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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 in the Department of Genomic Biomonitoring at the Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt, starting as of 01.10.2026:

 

Postdoctoral Researcher in Macrogenetics (f/m/d)

(Full-Time / Part-Time)

Location: Frankfurt
Employment scope: Full-Time / Part-time options are available
Type of contract: Limited to 21 months
Remuneration: Collective agreement of the state 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. 

This project will focus on improving our understanding and protection of multispecies genetic diversity patterns through macrogenetic synthesis (see Leigh et al., 2021 NRG) and population genetic simulations.

Islands are nature’s natural laboratories and have long been used to fuel and test evolutionary thought. In this postdoctoral project you will synthesize population-level data from islands to characterize genetic diversity’s relationship with geological, climatic, and biotic variables. You will explore if relationships on islands are consistent or opposed to those found at a global scale, generating essential information for island nations interested in biodiversity protection and management. This information will parameterize realistic simulations that explore the broader impact of the severe genetic erosion occurring on islands (e.g. Leigh et al., 2019) to gain insight into system stability.

We seek a candidate interested in moving fluidly between big-picture questions and practical implementation. We are particularly interested in candidates who combine deep scientific curiosity with a motivation to translate ideas into real-world impact. You will work in the Genomic Biomonitoring Lab at Senckenberg (Prof. Dr. Deborah Leigh; Frankfurt, Germany) and have the chance to work within an established network of international collaborators, offering a great opportunity to grow as a scientist. The working language of the lab is English.

Your tasks

  • Collate and enrich published nuclear genetic and genomic datasets in a macrogenetic database
  • Conduct large-scale synthesis analyses
  • Simulate realistic genetic data in SLiM
  • Publish findings in high-quality peer-reviewed scientific journals and present results at international conferences
  • Supervise MSc and/or BSc students and their thesis

Your profile

  • PhD in Population Genomics, Bioinformatics, Macroecology, Digital twin development
  • Good knowledge of fundamental population genetic theory and analyses
  • Basic understanding of different molecular data types
  • Experience working in a reproducible manner on remote computing clusters with large-scale biodiversity, macroecological, or genomic datasets
  • Statistical modelling and inference skills
  • Collaborative, collegial, organized working style
  • Excellent communication and scientific writing skills in English

Desireable skills

  • Strong programming skills (typically Python and/or R)
  • Experience publishing in scientific journals and presenting at conferences
  • Experience simulating data using SLiM (or similar tools)
  • Interest in conservation biology and biodiversity protection
  • Understanding of island biogeographic theory

We offer

  • access to an international network of scientists, policymakers and research organizations
  • an attractive job within the inspired and dynamic working environment of an internationally recognized research institution
  • flexible working hours – mobile working options – employee ID card with free admission to Senckenberg museums – annual special payment – collectively agreed vacation entitlement – company pension plan

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.

Hot to apply?

Please upload your application as a single pdf containing your letter of motivation (max 1 page including information about your interest in the position), CV, PhD diploma or letter confirming your defence date, and the details of two references electronically by 20 July 2026. Interviews are planned for late July / mid August. 

Please submit your application via our online application system. If you are viewing this vacancy on an external job platform, please visit our careers page ( https://www.senckenberg.de/en/stellenanzeigen/ ) and apply via the corresponding "Apply" button. Applications submitted by email cannot be considered.

Contact

Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung
Senckenberganlage 25
60325 Frankfurt am Main

For specific questions about this role, please contact Prof. Dr. Deborah Leigh at deborah.leigh@senckenberg.de