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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 Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (SBiK-F) as of September 1, 2026

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

part time (65%)

Location: Frankfurt am Main (Hesse)

Employment scope: part-time (65%)

Type of contract: limited to 18 months

Remuneration: collective agreement of the German Land Hesse, TV-H 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.

In the Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (SBiK-F) in Frankfurt am Main, the department Functional Environmental Genomics develops and adapts molecular approaches to study the structure, composition and functions of hard-to-observe organisms, particularly soil invertebrate communities. We generate high-resolution genomic resources and tools, including shotgun metagenomics, ancient environmental DNA time series, and transcriptomic analyses, to improve species identification and to address key ecological questions such as the impacts of rapid global change on biodiversity. Through interdisciplinary collaborations, we integrate complementary genomic approaches and contribute to foundational databases and ecological insights that support biodiversity monitoring and conservation.

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 identification and interpretation of results. One of them (based in Görlitz) will specialize in analysing functional traits using proteomics and compound stable isotope analysis in amino acids. The other researcher (based in Frankfurt) will engage in metabarcoding and DNA-barcoding of bulk samples and eDNA, focussing on alpha-, beta-, and genetic biodiversity, and analysing spatial distributions of species.

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 4 weeks, three in total) to Görlitz, Göttingen, Wilhelmshaven

• Morphological determination of Enchytraeidae and collection of morphological trait data

• Molecular lab work for metabarcoding and DNA-barcoding (eDNA and bulk samples)

• Sequence data management

• Spatial and temporal analysis of sequence data

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

• Participation at 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

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

• Experience in (soil) invertebrate identification using light microscopy

• Good knowledge in statistical analyses, preferably in R

• 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 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 Prof. Dr. Miklos Balint at miklos.balint@senckenberg.de.