27.03.2024

Postdoctoral Researcher (Ecologist) (m/f/d)

Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung (SGN), Frankfurt am Main

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 over 40 nations conduct cutting-edge research at an international level. At the Gelnhausen site, the renowned Senckenberg Research Institute is located in a Barbarossa town with historic charm in the region of Frankfurt.

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 in cooperation with the Faculty of Biology at the University of Duisburg-Essen jointly invite applications for a

Postdoctoral Researcher (Ecologist) (m/f/d)

(full-time / part-time option available)

We are looking for an enthusiastic ecologist (m/f/d) with a background in community ecology, macroecology, metacommunities, and/or analysis of ecological time series. The applicant should have a strong track record of scientific publications.

Over the past years, we have compiled one of the most comprehensive marine and freshwater biodiversity time series across Europe including macroinvertebrates, macrophytes, algae, fish and plankton from approx. 25,000 sampling locations and 25 European countries. We also host a large data set of > 30,000 terrestrial insect species. Additionally, we have access to accompanying environmental data. These data sets provide a unique opportunity to address a broad variety of fundamental and applied ecological questions in fields like metacommunity theory, time series analyses, multiple stressors responses, invasive species, ecological communities or conservation depending on candidate interests (see 10.1038/s41586-023-06400-1 for an example). We encourage applications from ecologists with backgrounds in freshwater, marine or terrestrial ecosystems.

The position is partly embedded in two large EU funded projects, namely the eLTER PLUS project: European Long-Term Ecosystem, critical zone and socio-ecological Research Infrastructure PLUS (https://elter-ri.eu/elter-plus) and the MARCO-BOLO project: MARine COastal BiOdiversity Long-term Observations (https://marcobolo-project.eu/). Both projects provide access to a wide range of spatial and temporal biodiversity and environmental data and a fantastic opportunity to become part of European networks of established researchers, postdocs, and graduate students working with modelled and in situ biodiversity and environmental data.

Your tasks:

  • Analyzing spatial and temporal biodiversity and accompanied environmental data to elucidate spatial patterns and temporal trends in taxonomic and functional diversity and drivers thereof
  • Contribute to the research of the eLTER PLUS and MARCO-BOLO projects and conduct research on global change impacts on biodiversity within the framework of other projects in the department (i.e. restoration ecology, multiple stressor analyses, long-term ecological research)
  • Data analysis, preparation of manuscripts and reports
  • Mentoring graduate students

Your profile:

  • PhD in Ecology or a related field
  • Solid background in (macro-) ecology and zoology (preferably invertebrates or fish)
  • Advanced skills in statistical analyses, preferably using R
  • Strong track record of international publications
  • Excellent written and oral communication and project presentation skills

What is awaiting you?

  • An attractive, responsible and challenging position in a globally recognized research institution with motivated and professional colleagues
  • Flexible working hours – family-friendly working conditions (certified by the "audit berufundfamilie") – open and collegial environment – Senckenberg badge in connection with free admission to all Senckenberg museums – special annual payment (according to TV-H) – company pension scheme – 30 days holiday
  • Place of employment: Gelnhausen
  • Working hours: full time, part-time optional (at least 50%)
  • Type of contract: the contract should start preferably on August 1st, 2024 and is limited to two years with a possible extension
  • 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; 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 submit your application by April, 28th 2024, preferably by e-mail (attachment in a single pdf document), mentioning the reference of this position (Ref. #04-24001), and include

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

Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung

Senckenberganlage 25

60325 Frankfurt                                

E-Mail: recruiting(at)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,

email: peter.haase@senckenberg.de

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