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Senckenberg Society for Nature Research (SGN), headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, is seeking to fill the following position in the Department of Marine Zoology at the Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt, starting as soon as 06 January 2027:

Researcher (m/f/d) in Deep-Sea Biodiversity and Taxonomy

(Part-Time: 50%)
 

Employment scope: 50% Part-Time
Type of contract: Limited to 1 year (06 January 2027 to 10 February 2028)
Remuneration: Collective agreement of the state Hesse (TV-H) / E13

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.

Funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), the HADALquake project investigates how earthquake-induced submarine landslides affect life and elemental cycles in the deepest parts of the ocean. The project focuses on comparing conditions before and after recent earthquakes in the Kermadec and Tonga trench systems in the South Pacific.

Your tasks

  • The scientist is primarily responsible for processing of the benthic animal groups:
  • Assistance in sorting the benthic material
  • Quantitative extraction and determination of the macrofauna with special consideration of an abundant, selected taxon, such as the Isopoda or another peracarid taxon.
  • Biodiversity analysis and analysis of biogeography of the Isopoda
  • Biogeographical comparison of selected taxon with previous data from the South Pacific
  • Preparation of individuals for genetic analysis (barcoding gene fragments and other gene fragments to support taxonomic questions and phylogenetic analyses

Your profile

  • A completed university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in biology, marine biology or a related discipline.
  • Research experience in the taxonomy, biodiversity and biogeography of deep-sea benthic invertebrates, particularly isopod crustaceans.
  • Practical experience in scientific research cruises, biological sample processing and species identification.
  • Experience in biodiversity data management and statistical analyses using R.
  • Good written and spoken English.
  • Willingness and availability to participate in the research expedition: 06 January 2027, departure in Suva, Fidschi to 10 February 2028, arriving in Wellington, New Zealand.

Desirable skills

  • Knowledge of deep-sea sampling. Identification of deep-sea Isopoda, Amphipoda and/or another peracarid taxon (Crustacea, Malacostraca).

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 ethnic or cultural origin, age, gender, ethnic or cultural origin, religion or belief, age, sexual identity or 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 08.11.2026. 

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 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. Angelika Brandt at angelika.brandt@senckenberg.de