Jobs for Scientists

In a joint appointment Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Frankfurt am Main (GU), Faculty of Biological Sciences,
and Senckenberg – Leibniz Institution for Biodiversity and Earth System Research (SGN) invite applications for the
following position as public employee starting as soon as possible:

Professor (W2) for Genomic Biomonitoring

The position is embedded in the LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), a collaborative
research centre funded by the state of Hesse. The professorship will be a cornerstone of Senckenberg’s strategic
expansion in the field of Biodiversity Genomics.

Who we are
LOEWE-TBG is a cooperation among GU, SGN, the Justus-Liebig University of Gießen, Fraunhofer IME and ITMP,
and the Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology Marburg. LOEWE-TBG investigates genomic variation
across the tree of life through genome sequencing to address societal knowledge demands such as sustainable
management of biological resources. The centre currently employs 38 scientists at all partner institutes, with the
advertised position being located at the Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt.
LOEWE-TBG maintains laboratory and bioinformatics infrastructures, and has several years of experience in
genome sequencing of species as well as metagenomes of ecological communities.

Who we need
We are looking for a person with outstanding scientific qualifications to coordinate, strengthen and further
develop the LOEWE-TBG program area “Genomic Biomonitoring”. The position holder will strengthen molecular
and classical biodiversity research in Frankfurt, bundle and systematise existing activities in biodiversity monitoring,
and advance methodological and conceptual developments towards a comprehensive, genomics-based biomonitoring.
The research focus of the position should integrate biomonitoring, conservation and/or population genetics of
eukaryotes with state-of-art genomic research. It is expected that the successful candidate pursues a 3rd-party
funded research programme and cooperates in / coordinates large collaborative proposals. Teaching duties
consist of two hours per week on a related topic.

Essential criteria
1. PhD in an appropriate field
2. experience in using genomic approaches to observe and assess biodiversity in context of species, communities,
and/or ecosystems
3. publication track record in relevant international journals
4. willingness to participate in the management of LOEWE-TBG
5. strong interest in interdisciplinary biodiversity research and in collaborations in departmental research projects

Additional desirable criteria
1. interest and experience in synthesising the above topics with invertebrate and/or vertebrate systematics
2. knowledge of relevant conservation and monitoring guidelines
3. experience in coordinating a research group
4. success in obtaining peer-reviewed third-party funding
5. international experience

We encourage candidates to apply if they fulfil the essential criteria and at least one of the desirable criteria listed
above. We explicitly consider parental leave and its effects on the applicant’s career and publication track record
during the selection process.
The formal hiring requirements are defined in sections 67 and 68, of the Hessian Higher Education Act (Hessisches
Hochschulgesetz).

We offer flexible working hours, part-time work options, support with child care, in addition to legally required
paid parental leave. We also offer the Senckenberg badge for free entry in Frankfurt museums, the zoo, botanical
garden and Palmengarten, and a subsidy job ticket for public transport. We offer development opportunities in
teaching and research, state-of-art laboratories (automated liquid handling, cleanDNA, genome and RNA sequencing),
computational facilities (HPC clusters, genome browser) and support personnel. We offer mentoring in administrative
duties and support for integration into the GU, SGN and LOEWE-TBG communities, and support the successful
candidate with administration related to international relocation. LOEWE-TBG has a young and dynamic international
team, with English as the working language. There is a possibility to teach in English.

The GU and SGN are committed to equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion. In particular, we are welcoming
applications by qualified women and people with international backgrounds and place a special emphasis on creating
and sustaining a family-friendly work and research environment. Where applicants are equally qualified, preference is
given to candidates with disabilities or equivalent. The same applies to women in fields in which they are underrepresented.

Application
To apply, please send a CV, a list of publications, teaching experience, three pages of previous and planned research,
overview of third-party funding (if existing), a selection of recent course evaluations, certificates and diplomas
including doctorate, habilitation or proof of comparable teaching experience as a single PDF document by June 15th,
2023 to the Dean of the Department of Biosciences, Goethe University, Prof. Dr. Sven Klimpel, email: bewerbungen@
bio.uni-frankfurt.de

For more information on the position profile in LOEWE-TBG and for insights into research and teaching at GU and SGN
as well as life in Frankfurt am Main in general, please contact Prof. Dr. Miklós Bálint (miklos.balint@senckenberg.de)
and Prof. Dr. Imke Schmitt (imke.schmitt@senckenberg.de). Further information about the appointment process, the
legal framework and data protection: www.vakante-professuren.uni-frankfurt.de

Job announcement Ref. #11-23006

 

The Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung (SGN) is a member of the Leibniz Association and is based in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. SGN conducts natural history research with more than 800 employees and research institutions in seven federal states. The Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (SBiK-F) explores the interactions between biodiversity, climate, and society.

 

The Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre in Frankfrut am Main invites applications for a

 

Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) in Quantitative Movement Ecology

(full-time position, 100 %)

 

We are seeking a candidate (m/f/d) with a strong background in quantitative movement ecology to advance understanding of connectivity for land mammals in the Anthropocene. The PostDoc (m/f/d) will work in the project “Landscape Criticality in the Anthropocene – Biodiversity, Renewables and Settlements” (CriticaL), a scientific collaboration between the Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (SBiK-F), the Leibniz Institute of Ecological Urban and Regional Development, and the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research.

The project aims to provide a systematic and generalized assessment of ecological connectivity at the global scale. To quantify critical thresholds at which landscapes become impermeable to animal movement, the successful candidate will perform comparative assessments across taxa based on multi-species GPS tracking data of terrestrial mammals. This will also include collaborations with colleagues of the Global Initiative on Ungulate Migrations (https://www.cms.int/en/gium) and at Radboud University.

We expect applicants (m/f/d) to be highly motivated to work collaboratively and interdisciplinary in large research teams to co-develop novel measures and global mappings of landscape connectivity. We expect strong quantitative and conceptual skills, and an interest in understanding underlying drivers of animal movements in relation to human activity and land use. The project leaves significant room to develop your own research questions in collaboration with a large international and interdisciplinary research team at SBiK-F and beyond. 

 

Your tasks

• Quantify the effect of landscape connectivity on terrestrial mammal movements and elucidate the underlying drivers
• Co-develop novel landscape connectivity measures at the global scale
• Lead publications of findings in scientific journals
• Contribute to the project team’s effort to translate the project’s findings into actionable recommendations for integrated land use planning and conservation strategies

 

Your profile

•  A PhD degree in Ecology, Geography, or a related field
• Outstanding conceptual and writing skills
• Strong quantitative and statistical skills, including advanced programming skills in R and programming of large databases
• Experience working with movement data and performing spatial analyses
• Excellent communication skills and experience in and enthusiasm for collaborating across institutions and coordinating interdisciplinary and collaborative research projects 
• Demonstrated record of publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals
• Experience in app development and/or artificial intelligence (AI) applications is an advantage 

 

 

What is awaiting you?

• Flexible working hours – leave of absence due to family reasons (audit “berufundfamilie”) – parent-child-office – annual special payment – company pension scheme – Senckenberg badge for free entry in museums in Frankfurt – leave of 30 days/year

 

 

Place of employment:  Frankfurt am Main

Working hours:  full time; 40 weekly working hours

Type of contract:  contract start is as soon as possible, limited for 3 years

Salary:  according to the collective agreement of the State of Hesse (pay grade E 13, TV-H)

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 and will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications.

Applicants with disabilities (“Schwerbehinderung”) will be given preferential 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?

Then please send your complete and informative application documents (as a single PDF-file):

• a cover letter detailing research interests and experience
• a detailed CV
• copy of your transcripts / academic certification
• contact details of two potential academic referees
• copies of up to three representative publications 

 

by June 25, 2023 to recruiting@senckenberg.de, quoting the reference number

#11-23006, or please apply directly on our homepage using the online application form:

Apply Online | Senckenberg Society for Nature Research

 

 

Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung

Senckenberganlage 25

60325 Frankfurt a.M.

E-Mail: recruiting@senckenberg.de

 

For scientific enquiries please contact Prof. Dr. Thomas Müller by e-mail: thomas.mueller@senckenberg.de.

 

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

The recently funded Leibniz Collaborative Excellence project entitled, “Paleo-obstetrics Understanding via Simulation and Heuristic Artificial Intelligence Tools” (PUSH@IT) is a joint venture of the Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung (SGN) and several international institutions including Goethe-University Frankfurt/Main, the University of Zürich, Duke University and Aix-Marseille University. It involves a network of clinical and academic researchers interested in applying their respective expertise to understanding the unique human birth process and its evolutionary significance.

PUSH@IT is based out of the division of Paleoanthropology at the Senckenberg Research institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt where we invite applications for a PhD student interested in contributing to research on birth difficulty via machine learning and finite element simulation. The position will be formally held through the SGN. The PhD student will be enrolled as a doctoral student at the Goethe-University Frankfurt/Main via the faculty of Biological Sciences.

PhD position (m/f/d) – Birth simulation via machine learning (part-time 65 %)

The successful candidate will work with a team of interdisciplinary researchers to elucidate the origins of the tight fit between the maternal pelvis and the fetal skull in modern humans and across the hominin fossil record using a range of computational methods including automated approaches and simulation techniques. The project will include analyses performed on large-scale clinical datasets to identify and predict instances of birth difficulty thus shedding light on the complex mechanisms driving the evolution of pelvic morphology.

Place of employment:          Senckenberg Museum of Natural History and Research Institute, Frankfurt am Main

Working hours:                     Part time (65%)

Type of contract:                   3 years, starting 2023, November 1st

Salary:                                    According to the German collective agreement TV-H (Pay grade E 13)

 

Senckenberg supports equal opportunity for men and women and places an emphasis on fostering career opportunities for women and under-represented groups. Qualified women and other under-represented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. Equally qualified applicants with disabilities will be given preference.

Your work will include the following aspects

• Collection and maintenance of imaging data derived from different 3D scanning modalities
• Development of automated segmentation and landmarking approaches
• Development and implementation of machine learning algorithms
• Presentations at international conference venues relevant for the fields of paleoanthropology and evolutionary medicine
  Publication of results in prominent journals
• Fulfilling any  potential course requirements for a PhD degree in Biological Sciences via enrollment at a German University, for example the Goethe-University Frankfurt/Main (more information here: https://www.goethe-university-frankfurt.de/45902712/Biological_Sciences?locale=en)
   

Your profile

• A master’s degree in Biology or another related subject relevant for the project (depending on the degree type, additional course  requirements may apply)
• Experience with statistical analyses and data processing including digital visualization software
• Experience with 3D geometric morphometrics and landmarking approaches
• Proficiency in a coding language, preferably R or Python, is required
• Excellent communication skills with proficiency in written and oral English
   

We offer you

• The opportunity to work within a dynamic team of international researchers with access to exceptional academic and clinical    resources across Germany, Switzerland, France and the US
• A relevant and transdisciplinary research topic for a PhD project at the interface of paleoanthropology and evolutionary medicine with important human health implications
• Flexible working hours – leave of absence due to family reasons – parent-child-office – annual special payment – company pension scheme – Senckenberg badge for free entry in museums in Frankfurt, the Zoo, Botanical Garden and Palmengarten – leave of 30 days/year
• Access to the Goethe Research Academy for Early Career Researchers (GRADE), the central platform for all Early Career Researchers at Goethe University. GRADE offers group-specific support to researchers from the R1-R3 phase, including workshops, individual coaching, networking events, measures for career development, financial support, and language courses (more info available here: https://www.goethe-university-frankfurt.de/54287285/Goethe_Research_Academy_for_Early_Career_Researchers)

How to apply

Please send your application, mentioning the reference of this job offer (ref. #01-23020) until 01.07.2023, by e-mail (attachment in a single pdf document) including a brief cover letter detailing your current research interests and previous experience (1 page), a scientific writing sample, CV, a sample of annotated code (optional) and copies of all academic degrees, transcripts and grades to:

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

For information regarding the scientific aspects of the project please contact the project leader Dr. Nicole M. Webb (nicole.webb@senckenberg.de).

Job announcement ref. #09-23002

The Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung (SGN) was founded in 1817 and is one of the most important research institutions around biological diversity. At its eleven sites throughout Germany, scientists from over 40 nations conduct cutting-edge research on an international scale. At the site in Müncheberg, Brandenburg, the Senckenberg German Entomological Institute (SDEI) is located in a research town in the Berlin area, with state-of-the-art scientific facilities.

The Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung intends to fill at the Senckenberg German Entomological Institute (SDEI) located in Müncheberg, near Berlin, as soon as possible the position of a

 

 

Scientific employee (m/f/d) as head of the Coleoptera section

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

 

Your tasks:

• Head of the Coleoptera Section at SDEI, which includes at present ca. 2,1 Mio. objects, >15,000 type specimens
• Research focusing on the taxonomy and evolution of beetles (Coleoptera), including research domains such as morphology, phylogeny, biogeography, ecology and biodiversity loss
• Coordination of the SDEI collection development and digitization strategy
• Acquisition of research funding
• Lead of and collaboration in core projects of SDEI and SGN
• Training of staff, students and trainees
• Support of management and social activities at the institute

 

Your qualification:

• A doctoral degree in biology/zoology or a related discipline
• Knowledge of a wide spectrum of research methods including advanced techniques
• Experience in construction and care of insect collections is firmly desired
• International publications about the taxonomy and evolution of Coleoptera with a focus on collection material
• Willingness to participate in international, interdisciplinary work, including acquisition of third-party funded projects
• A broad and well-grounded knowledge of entomology, and capability of communicating this to the public
• A good command of English. An adequate knowledge of German is desired, and its rapid acquisition expected if not already given

 

We offer:

• Excellent working conditions in a leading research institution including state-of-the-art facilities and outstanding collections
• A stimulating international atmosphere and an open-minded and supportive research culture at Senckenberg
• An employment initially limited to two years with an option of a permanent contract
• A competitive salary that reflects the tasks and responsibilities of the position based on the collective agreement for public service (TV-L) in the state of Brandenburg
• Excellent opportunities for further qualification, for example, support by the SDEI to acquire an adequate command of German
• Flexible working hours – option for mobile working – support with childcare or caring for family members (certified by the “audit berufundfamilie”) – a collectively agreed special annual payment – collectively agreed vacation entitlement – company pension plan

 

Location of employment: Müncheberg (Brandenburg)

Working hours: Full time / the position is suitable for part-time

Type of contract: Employment is initially limited to two years with the later option of a permanent contract

Salary: According to the collective agreement for public service TV-L (E 13)

 

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 and will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications.

Applicants with disabilities (“Schwerbehinderung”) will be given preferential 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.

 

We welcome your application!

Please submit your complete and comprehensive application (letter of motivation with a short description of your previous and current research foci, your detailed CV, certificates of academic achievements, as well as letters of recommendation) mentioning the reference of this job announcement (ref. #09-23002) by 30 June 2023 by e-mail (attachment in a single pdf document) to: recruiting@senckenberg.de.

Alternatively, you can apply directly through our online application form at our home page www.senckenberg.de/de/karriere/bewerbung/.

Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung

Senckenberganlage 25

60325 Frankfurt a.M.

E-Mail: recruiting@senckenberg.de

 

For more information on the position, please contact Prof. Dr. Thomas Schmitt via email thomas.schmitt@senckenberg.de or +49 33432 73698-3701.

For more information about the Senckenberg Nature Research Society visit www.senckenberg.de.