Jobs for Scientists

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 as soon as possible

(Aspiring) Biodiversity Researcher (m/f/d)

(65%)

 

Your Tasks

You will be part of our dynamic team of scientists and software developers as we build a data and analysis portal for biodiversity monitoring. Our mission is to aggregate extensive image and video data from global camera trap projects to support research and conservation efforts. Our model projects in this context include: monitoring mammal communities in Bolivia and South Africa and engaging citizen scientists to analyze biodiversity data (https://wildlive.sgn.one/de/https://wildlive.sgn.one/de/).

As part of the BMBF-FEdA project “BiodivKI: Citizen Portal, Archive, and Analysis Tool for Multimodal Monitoring Data (AI4WILDLIVE),” we are developing a nationwide digital research data infrastructure for biodiversity research. The project ‘s goal is to streamline biodiversity monitoring and analysis using AI methods, geo-analysis, and the integration of citizen science. This position will be part of a multidisciplinary team specializing in biodiversity monitoring, research data management, service development, and automated machine learning-based biodiversity data processing at Senckenberg in Frankfurt. This ensures comprehensive exposure to relevant subject areas and hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies.

The primary responsibility of this role will involve conducting independent analyses of data sets from various case studies. These analyses may focus on topics such as the effects of deforestation on mammal communities, activity cycles of individual species, and abundance patterns. Our team places a particular emphasis on feline research, including jaguars, ocelots, leopards, lynx, and lions. In this context, we actively test and refine AI-based methods for individual recognition to ensure robust population size estimates. While using this position to acquire a doctoral degree is possible, it is not a requirement for this position.

Your Profile

• Completed university degree (Master’s level or diploma) in biology, bioinformatics, geography, or a related field with a focus on biodiversity monitoring, nature conservation, or macroecology.
• Knowledge and experience in databases, data portals, and biodiversity monitoring, ideally with experience in biodiversity and AI.
• Proficiency in data visualization and analysis, particularly using R or Python. Experience with camera trap data or audio recordings is a plus.
• Familiarity with biodiversity modeling (e.g., SDM), occupancy modeling, geodata analysis, remote sensing, or satellite data products is desirable.
• Experience in integrating citizen science and/or camera trap projects is highly valued.
• Strong project coordination skills, including organizing meetings with stakeholders.
• Strong team orientation with flexibility and a willingness to travel for training, meetings, and presentations.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Excellent communication skills in both written and spoken German and English.

We offer

• An attractive and challenging position in a motivated team
• Independent work in an international and professional environment
• 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:            65% Part-time
Contract type:                     Limited until 31.12.2027
Compensation:                    Collective agreement of the state Hesse (TV-H) / E13

Senckenberg is committed to diversity. We benefit from the diverse skills, perspectives, and personalities of our employees and welcome applications from qualified applicants, regardless of age, gender, ethnic or cultural background, religion and belief, sexual orientation and identity, or disability. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given special consideration if they are equally qualified. Senckenberg actively supports the balance of work and family life and attaches great importance to 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 #01-25022 by ^13th of April 2025 to recruiting@senckenberg.de or apply directly on our website via the online application form.

Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung
Senckenberganlage 25
60325 Frankfurt a.M.
E-Mail: recruiting@senckenberg.de

For any job-related inquiries, Mr Dr. Martin Jansen will be happy to assist you at martin.jansen@senckenberg.de .

For more information about the Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung, please visit http://www.senckenberg.de.

 

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 over 40 nations conduct cutting-edge research at an international level. The renowned Senckenberg Research Station for Quaternary Palaeontology is located in Weimar, a university town with a rich cultural heritage in a diverse region.

The Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung – Leibniz Institution for Biodiversity and Earth System Research, headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, is searching  for two scientists (m/f/d) for

Quaternary Megafaunas and Palaeobiology of Quaternary Small Mammals

(tenure-track, full time / part time options available)

 

Place of employment:  Weimar, Germany

Working hours: full time (40 hours/week) / part time options are available

Type of contract: initially limited for a period up to 6 years, an extension with the option of permanent position is dependent on positive                  evaluation (tenure track). In case of exceptionally well-qualified candidates permanent employment is possible.

Remuneration: TV-L E 13-14; we are open for applications of candidates at different career levels.

Application deadline:  April 15th, 2025

 

We are looking for two enthusiastic people for the section Quaternary Megafaunas and the section Paleobiology of Quaternary small mammals.

Your tasks

• Lead research either in the field of Quaternary large mammals with special focus on Pleistocene megafaunas or Quaternary small mammal palaeontology/palaeobiology
• Expand and curate comprehensive Pleistocene vertebrate collections with more than 60,000 specimens and series from more than 300 localities
• Contribute to the overall success of the Senckenberg research program
• Develop interdisciplinary collaborations with research groups locally and internationally
• Successfully acquire third-party funding
• Contribute to Senckenberg-wide administrative tasks related to research (e.g., participation in internal and external committees, public outreach initiatives, editorial responsibilities, teaching)

 

Your qualifications

As a successful candidate, you will have the following qualifications:

• Doctoral degree in geology, biology or related disciplines
• Internationally recognized research and publications
• Comprehensive knowledge and experience in morphology of Pleistocene fossil large and small mammals, respectively
• Experience in conducting excavation campaigns
• Experience in curating scientific collections
• Keen to participate in interdisciplinary research projects
• Experience in applying for external funding
• Flexibility and strong team working, communication as well as organizational skills
• High motivation and willingness to take the initiative as well as a strong sense of responsibility

 

What is awaiting you

• An attractive workplace in a world-renowned research institution with highly motivated and professional colleagues
• Excellent working conditions in a well-equipped paleontology lab, supported by an experienced team of preparators
• Stimulating international, multidisciplinary research environment at Senckenberg
• An attractive and challenging position in a globally recognized research institution
• Independent work in an international, motivated and professional environment
• Flexible working hours – support with childcare or caring for family members (certified by the “audit berufundfamilie”) – a collectively agreed annual special payment – collectively agreed vacation entitlement – company pension scheme

 

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.

 

You would like to apply?

Please submit your complete application package (including a brief cover letter detailing your research interests, experience and fit for one of these positions (1 page), a CV and copies of your academic certificates) as one single PDF document mentioning the reference #03-25001 until April 15t, 2025, to recruiting@senckenberg.de.

You can also apply through our online application form on our website https://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 questions about the position, please contact Dr. Martina Stebich (martina.stebich@senckenberg.de). 

Further information about the Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung can be found at www.senckenberg.de.

For over 200 years the Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung (SGN) has represented one of the most relevant institutions investigating nature and its diversity. Currently, scientists from more than 40 countries across 12 locations in Germany conduct research in the fields of biodiversity, Earth system analysis and climate change.

Following its mission to “analyze and document biodiversity in Earth system dynamics – to serve science and society” Senckenberg stands for curiosity-driven and application-oriented collections-based research.

The Department of River Ecology and Conservation at Senckenberg Gelnhausen invites applications for a

Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) in terrestrial ecology
(full time or part time)

 

We are looking for enthusiastic ecologists (m/f/d) with a background in biodiversity research, specifically species and community ecology, macro-ecology, conservation, and assessments.

The position is part of a larger project which aims at developing a global biodiversity footprint index to simultaneously assess global biodiversity and human impact on ecosystems. The project will be done in close collaboration with remote sensing experts from the University of Marburg, Germany.

Your potential tasks:

• Reviewing local, regional and global biodiversity assessment methods
• Developing a comprehensive and robust biodiversity footprint index which
  – simultaneously allows for assessing human impact in space and time and
  – provides a global perspective on biodiversity status and change
• Developing an automatization of the biodiversity footprint index
• Data analysis, preparation of manuscripts and reports

 

Your profile:

• PhD in Ecology or a related field
• Solid background in biodiversity research, species and community ecology, conservation, biodiversity assessments
• Advanced skills in GIS and statistical analyses, preferably using R
• Strong track record of international publications
• Excellent written and oral communication and project presentation skills

 

Salary and benefits are according to a public service position in Germany (TV-H E13, 100%; part-time (at least 75%). The contract is full-time or part-time (at least 75 %). It should ideally begin as soon as possible and will initially be limited to 2 years with a possible extension.

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.

Please send your application until March 30th, 2025 preferably by e-mail (attachment in a single pdf document), mentioning the reference of this position (Ref. #04-25003) and include

• a letter outlining your suitability for the post,
• a detailed CV,
• contact details of 2 references,
• a list of publications and acquired funding to:

 

Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung

Senckenberganlage 25

60325 Frankfurt

E-Mail: recruiting@senckenberg.de

 

Applications can also be submitted via our online application tool: https://www.senckenberg.de/de/karriere/bewerbung/

For scientific enquiries please get in contact with Prof. Dr. Peter Haase.

E-Mail: peter.haase@senckenberg.de

 

Founded in 1917, Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung (SGN) is one of the most important research institutions around biological diversity. At our twelve sites throughout Germany, scientists from over 40 nations conduct cutting-edge research on an international scale. At our site in Tübingen, Baden-Württemberg, the Senckenberg Centre for Human Evolution and Palaeoenvironment (SHEP) is located in a lively university town with historical flair and numerous local recreational opportunities.

For its Archaeobotany Working Goup within the Senckenberg Center for Human Evolution and Palaeoenvironment (SHEP) in Tübingen, Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung with its headquarters in Frankfurt am Main is currently seeking to fill the position of a

Student assistant (m/f/d) for support in the areas of geodata management and cartography

(40 hours per month)

 

Your tasks

• Geodata management and cartography – procurement, processing and visualisation of spatial data and creation of GIS maps
• Geoinformatics and spatial modelling – using existing spatial research data to create output maps and models
• Spatial data analysis and prehistoric environmental modelling – analysis of output data taking into account relevant geoscientific and climatic data

Your profile

• You are currently enrolled (Bachelor or Master student) in the field of archaeology, geosciences or environmental sciences
• You have experience in the procurement and preparation of spatial data
• You have excellent user knowledge in GIS
• You have very good knowledge of common MS Office applications (especially Access and Excel)
• You are fluent in English and / or German (both written and spoken)

 

Place of employment:          Tübingen (Baden-Württemberg)

Scope of employment:        40 hours / month (fixed days are desirable)

Contract type:                       Temporary contract for 6 months

Compensation:                     Depending on qualification

                                                (Bachelor students 12,82 € / hour; Master students 13,53 € / hour)

 

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 submit your application including a letter of motivation, CV, certificates and transcripts, current matriculation certificate in electronic form (comprised in one single PDF file), quoting the reference number #10-25001, by March 21, 2025 to recruiting@senckenberg.de or use the online application form on our website: https://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 subject-related questions about the position, please get in touch with Dr. Simone Riehl at simone.riehl@senckenberg.de.

Further information about the Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung can be found at www.senckenberg.de.

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 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 with a region that is particularly close to nature and well worth living in.

The Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung with its head institute in Frankfurt (Main) is seeking the following person for the Senckenberg Museum of Natural History Görlitz:

 

Software Developer / Data Scientist (m/f/d) for the ERC Project CARBONWEB

Are you passionate about software development, data science, and cutting-edge ecological research? The Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung invites you to become part of an exciting international project at the Senckenberg Museum of Natural History Görlitz. We are seeking a motivated Software Developer / Data Scientist (m/f/d) (80% of a full-time position) to support the ERC-funded project CARBONWEB, ideally starting May 1st, 2025.

About the Project

Soil food webs drive 90% of terrestrial primary production and regulate one of the largest carbon pools on Earth – yet they remain poorly understood. The CARBONWEB project aims to fill this gap by analysing soil food web dynamics and their role in global biogeochemistry. Our research integrates data from the global Soil BON monitoring network, controlled experiments, and modelling.

Your role will be pivotal in developing data infrastructure and automating data and image exchange processes. You will collaborate with international researchers, database developers of Edaphobase (https://www.edaphobase.org), and Dr. Clement Schneider (expert in invertebrate image analysis).

Your Tasks

• Develop an SQL database for project data and images
• Create an interface for direct data and image uploads (mobile or web app)
• Automate data exchange among the image annotation interface, project SQL database, and Edaphobase
• Establish automated pipelines to detect, classify, and measure soil invertebrates using existing and newly developed software
• Implement (semi-)automated data quality control procedures
• Contribute to the development of the project’s website

 

 

Your Profile

• Master’s degree in Computer Science or equivalent background and experience
• Strong programming skills in Python or other modern software development languages
• Experience in data management and SQL databases
• Knowledge of deep learning algorithms and image processing
• Good spoken and written English skills
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team

 

Additional Advantages

• Experience in mobile/web application development
• Background in scientific data processing or ecological modelling
• Good spoken and written German skills

 

 

What is awaiting you?

• An exciting, responsible and rewarding role in a world-renowned research organisation with motivated and professional peers
• Collaboration with leading scientists and software developers
• Flexible working hours and remote work options – Family-friendly working conditions (certified by “audit berufundfamilie”) – Senckenberg badge with free admission to all Senckenberg museums – Company pension scheme – Annual special payment (according to TV-L) – 30 days of vacation per year

 

Location and Contract Details

 

Place of employment:                             Görlitz, Saxony (Germany)

Employment scope:                               Part-time (80% of full-time position)

Contract duration:                                  Fixed-term for 3 years (starting ideally May 1st, 2025)

Salary:                                                     Planned salary group E 13 TV-L (in accordance with German public sector agreements)

 

Diversity and Inclusion

 

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.

 

 

You would like to apply?

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 academic certificates

 

Reference #08-25005 should be mentioned in your application.

Application deadline: April 1^st, 2025

Send your application to: recruiting@senckenberg.de

Or apply online: https://www.senckenberg.de/de/karriere/bewerbung/

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.

 

Join us in advancing ecological research through innovative technology! We look forward to your application!

 

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