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3D Imaging Specialist – Collection Digitisation (m/f/d)

Senckenberg Society for Nature Research (SGN), headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, is seeking to fill the following two positions in the Department of Palaeontology & Historical Geology and the Department of Messel Research and Paleobiology at the Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt, starting as of 01 January 2027

3D Imaging Specialist – Collection Digitisation (m/f/d)

(full time / part time)

  

Location: Frankfurt (Hesse)

Organizational units:

Department of Palaeontology & Historlcal Geology, Section Amber Research

Department of Messel Research and Paleobiology, Section Palaeomammalogy

Department of Palaeoanthropology, Section Mammalogy

Employment scope: Full-time / Part-time

Type of contract: Project-based, fixed-term for three years

Remuneration: Collective agreement of Hesse, TV-H E 9

  

The Senckenberg Society for Nature Research is a member of the Leibniz Association and has been investigating the “Earth System” worldwide for more than 200 years, examining the past, analysing the present, and developing projections for the future. We conduct integrative geobiodiversity research with the aim of understanding nature in all its complexity and diversity in order to preserve it as the foundation of life for future generations and to ensure its sustainable use. Across eight institutes and five research stations throughout Germany, scientists from more than 40 countries conduct research at the highest international level.

The city of Frankfurt, where the  Senckenberg Society was originally founded, hosts the organization’s central administrative services  along with two research institutes housing extensive scientific collections and one of Senckenberg’s most renowned institutions, the Senckenberg Natural History Museum Frankfurt. Senckenberg is as much a part of the city’s identity as its skyline and its traditional apple wine.

Within the framework of the project "SCRE3NED: Senckenberg Collection's RarEst – 3-dimensioNal Enhanced Digitisation", type specimens of exceptional scientific value (holotypes, paratypes and lectotypes) from various collections of the Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt (amber, extant and fossil mammals, Messel fossils) are digitised using micro-computed tomography (μCT), synchrotron radiation-based micro-computed tomography (SRμCT), and digital photography. The aim is to produce high-quality, standardised and FAIR-compliant 2D and 3D datasets for research, collection management and science communication.

Your tasks

  • Performing and documenting μCT scans in accordance with established quality standards
  • Supporting the preparation and execution of SRμCT scanning campaigns at external research facilities
  • Reconstruction, segmentation and quality control of 3D image datasets
  • Contributing to the implementation of photography-based digitisation methods
  • Creation, maintenance and management of metadata in accordance with the FAIR principles
  • Preparation and integration of digital datasets into the collection databases (DINA, SeSam/AQUiLA)
  • Further development, optimisation and standardisation of workflows for the 3D digitisation of a range of different object groups
  • Ensuring consistent data and file organisation as well as long-term archiving
  • Collaboration with curators, scientists, IT specialists and external project partners

Your profile

  • Completed vocational training in a technical or scientific field (e.g., technical assistant for natural history museums and research institutes, biological or medical laboratory technician, photographic technical assistant, preparator) or a completed university degree (Bachelor's/Master's) in biology, earth sciences, medical engineering, computer science, engineering, media technology or a related field, or a comparable qualification with relevant professional experience
  • Practical experience with imaging techniques, preferably computed tomography
  • Confident use of software for 3D image processing and segmentation (e.g., Avizo/Amira, VGStudio MAX, Dragonfly, 3D Slicer).
  • Good IT skills and a willingness to familiarise yourself with new software environments
  • Knowledge of digital data management and data organisation
  • Careful and responsible handling of unique and sometimes fragile objects
  • Valid category B driving licence
  • A structured, independent and solution-oriented approach to work, combined with the ability to work well in a team
  • Good written and spoken German and English

Desirable skills

  • Experience in operating and working with computed tomography systems
  • Knowledge of 3D printing techniques and of preparing models for printing
  • Experience with photography-based digitisation methods, in particular photogrammetry
  • Familiarity with the FAIR principles and experience with repositories for 3D data (e.g., MorphoSource) or with collection databases
  • Interest in natural history collections, biodiversity research and digitisation
  • Basic knowledge of vertebrate and insect morphology

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.

How to apply?

Please submit your application electronically as a single PDF file, including a cover letter, CV, and relevant certificates and references by 04.10.2026.

If you are viewing this vacancy on an external job platform, please visit our career 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 Dr. Mónica M. Solórzano Kraemer monica.solorzano-kraemer@senckenberg.de and  Dr. Thomas Lehmann thomas.lehmann@senckenberg.de