Postdoctoral researcher (m/f/d) Evolution of echolocation in mammals

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.

Following its mission to “analyze and document biodiversity in Earth system dynamics – to serve science and society” Senckenberg fosters curiosity-driven as well as application-oriented collections-based research. Senckenberg is in charge of the UNESCO World Heritage Site ‘Messel Pit’.

The Sensory System Evolution Section in the Messel Research Department at the Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt is seeking a

in the field of paleontology, paleobiology, or evolutionary biology, with a focus on µCT scan-based investigation, digitization, geometric morphometrics, phylogeny, macroevolutionary analysis, or similar approaches to address questions in evolutionary and conservation (paleo)biology. The main research topics to be explored are:

• investigation of the hearing mechanism of the subtle echolocation in Soricidae
• ascertaining the links between morphology and audition
• origin(s) and evolution of echolocation in Odontocetes, Chiropterans, and Eulipotyphlans
• evolutionary origin of biosonar within Laurasiatheria

The project

‘Echolocation’ or ‘biosonar’ involves locating objects and surroundings by producing and hearing reflected sound. This special sensory ability has evolved independently multiple times among mammals, i.e., in whales, bats, shrews, and others, but our understanding of its developmental underpinnings is lacking. We seek to investigate origin(s) and evolution of echolocation as reflected by the evolutionary morphology and ontogeny of the auditory region (e.g., petrosal bone, ossicular chain, and bony labyrinth) among laurasiatherians (Cetacea, Chiroptera, Eulipotyphla). The successful applicant’s activities will be divided into two complementary components, ontogeny and macroevolutionary biology, and will consist of:

• using existing µCT scans to digitize extinct and extant echolocating laurasiatherians
• scanning and digitizing additional extinct and extant echolocating laurasiatherians
• diceCT scanning ontogenetic series of echolocating laurasiatherians
• performing macroevolutionary analysis
• analyzing the data and writing scientific papers
• presentation of results at scientific meetings and conferences
• opportunities to participate in museum outreach events and mentor students

Our lab

How do organisms perceive the world and process complex data? The mission of our group is to investigate the macroevolutionary patterns and processes in vertebrate sensory system morphology. We employ a combination of innovative nondestructive imaging, traditional dissection, and histological techniques using preserved, fresh, osteological, and fossil specimens. Nondestructive imaging methods enable detailed analyses of never-before-seen internal anatomical data and ultimately analysis of large phenomic datasets, profoundly increasing our understanding of biodiversity.  We provide access to cutting-edge computational (e.g., high-end CT workstations) and lab infrastructure (e.g., µCT scanner, staining materials and fume hoods).

Your profile

• PhD degree in paleontology, paleobiology, or evolutionary biology
• Strong background in anatomy of the auditory region in mammals, especially bats, cetaceans or lipotyphlans, or experience with echolocation studies
• Experience in specimen/collection-based research
• Extensive experience with μCT and other advanced imaging methods (e.g., diceCT scanning) and downstream analyses, including 3D digital segmentation, digital measurement techniques, and geometric morphometrics
• Experience with statistical and phylogenetic comparative methods in R
• Proven ability to publish high quality papers in international peer-reviewed journals
• Fluency in English both spoken and written; willingness to learn German
• Ability to work in a team, but also independently drive projects forward
• Commitment to a diverse and inclusive environment
• Good interpersonal, communication and teamwork skills

What is awaiting you?

A workplace in a central location with good transport connections in the heart of Frankfurt – flexible working hours – opportunities for mobile working – support with childcare or caring for family members (certified by the „audit berufundfamilie“) – Senckenberg badge for free entry in museums, the Zoo and Palmengarten in Frankfurt – a leave of 30 days per year – special annual payment – company pension scheme.

Place of employment: Frankfurt am Main, Germany, working hours: full time (40 hours/week) / part time options are available, type of contract: initially limited to 1 year, may be extended depending on additional funding outcomes, 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 February 21st 2024 to recruiting(at)senckenberg.de quoting the reference number ref. #01-24001 or apply directly on our homepage using the online application form.

Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung

Senckenberganlage 25

60325 Frankfurt a.M.

E-Mail: recruiting(at)senckenberg.de

For more information please contact Dr. Rachel Racicot rachel.racicot(at)senckenberg.de

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