08-25012

 

For the Senckenberg Museum of Natural History in Görlitz, the Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung headquartered in Frankfurt (Main) is seeking the to fill the following position

 

 Postdoctoral researcher (m/f/d) in Environmental Data Science
and Machine Learning for the project BoTiKI

 

 

Location:                                Görlitz

Employment scope:              full-time (40 weekly working hours) / part-time options are available

Type of contract:                  fixed-term contract until the end of the project:

30 November 2027

Remuneration:                      collective agreement of the German Länder, TV-L E 13

 

Founded in 1817, the Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung (SGN) is one of the world’s major research institutions in the field of biodiversity. At our twelve sites in Germany, scientists from over 40 nations conduct cutting-edge research at an international level. At the Görlitz site, the renowned Senckenberg Museum of Natural History is located in a historic town within a region known for its unspoilt natural beauty.

Are you interested in applying your machine learning and deep-learning expertise to develop cutting-edge ecological and environmental research? The Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung invites you to become part of an exciting project at the Senckenberg Museum of Natural History Görlitz (Saxony, Germany). We are looking for a motivated environmental data modeler – data scientist (m/f/d) to support the project BoTiKI (funded through the BMUKN ANK, ‘KI-Leuchttürme für Umwelt, Klima, Natur und Ressourcen’), to start as soon as possible.

 

Soil is a large reservoir of greenhouse gases (GHG). It can sequestrate or release potent GHG (CO2, CH4 and N2O). Despite the fact that soil fauna is crucial to GHG fluxes, the specific impact of soil fauna on emissions has not been researched in depth and constitutes a missing factor in soil GHG flux models.

BoTiKI aims at filling this knowledge gap and establish improved GHG models accounting for soil fauna. To achieve this, we create a rich AI-training dataset for multimodal inferences, combining computer-vision, environmental parameter measures and DNA data.

Your role will be central in data acquisition and foremost machine-learning models creation. You will collaborate closely with a dedicated team of soil fauna experts, ecological data modelers, computer-vision system engineers.

  

Your Tasks
  • Establish data science pipelines, data-modelling strategies, model training, evaluation and application
  • Lead or co-lead peer-review publications stemming from the project achievements
  • Cooperate with project partners from the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences in developing computer-vision systems for faunistic data analysis
  • Present project goals and achievements in national and international scientific conferences
  • Supervise technicians and students in training data annotation
  • Implement analytic workflow in a functional, user-oriented application (CLI) to deliver the workflow and models to the community
  • Cooperate with third-party IT provider to implement user-oriented functionalities (GUI and web-service)
  • Participate in field work organization, sampling plan establishment and in-situ data acquisition

 

Your Profile
  • PhD in environmental sciences or computer science, with a proven track record in data modelling, machine learning and deep learning
  • Previous research achievements supported by peer-reviewed publications
  • Excellent knowledge of statistical/machine-learning and deep-learning algorithms
  • Versatile data-science knowledge, including image and DNA sequences processing
  • Programming skills in Python or other modern programming languages supporting AI and bioinformatics development
  • Very good command of English (written and spoken)
  • Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team, independent and structured working style

 

Desirable Skills:
  • Knowledge in web application and service development (e.g. user interfaces and APIs)
  • Background in soil, ecological or environmental science
  • Comfortable with/Accustomed to handling small invertebrates (mites, springtails)
  • Good command of German (written and spoken)
  • Class B driving license valid for Germany

 

We offer
  • access to an international network of scientists, policymakers and research organizations
  • an attractive job within the inspired and dynamic working environment of an internationally recognized research institution
  • Flexible working hours – mobile working options – assistance with child care and care for family members („audit berufundfamilie“) – employee ID card with free admission to the Senckenberg museums – annual special payment – collectively agreed vacation entitlement – company pension plan

 

Senckenberg is committed to diversity. We benefit from the different expertise, perspectives and personalities of our staff and welcome every application from qualified candidates, irrespective of age, gender, ethnic or cultural origin, religion and ideology, sexual orientation and identity or disability. Women are particularly encouraged to apply as they are underrepresented in the field of this position; in the case of equal qualifications and suitability, they will be given preference. Applicants with a severe disability will be given special consideration in case of equal suitability. Senckenberg actively supports the compatibility of work and family and places great emphasis on an equal and inclusive work culture.

 

How to apply?

Please submit your application as a single PDF document, including:

  • Cover letter (1 page) detailing your experience, skills, motivation and fit for this role
  • CV
  • Copies of your academic certificates
  • List of publications

 

Reference #08-25012 should be mentioned in your application.

Application deadline: July 1st, 2025

Please send your application to: recruiting@senckenberg.de

Or apply online: https://www.senckenberg.de/en/career/apply-online/

 

Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung     

Senckenberganlage 25

60325 Frankfurt am Main

E-Mail: recruiting@senckenberg.de

 

For specific questions about this role, please contact Dr. Clement Schneider at clement.schneider@senckenberg.de.

 

For data protection information on the processing of personal data as part of the application and selection process, please refer to the privacy policy on our homepage at https://www.senckenberg.de/en/imprint/.

 

For further information about the Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung please visit www.senckenberg.de.

Jobs in Tübingen

#10-25005 PhD Candidate / Research Assistant (m/f/d) Turtle Neuroanatomy & Evolutionary Morphology

The Senckenberg Society for Nature Research (Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung, SGN) was founded in 1817 and is one of the most important research institutions around biological diversity. At its twelve sites throughout Germany, scientists from over 40 nations conduct cutting-edge research on an international scale. At the site in Tübingen, Baden-Württemberg, the Senckenberg Centre for Human Evolution and Palaeoenvironmant (SHEP) is located in a lively university town with historical flair and numerous local recreational opportunities.

The Senckenberg Centre for Human Evolution and Palaeoenvironment (SHEP) at the University of Tübingen is seeking a motivated PhD candidate for the Paleontology working group:

 

PhD Candidate / Research Assistant (f/m/d) Turtle Neuroanatomy & Evolutionary Morphology

(part time, 65%, 26 weekly working hours)

 

We are seeking a highly qualified and motivated Research Assistant (f/m/d) to contribute to a research project focused on the neuroanatomy and eco-morphological evolution of turtles, integrating fossil and extant data.

 

Your tasks

  • Conduct scientific research on the neuroanatomy of turtles, including both fossil and extant taxa
  • Perform collection visits to study and document fossil turtle specimens
  • Process and analyze digital CT datasets of cranial and neurological structures
  • Carry out geometric morphometric analyses to study shape variation
  • Conduct eco-morphological and phylogenetic comparative analyses using R or Python
  • Present research findings at scientific meetings and symposia
  • Prepare and contribute to the publication of results in peer-reviewed journals

 

Your profile

  • Completed university degree (Master’s) in biology, geosciences or related areas
  • Experience in morphology, neuroanatomy, and paleontology of turtles is desired
  • Expertise in the analysis of digital CT scan data is desired
  • Familiarity with analytical tools such as R or Python for statistical and phylogenetic comparative analyses
  • Experience with scientific writing and publishing in peer-reviewed journals is desired
  • Ability to work reliably and collaboratively in a scientific research setting
  • Strong command of spoken and written English; German language skills are a plus.

 

We offer

  • Involvement in a cutting-edge research project within a highly interdisciplinary and international team and a supportive research environment
  • Access to state-of-the-art imaging and analytical facilities
  • Opportunities for scientific networking and professional development
  • flexible working conditions – possibility of mobile working – support with childcare or caring for family members (certified by the “audit berufundfamilie”) – Senckenberg badge in combination with free admission to numerous municipal museums – a collectively agreed annual special payment – collectively agreed vacation entitlement – company pension plan

 

Place of employment:          Tübingen (Baden-Württemberg)

Working hours:                       part-time (approx. 26 hours/week)

Type of contract:                    3 years, ideally starting 1st October 2025

Payment:                                   according to the public collective agreement TV-L E13

 

Senckenberg is committed to diversity. We benefit from the different expertise, perspectives and personalities of our staff and welcome every application from qualified candidates, irrespective of age, gender, ethnic or cultural origin, religion and ideology, sexual orientation and identity or disability. Applicants with a severe disability will be given special consideration in case of equal suitability. Senckenberg actively supports the compatibility of work and family and places great emphasis on an equal and inclusive work culture.

 

You would like to be part of our team?

Please submit your complete a meaningful application as a single PDF file

including

  • a letter of motivation,
  • a CV,
  • Scans of academic transcripts, and contact details of two potential academic referees

Applications should be submitted electronically no later than the 22nd of June 2025 and be addressed to recruiting@senckenberg.de quoting the reference number 10-25005.

For data protection information on the processing of personal data as part of the application and selection process, please refer to the privacy policy on our homepage at https://www.senckenberg.de/en/imprint/.

Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung

Senckenberganlage 25

60325 Frankfurt a.M.

E-Mail: recruiting@senckenberg.de

 

For scientific inquiries regarding the position please contact Dr Gabriel Ferreira.

E-Mail: gabriel.ferreira@senckenberg.de

 

Join our team in Tübingen and contribute to groundbreaking research at the intersection of paleontology, neuroanatomy, and evolutionary biology!

For more information about the Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung please go to www.senckenberg.de.