Research Scientist and Curator (m/f/d) Oligochaeta/Myriapoda Ref.#08-24005

Senckenberg is committed to study the causes and effects of biodiversity loss in the Anthropocene. As part of our strategic development, we launched an ambitious long-term research effort in “Anthropocene Biodiversity Loss” encompassing the modules “Collectomics”, “Biodiversity Genomics”, and “Solution Labs”. Objectives include the transformation of natural history collections into the digital era, studying biodiversity from the genome to the ecosystem levels and offering exploratory spaces for science and society to develop common solutions to Anthropocene challenges.

Within this research effort, Senckenberg takes innovative steps in collection-based research and data science. The objective of “Collectomics” is to make current and future natural history collections digitally accessible and to improve integration and collaboration across regions, collections, and disciplines. This will enable broader, more holistic biodiversity research, for the benefit of people and nature.

The Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung with its head institute in Frankfurt (Main) is looking for the following person for the Senckenberg Museum for Natural History Görlitz, to start ideally August 1st , 2024

Oligochaeta / Myriapoda

(Tenure Track / full-time, part-time options available)

Your tasks:

• Scientific curation and development of one of two important collections of the Soil Zoology department, either “Oligochaeta” or "Myriapoda”
• Collection-based research on the taxonomy, biology or (community) ecology of Oligochaeta or Myriapoda
• Publication of research results in high-ranking international scientific journals
• Acquisition of third-party research funding
• Initiation and management of research projects and active participation in joint projects of the Soil Zoology department and beyond
• Establishment of collaborations with other national and international working groups, including with other departments in Görlitz and further Senckenberg institutes
• Participation in the Management Board of Edaphobase, the international database on soil biodiversity
• Participation in teaching in the Msc programs “Organismic and Molecular Biodiversity” and “Ecosystem Services”
• Participation in the Editorial Board of the scientific journal Soil Organisms

Your profile

• Doctoral degree in zoology or a related field
• Expert knowledge of integrative taxonomy and systematics, and/or community and species level ecology of Oligochaeta or Myriapoda
• Thorough knowledge of soil ecology
• Outstanding research record in biology of soil animals, documented by publications in international peer-reviewed scientific journals
• Experience in the acquisition of third-party funding and project management
• Fluency in English both spoken and written
• Motivation, commitment and the ability to develop and implement own research ideas
• Experience in guiding students, staff or even entire workgroups
• Team spirit

Advantageous

• Expert knowledge of integrative taxonomy and systematics and/or community and species level ecology of Enchytraeidae, or Diplopoda and/or Chilopoda
• Knowledge of the Central European and Palearctic Oligochaeta or Myriapoda fauna
• Knowledge in molecular techniques in taxonomy and ecology
• Knowledge in research data management and databases
• Knowledge in (functional) character traits of Oligochaeta or Myriapoda
• Knowledge in soil analysis, stable isotope analysis, fatty acid analysis
• Experience in curation and management of zoological museum collections and interest in collection-based research
• Good knowledge of German or willingness to learn German

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 several museums – special annual payment (according to TV-L) – company pension scheme – 30 days holiday

Place of employment: Görlitz (Saxony), scope of employment: Full time (40 hours/week), optionally part-time 80% (32 hours/week), type of contract: Initially limited to 5 years (tenure track), remuneration: According to a public service position, 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 underrepresented in the field of this position and will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications and suitability. 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.

You would like to apply?

Please submit your complete application package (including a brief cover letter detailing your research interests and experience (1 page), a CV and copies of your academic certificates) as one single PDF document mentioning the reference #08-24005 by 28th April 2024 to recruiting(at)senckenberg.de . 

Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung                                        

Senckenberganlage 25

60325 Frankfurt a.M.

E-Mail: recruiting(at)senckenberg.de

For specific questions about this role please contact Prof. Anton Potapov, E-Mail anton.potapov(at)senckenberg.de

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