Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung (SGN), Frankfurt am Main

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), starting as soon as possible:

(Full-Time / Part-Time options are available)

Location: Frankfurt am Main

Employment scope: 100 %; part time options are available

Type of contract: Limited to 24 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 across Germany and scientists from over 40 nations. Our headquarter is located in the thriving commercial metropolis of Frankfurt (Mainhattan) in the heart of Germany, which also hosts one of our most famous facilities, the Senckenberg Natural History Museum. The mission of the Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre is to study the complex interactions between biodiversity and climate change.

There is an exciting opportunity for a talented and motivated applicant to join the working group of Prof. Dr. Axel Janke. The successful candidate will be closely involved in gene flow, evolutionary, population or phylogenetics processes to study speciation in mammals such asbears, giraffes, kangaroos or allies) at the genomic level, and will contribute to MSc and BSc teaching. Strong and well-documented research interests, including work on other vertebrate groups, will be considered.

Your tasks

• Conduct genomic and bioinformatic analyses to investigate species delimitation and speciation processes in mammals, including giraffes
• Apply genetic and genomic laboratory and analytical methods
• Perform species distribution modelling and other relevant non-genetic analyses to study species ranges and boundaries
• Organise and coordinate sample collection within the giraffe project
• Contribute to the scientific organisation and communication of the giraffe project
• Participate in university teaching and supervise BSc and MSc theses
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed scientific journals
• Contribute to the acquisition of third-party funding
• Prepare smaller grant applications, for example for travel support

Your profile

• PhD degree in Biology, Genetics, Bioinformatics or a related field
• Strong interest and proven skills in evolutionary, population or phylogenomics. Knowledge in gene-flow analyses and/or drift process are an advantage
• Experience in population genomics, genome assembly and programing of scripts, R
• Very good written and oral communication skills in English
• Interest to species distribution modeling, paternal inference, conservation genetics and epigenetics

We Offer

• Access to an international network of scientists, policymakers, and research organizations
• A dynamic working environment in Frankfurt, a diverse and vibrant city offering a high quality of life
• Opportunities to participate in teaching and outreach activities, e.g., in our museum and with collaborating universities
• Flexible working hours – mobile working options – Support with childcare or caring for family members (certified by the "audit berufundfamilie") – employee ID card with free admission to municipal 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 (a 1-page motivation letter with a brief description of your research experience and interests, a CV with a full publication list, copies of certificates and diplomas, and the names of two potential referees) electronically (as a single PDF) to recruiting(at)senckenberg.de stating the reference #11-26007 by 24.02.2026

Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung

Senckenberganlage 25

60325 Frankfurt a.M.

If you have any specific questions about the position, please contact Prof. Dr. Axel Janke axel.janke(at)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 homepage at https://www.senckenberg.de/en/imprint/

Please visit our website at www.senckenberg.de for further information about the Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung.