Research Scientist or PhD Candidate (m/f/d) Soil fauna Leibniz project TrenDiv (Umweltwissenschaftler/in)

وصف الوظيفة

 
The Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung with its head institute in Frankfurt (Main) is looking for the following person for the Senckenberg Museum of Natural History Görlitz, preferably to start 01 April 2025
 
 
Research Scientist or PhD Candidate (m/f/d) Soil fauna - Leibniz project TrenDiv

(65 % PhD / max. 75% part-time position)

 
Within the framework of the research program “Leibniz Cooperative Excellence” launched by the Leibniz Association, the project “Trends in hidden taxa and habitats – understanding the extent and impact of the biodiversity crisis (TrenDiv)” is funded for a 3-year period 2025-2028. Aims of this project are the first assessment of species trends over time in underexplored, yet functionally important branches of the tree of life, i.e. to quantify and understand trends in species diversity, biomass, community and functional composition of invertebrate communities in soils, marine and freshwater sediments, and aboveground (flying insects), as well as their respective microbiomes over the last 25-45 years in Germany. To face these challenges, an interdisciplinary group of scientists will work together in close collaboration from the Senckenberg Museum of Natural History Görlitz (SMNG, project lead), the State Museum of Natural History Stuttgart (SMNS), Senckenberg am Meer – the German Centre for Marine Biodiversity Research (DZMB), the Leibniz Institute for Analysis of Biodiversity Change (LIB) and the Leibniz Institute DSMZ – German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures.
 
In this position and in close collaboration with the project team, the research scientist will focus on soil communities of Collembola, Oribatida and Nematoda, will resample older study sites of these taxa, assess soil biodiversity trends over time, their drivers and connections with soil food webs and functioning. Incorporating the research into a Ph.D. dissertation at the Technical University of Dresden is possible. Post-Docs are welcome to apply.
 
 

Your tasks:

-  Organising and conducting field sampling campaigns of soil fauna in various regions of Germany, repeating sampling campaigns that have been done 25-45 years ago
- Sorting and identification of soil animal communities from soil samples
- Analysis of physico-chemical soil parameters and of bulk stable isotope ratios (13C/12C and 15N/14N) from soil animals
- Comparison of past and present soil faunal communities and deduction of general trends and their drivers
- Close cooperation with the project microbiologists on behalf of the microbiome analysis of soil animals
- Preparation of project reports; representation and presentation of the project, e.g. at international conferences
- Publication of research results in high-ranking international scientific journals
- Organisation of workshops, online and conference-based project meetings
- Co-coordination of the project TrenDiv collaborators
- Co-writing research proposals supporting the “Unknown Germany” initiative
- Supervising students
 
 

Your profile

-  Master degree or PhD in zoology, ecology, soil science or a related field
- Thorough knowledge of soil fauna and soil biodiversity research
- Excellent written and oral presentations skills
- Fluency in English both written and spoken
- Willingness to travel (field campaigns, project meetings, conferences)
- Motivation, commitment and the ability to develop and implement own research ideas
- Experience in guiding students, staff or entire workgroups
- Team spirit and cooperative work style

Advantageous:

-  Knowledge in integrative taxonomy and systematics and/or community and species level ecology of Collembola, Oribatida or Nematoda
- Experience in identification of the Central European Collembola, Oribatida or Nematoda fauna
- Knowledge in biodiversity modelling and advanced statistical analyses
- Experience in stable isotope analysis
- Experience in publishing in peer-reviewed scientific journals
- Experience in curation and management of zoological museum collections and interest in collection-based research
- Experience in the coordination and management of a third party funded project
- Driving license
 
 

What is awaiting you?

- An exciting, responsible and rewarding role in a world-renowned research organisation with motivated and professional peers
- Flexible working hours – mobile working – family-friendly working conditions (certified by the "audit berufundfamilie") – open and collegial environment – Senckenberg badge in connection with free admission to all Senckenberg museums – special annual payment (according to TV-L) – company pension scheme – 30 days holidays
 

Place of employment: Görlitz (Saxony)

Scope of employment: Part time: PhD 65 % – maximum 75% PostDoc

Type of contract: Limited for a period of 3 years (3rd party project); Starting ideally from April 1st 2025

Remuneration: According to a public service position, TV-L E 13
 
 
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.
 
 
You would like to apply?
 
Please submit your complete application package (including a brief cover letter detailing your research interests, experience and fit for this position (1 page), a CV and copies of your academic certificates) as one single PDF document mentioning the reference #08-25001 by 11th February 2025 to <a href="mailto:[email protected]" rel="nofollow">[email protected]</a> (https://mailto:<a href="mailto:[email protected]" rel="nofollow">[email protected]</a>) . You can also apply through our online application form on our website <a href="https://www.senckenberg.de/de/karriere/bewerbung" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.senckenberg.de/de/karriere/bewerbung</a>/ (<a href="https://www.senckenberg.de/de/karriere/bewerbung" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.senckenberg.de/de/karriere/bewerbung</a>/)
 

Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung

Senckenberganlage 25

60325 Frankfurt am Main

E-Mail: <a href="mailto:[email protected]" rel="nofollow">[email protected]</a> (https://mailto:<a href="mailto:[email protected]" rel="nofollow">[email protected]</a>)
 
 
 
For specific questions about this position please contact Dr. Nicole Scheunemann.

E-Mail <a href="mailto:[email protected]" rel="nofollow">[email protected]</a> (https://mailto:<a href="mailto:[email protected]" rel="nofollow">[email protected]</a>)
 
For further information about the Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung please visit <a href="http://www.senckenberg.de" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.senckenberg.de</a> (<a href="http://www.senckenberg.de" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.senckenberg.de</a>)
 

The Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung (SGN) was founded in 1817 and is one of the most important research institutions in the field of biodiversity. At its 12 locations throughout Germany, scientists from over 40 nations conduct cutting-edge research at an international level. At the Görlitz site, the renowned Senckenberg Museum of Natural History is located in a historic town with a region that is particularly close to nature and well worth living in.