Biologist

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 eleven 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.

For our extensive collection of Marine Invertebrates at our location in Frankfurt, starting ideally on 01st of January 2025, we are looking for a

Collection Scientist and Curator of Marine Invertebrates (m/w/d)

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

We are looking for an internationally recognized invertebrate zoologist with an excellent research record in integrative taxonomy, systematics, evolutionary and/or ecological research on marine invertebrate organisms. The ideal candidate will apply modern approaches, using innovative methods to unlock scientific information from museum specimens, e.g. through imaging approaches and/or molecular analyses.

The position will include responsibility and oversight for permanent scientific collections of the Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt. In particular, we are looking for candidates with an expertise in corals, or sponges, but applications are also welcome from candidates with expertise in other organismal groups that align with existing collection strengths, such as bryozoans or echinoderms. The proposed research program should be collections-based and complement the overall Senckenberg Marine Research portfolio and strategy.

Your tasks:

- Conduct innovative collection-based research on the taxonomy, systematics and biology of marine invertebrates
- Supporting the Senckenberg Collectomics concept: research using new approaches for low-invasive mass digitisation and/or the use of extended specimens for modelling
- Develop the collections and associated resources at the Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt
- Foster our collections as important international research tool through international networking, and development and growth of the specimen collections
- Secure external research funds
- Actively publish results of your research in international scientific journals
- Participate in collaborative marine research and expeditions
- Supervise students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels
- Promote collections-based research on marine invertebrates through national and international initiatives and partnerships (e.g. IUCN Red List, UN Decade of Ocean Science)

Your profile:

- Doctoral degree in organismal biology/zoology or a related field
- Expert knowledge of a relevant group of organisms and their systematics
- Experience in curating and using invertebrate research collections
- A research plan to leverage innovative research methods, such as genomic or imaging methods in a collections context
- Outstanding research record adequate to your career stage

What can you expect?

- A vibrant, international team of scientists with collection-based research programs, focussed on curiosity-driven research and the preservation of Earth’s biodiversity
- Excellent infrastructures and collaborations opportunities, e. g. in morphology, genomics, evolutionary biology, (paleo-)ecology
- An attractive and challenging position in a research institution of international standing
- Opportunities to participate in teaching and outreach activities, e.g. in our museum and with collaborating universities
- A salary that reflects the responsibilities of the position and the experience of the candidate, based on the collective agreement for public service in the state of Hesse
- Life in a vibrant, internationally-minded city (population 750.000), a global hub for transport and culture
- Flexible working hours – annual special payment – company pension scheme – 30 days holidays – discounted public transportation in the Rhein-Main area – strong support for work/life balance (certified by “Audit Berufundfamilie”).
- Secure employment that is robust to economic or health crises

Place of employment: Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Working hours: full time (40 hours/week) / part time options are available
Type of contract: initially limited for a period of 3 years, an extension with the option of permanent position is dependent on positive evaluation (tenure track)
Salary: according to the German 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. 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.

How to apply:

Please send us your application documents containing

- a letter of motivation
- a CV with publication list and contact information for at least two references
- a summary of previous research experience (max 1 page)
- copies of PhD and MSc certificates

in electronic form (as a single PDF file) by 30th of May 2024 to recruiting@senckenberg.de quoting the reference number ref. #01-24011 or apply directly on our homepage using the online application form.

Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung
Senckenberganlage 25
60325 Frankfurt a.M.

E-Mail: recruiting@senckenberg.de

For more information, please contact Prof. Dr. Angelika Brandt via email: angelika.brandt@senckenberg.de

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

Our job advertisements are always directed at all people capable of working, regardless of age, gender, origin, sexual orientation, disability, religion and ideology, etc. Applicants are exclusively selected based on their qualifications. Errors in the given information and spelling reserved.