2 Postdoctoral Researchers (ecologists) (m/f/d)

Senckenberg – Leibniz Institution for Biodiversity and Earth System Research (SGN), headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, is seeking to fill the following position at its Department of River Ecology and Conservation in Gelnhausen, starting as soon as possible

2 Postdoctoral Researchers (ecologists) (m/f/d)

(full-time / part-time)

Location: Gelnhausen

Employment scope: full-time / part-time options are available

Type of contract: limited two years / an extension is be possible

Remuneration: Collective agreement of the state Hesse (TV-H) E 13

Senckenberg is one of the world’s leading research institutions in the field of Biodiversity and Earth System Research, with eight research institutes and three natural history museums across Germany and scientists from over 40 nations. Our headquarter is located in the thriving commercial metropolis of Frankfurt in the heart of Germany, which also hosts one of our most famous facilities, the Senckenberg Natural History Museum. The location of the available position is in a Senckenberg institute about 40 kilometers east of Frankfurt in Gelnhausen, a historic town accessible via public transport (rail and bus).

We are looking for enthusiastic ecologists with a background in broad-scale biodiversity change, community ecology, macroecology, metacommunities, and/or analysis of ecological time series.

The two positions are embedded in one or more of the following projects:

1. Synthesis Center on Freshwater Biodiversity Change in Europe The Synthesis Center brings together and supports a broad variety of researchers and practitioners investigating a broad variety of fundamental and applied ecological questions, with a particular focus on broad-scale and long-term biodiversity change, community ecology, freshwater ecology, time series analyses, multiple stressor impacts, and conservation (see doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06400-1 for an example). Data for > 30,000 freshwater biodiversity time series across 30 European countries have already been compiled from rivers and lakes, covering invertebrates, fish, macrophytes, diatoms, and benthic algae, in collaboration with a large pan-European network of > 200 researchers. Positions involved in this project are expected to pursue similar questions using the already available data.
2. EU Horizon Europe project BEAGLE (started on 1st October 2026)

BEAGLE (Biodiversity methods for advanced monitoring at large scales) is an EU-funded project using new technology to enhance biodiversity monitoring across terrestrial, freshwater, and marine environments. Specifically, the project uses sensors, environmental DNA (eDNA) and AI, as well as citizen science to collect large-scale and high-quality biodiversity data across a consortium of 17 partners. Positions involved in this project will focus on several tasks, including European-scale biodiversity data mobilization activities (e.g., tracking down datasets and preparing them for use), and the learning and deployment of field-based methods for data collection (e.g., Malaise traps). Participating researchers will gain experience in broad-scale biodiversity data collection and management, biodiversity monitoring, and participation in European-scale research networks.

Your tasks

• Contributing scientifically to one or more of the above-described projects (you can indicate a preference in your application if you have one)
• Analyzing spatial and temporal biodiversity data, and accompanied environmental data, to elucidate spatial patterns and temporal trends and drivers thereof
• Preparing scientific manuscripts
• Attending project meetings and preparing project reports
• Mentoring graduate students
• Giving oral presentations at national and international conferences
• Attending virtual and physical project meetings

Your profile

• PhD in Ecology or a related field
• Solid background in fields related to the above expected tasks for a given project or projects.
• Advanced skills in statistical analyses, using R
• Skills in project management and report writing are preferred but not essential
• Strong publication record for your current career level
• Excellent written and oral communication and project presentation skills in English

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 upload your application (letter outlining your suitability for the post, a detailed CV, contact details of 2 references, a list of publications and acquired funding electronically (as a single PDF) stating the reference #04-26004 by November 22nd, 2026 using the application form on our website https://www.senckenberg.de/de/karriere/

Contact

Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung

Senckenberganlage 25

60325 Frankfurt a.M.

If you have any specific questions about this role position, please contact Prof. Dr. Peter Haase at [email protected].