Research Scientist and Curator (m/f/d) of the section Vertebrata (Tenure Track)

Senckenberg Society for Nature Research (SGN), headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, is seeking to fill the following position at the Senckenberg Museum of Natural History in Görlitz, ideally as of April 1, 2027:

 

Research Scientist and Curator (m/f/d) of the section Vertebrata (Tenure Track)

(full time / part time options available)

 

Location:                       Görlitz

Employment scope:      full time / part time options are available

Type of contract:           initially limited to three years; 

the type of time limitation depends on individual profile and legal framework (maximum 3+3 years). A later permanent employment is planned after a positive evaluation. A permanent employment is planned after a positive evaluation

Remuneration:             collective agreement of the German Länder, TV-L 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 renowned Senckenberg Museum of Natural History, located in the medieval town of Görlitz, combines research at an international level with extensive collections and an engaging museum program. The surrounding Upper Lusatia region offers a large variety of opportunities for experiencing nature.

Senckenberg is committed to study the causes and effects of biodiversity loss in the Anthropocene. As part of our strategic development, we launched an ambitious long-term research effort in “Anthropocene Biodiversity Loss” encompassing the modules “Collectomics”, “Biodiversity Genomics”, and “Solution Labs”. Objectives include the transformation of natural history collections into the digital era, studying biodiversity from the genome to the ecosystem levels and offering exploratory spaces for science and society to develop common solutions to Anthropocene challenges.

For the Görlitz vertebrate collection, which comprises approximately 70,000 specimens (preserved using dry, cryogenic, and liquid preservation methods, with the focus on mammals; birds make up a smaller proportion, while other vertebrate groups represent only a small fraction), we are seeking an internationally recognized scientist with a solid track record in mammal research, possibly supplemented by work on another vertebrate groups.

Potential research topics may include various aspects such as mammalian diversity, functional morphology, phylogeny, or biological interactions. Curation and collection-based research should play a significant role in the applicant’s research approach. The selected candidate should be open to research collaborations with SGN colleagues

Your tasks

• Scientific curation and development of the vertebrate collection and the associated resources as an important international research infrastructure through international networking, growth, and improved accessibility.
• Develop a visible portfolio of collection-based research with basic and applied aspects in the broad field of mammalogy and possibly other vertebrate groups by using a range of established and innovative methods and approaches.
• Taking responsibility for the relocation of the collection items, including the infrastructure of the Mammalogy/Vertebrate Section, to the new campus at Bahnhofstraße 30 at Görlitz.
• Secure external research funds.
• Publish results of your research in international scientific outlets.
• Establish collaborations with ongoing projects, regional and national (region (e.g., long-term projects on wolf, lynx) and international (e.g., Africa, Mongolia), including with other sections and departments in Görlitz and further Senckenberg institutes.
• Communicate with external stakeholders such as scientific associations, conservation agencies, local and regional authorities, as well as citizen scientists.
• Participate in teaching in the MSc level programs of International Institute Zittau/ Dresden University of Technology.

Your profile

• Doctoral degree in biology/zoology or a related field
• Expert knowledge of mammals, including native species (the biogeographic focus of the mammal collection is currently the Palearctic), additional expertise in other vertebrate groups
• Proactive willingness to implement innovative research approaches, such as in the field of genomics, morphometrics, AI, imaging, 3D methods, pollutant analysis in a collection context
• Ability to identify attractive research questions and make use of synergies through collaborations
• Excellent academic track record adequate to your career stage
• Experience in the acquisition of third-party funding and project management
• Experience in supervising staff (doctoral candidates, BSc., MSc., students, technical staff), ability to work in a team
• Very good command of German (B2)
• Fluency in English, both spoken and written
• Class B driving licence (international driving licence)
• Willingness to travel on occasion to the extent possible considering your personal circumstances

Desirable skills

• Knowledge in molecular, biochemical or biophysical techniques in taxonomy and ecology
• Knowledge in research data management and databases
• Experience in curation and management of zoological collections, and in museum work

We offer

• Access to an international network of scientists, policymakers and research organizations
• An attractive job within the inspiring and dynamic working environment of an internationally recognized research institution with excellent infrastructures and collaborations opportunities, e. g. in morphology, genomics, evolutionary biology, (paleo-)ecology
• A working place in completely new building with dissection and other laboratories, collection rooms, in the historic town of Görlitz with rapidly developing local research community (DZA, CASUS, IHI/TUD, HiLusatia), yet situated very close to nature with high mammal diversity and opportunities for field work
• Opportunities to participate in teaching and outreach activities, e.g., in our museum and with collaborating universities
• Opportunities for establishing an independent academic working group and acquiring further academic qualifications
• 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. 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 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) as a single PDF file by November 10, 2026.

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/

For further information about the Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung please visit www.senckenberg.de

Contact

Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung

Senckenberganlage 25

60325 Frankfurt a.M.

 

For specific questions about this role please contact Prof. Dr. Hjalmar S. Kühl.

E-Mail hjalmar.kuehl@senckenberg.de