Curator of Marine Invertebrates (m/f/d)

Job posting – Ref. #01-21050

For over 200 years the Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung represents one of the most relevant institutions investigating nature and its diversity. Currently, scientists from more than 40 countries conduct research in the fields of biodiversity, earth system analysis and climate change in seven Senckenberg Institutes across Germany.

Following its mission to analyze and document biodiversity in earth system dynamics – to serve science and society, Senckenberg fosters curiosity-driven and application-oriented research. In Senckenberg at Frankfurt we seek to fill the position of a

Curator of Marine Invertebrates (m/f/d)

(tenure-track, full time)

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 (e.g. CLSM, μCT, environmental SEM) and/or molecular analysis.

The position will include responsibility and oversight for permanent scientific collections of the Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt, and preference will be given to candidates with experience in a relevant organismal group that aligns with existing collection strengths. In particular we are looking for candidates with an expertise in polychaetes, echinoderms, corals or sponges. Outstanding scientists working on other relevant taxa are also encouraged to apply. The associated, comprehensive and globally scientifically important collections of marine invertebrates at Senckenberg date back to the early 19th century and comprise scanning electron microscopic-, dry- and alcohol-preserved materials. Collections resources also include an excellent specialist library and digital archive.

Your tasks:

• Conduct innovative collection-based research on the taxonomy, systematics and biology of marine invertebrates
• 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 joint marine research and expeditions
• Supervise students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels
• Promote collections-based research on marine invertebrates through national and international initiatives and organisations (e.g. IUCN, UN Decade of Ocean Science)