Scientific coordinator of the eLTER site Rhine-Main-Observatory and the Synthesis Center on Freshwater Biodiversity Change in Europe (m/f/d) - Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum in Frankfurt am Main, Germany
For its Division River Ecology and Conservation in Gelnhausen, the Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, is seeking to fill the following position:
(full-time/part-time optional) to start as soon as possible.
Location: Gelnhausen, Germany
Employment scope: full-time/part-time, optional
Type of contract: permanent
Remuneration: collective agreement of the state of Hesse, TV-H E13
Founded in 1817, the Senckenberg Society for Nature Research (SGN) is one of the world’s leading research institutions in the field of biodiversity. At our twelve sites in Germany, scientists from over 40 nations conduct cutting-edge research on an international scale.
We are looking for an enthusiastic researcher and data manager (m/f/d) with a strong background in community ecology, macroecology, analysis of ecological time series, and the management of large spatial and temporal biodiversity datasets.
For almost 20 years, the Rhine-Main-Observatory (RMO) has been part of the German LTER network, and – since 2018 – the eLTER research infrastructure. During this period, many long-term biodiversity and accompanying environmental data from river and terrestrial ecosystems have been compiled at the RMO and other eLTER sites. Additionally, since 2019, an annual sampling of terrestrial insects using Malaise traps and DNA metabarcoding has been established, resulting in so far > 7,000 samples across the whole of Germany.
Recently, the Synthesis Center on Freshwater Biodiversity Change in Europe has started as a new research topic within Senckenberg. The Synthesis Center has already compiled
> 30,000 freshwater biodiversity time series across 30 European countries from rivers and lakes, covering invertebrates, fish, macrophytes, diatoms, and benthic algae, and established a large pan-European network of > 150 researchers.
The large datasets from both, the RMO and the Synthesis Center, require careful quality assurance/quality control and data management, and provide a unique opportunity to address a broad variety of fundamental and applied ecological questions, including those related to community ecology, freshwater and terrestrial (invertebrate) ecology, time series analyses, multiple stressor responses, and conservation (see https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06400-1 for an example).
Your tasks
- Coordinate the research at the RMO and Senckenberg´s contribution to eLTER RI
- Coordinate the research at the Synthesis Center on Freshwater Biodiversity Change in
- Europe
- Analyze spatial and temporal biodiversity data, and accompany environmental data, to elucidate spatial patterns and temporal trends in taxonomic and functional diversity and drivers thereof
- Management of big biodiversity datasets, including quality assurance/quality control and methods for automation
- Preparation of scientific manuscripts and reports
- Mentoring graduate students
- Oral presentation at national and international conferences
Your profile
- PhD in Ecology or a related field
- Solid background in (macro-) ecology and biodiversity research, covering extensive experience of both freshwater and terrestrial invertebrates, and some experience with at least two more taxonomic groups of the Synthesis Center.
- Solid background in the analysis of broad-scale and long-term biodiversity (using taxa lists as well as genetic data (e.g., OTUs)) and accompanied environmental data to elucidate spatial patterns and temporal trends in both taxonomic and functional diversity and drivers thereof
- Background in eLTER
- Advanced statistical analyses, including mixed modeling, time series analysis, and multivariate statistics, using R
- Strong track record of publications in high-tier ecological journals
- Experience in project/personnel management and report writing
- Excellent written and oral communication and project presentation skills in English
- Significant experience as a postdoctoral researcher
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 – 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. Women are particularly encouraged to apply, as they are underrepresented in the field of this position; in the case of equal qualifications and suitability, they will be given preference. 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 send your application (letter outlining your suitability for the post, a detailed CV, certificates of academic achievements, a list of publications, as well as contact details of 2 references) electronically (as a single PDF) to recruiting@senckenberg.de stating the reference #04-25009 by November 25, 2025, or apply online, using the application form on our website: www.senckenberg.de/de/karriere/bewerbung/.
Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung
Senckenberganlage 25
60325 Frankfurt a.M.
E-Mail: recruiting@senckenberg.de
If you have any specific questions about the position, please contact Prof. Dr. Peter Haase at peter.haase@senckenberg.de
For data protection information on the processing of personal data as part of the application and selection process, please refer to the privacy policy on our website at https://www.senckenberg.de/en/imprint/
Please visit our website at www.senckenberg.de for further information about the Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung.