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Senckenberg – Leibniz Institution for Biodiversity and Earth System Research (SGN), headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, is seeking to fill the following position at the Senckenberg Museum of Natural History in Görlitz as of September 1, 2026

Researcher (m/f/d) – Enchytraeidae Biodiversity and Functions

part time (65 %)

Location: Görlitz (Saxony)

Employment scope: part-time (65 %)

Type of contract: limited to 18 months

Remuneration: collective agreement of the German Länder, TV-L E13

Senckenberg is one of the world’s leading research institutions in the field of Biodiversity and Earth System Research, with eight research institutes and three natural history museums across Germany and scientists from over 40 nations. Our headquarter is located in the thriving commercial metropolis of Frankfurt in the heart of Germany, which also hosts one of our most famous facilities, the Senckenberg Natural History Museum.

The renowned Senckenberg Museum of Natural History (SMNG) in Görlitz hosts one of the largest collections of soil fauna in Europe and, within its Soil Zoology department, conducts basic and applied research in soil fauna taxonomy and ecology. The Soil Zoology department consists of seven sections, with the Oligochaeta section being one of the latest additions. Community dynamics and taxonomic and functional diversity of potworms (Enchytraeidae) and earthworms is the main research topic of this section. Its research focusses on ecology, with a special emphasis on soil fauna mediated ecosystem services.

The project

Land use affects belowground communities with unknown consequences for essential ecosystem processes. In the framework of the Biodiversity Exploratories (https://www.biodiversity-exploratories.de/en/), funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), the project “Biodiversity exploratories – Biodiversity of Enchytraeidae and their Functions (BE-DEF)” will investigate temporal and spatial dynamics of grassland communities of Enchytraeidae (Annelida, Oligochaeta) using morphological identification, metabarcoding, and eDNA approaches. Combined with proteomics and compound-specific stable isotopes, we will analyse the impact of land use on functional diversity in Enchytraeidae communities and therefore soil functions. In this project, two researchers will closely work together for sampling campaigns, morphological species identification and interpretation of results. One of them (based in Görlitz) will specialize in analysing functional traits using proteomics (MALDI-TOF) and compound stable isotope analysis in amino acids of Enchytraeidae. The other researcher (based in Frankfurt) will engage in molecular methods like metabarcoding and eDNA.

Your tasks

• Participate in field work campaigns (each covering one week, three in total) within Germany

• Short-term lab visits (each covering a maximum of four weeks, three in total) to Frankfurt, Göttingen, Wilhelmshaven

• Determination of Enchytraeidae and collection of morphological trait data

• Management of morphological trait database

• Preparation of samples for stable isotope and proteome measurements, analysis and interpretation of results

• Analysis of physical and chemical soil parameters

• Exchange of data and results within the project team, coupled with online meetings for joint interpretation of results

• Participation at national and international conferences for presenting results of the research project

• Writing of manuscripts for publication of research results in international journals

Your profile

• Diploma or MSc degree in biology, ecology, zoology, or a related field

• Strong interest in soil fauna, soil biodiversity and ecology

• Willingness to participate in field work campaigns

• Good communication skills for working in a highly collaborative and international environment

• Very good spoken and written English language skills

• Team spirit

Desirable skills

• Good knowledge in statistical analyses, preferably in R

• Experience in molecular lab work (barcoding, metabarcoding, data analysis, phylogeography)

• Experience in mass-spectrometer data analysis, e. g., 13C, 15N and proteome fingerprinting methods (MALDI-TOF)

• Experience in (soil) invertebrate identification using light microscopy

• Driving license

We offer

  • An attractive job within the inspired and dynamic working environment of an internationally recognized research institution
  • Flexible working hours – mobile working options – assistance with child care and care for family members („audit berufundfamilie“) – employee ID card with free admission to Senckenberg museums – annual special payment – collectively agreed vacation entitlement – company pension plan (ZVK)
  • 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 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.

How to apply?

Please upload your application (letter of motivation with a short description of your previous and current research foci, a CV, certificates of academic achievements, list of publications as well as letter(s) of recommendation, if available) electronically as a single PDF by April 10, 2026.

Contact

Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung

Senckenberganlage 25

60325 Frankfurt a.M.

For specific questions about these positions, please contact Dr. Nicole Scheunemann at nicole.scheunemann@senckenberg.de.