PostDoc Position in Historical DNA / Entomology

The Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung (SGN) was founded in 1817 and is one of the most important research institutions around biological diversity. At the eleven sites throughout Germany, scientists from over 40 nations conduct cutting-edge research on an international level. At the site in Dresden, the capital of Saxony, the Senckenberg Natural History Collections are located in a historic city with a wide range of cultural activities and excellent research collaborations.

At the Senckenberg Natural History Collections in Dresden we are looking to fill the position in

Historical DNA / Entomology

(full-time position / part-time optional / tenure track)

As a successful applicant, you will

• Lead research in the field of historical DNA (hDNA) of insects, in combination with genomic approaches, molecular phylogenetics or phylogeography, evolution or conservation genomics
• Develop and refine lab protocols for hDNA Curate and expand a comprehensive entomological collection with more than 1 million specimens
• Contribute to Senckenberg’s research portfolio including our focus on “Anthropocene Biodiversity Loss”
• Develop collaborations with research groups locally and internationally
• Contribute to organization-wide administrative roles relating to research (e.g. participation on internal and external committees, public outreach initiatives, editorial responsibilities, teaching responsibilities)

Your profile

Essential criteria:

• Doctoral degree in the area of biology or related disciplines
• Internationally recognized research and publications
• Comprehensive knowledge and experience with the research field of historical DNA and NGS
• Experience in applying for external funding
• Highly motivated, keen to take the initiative and to contribute, and with a strong sense of responsibility

Desirable criteria

• Experience in the application of a large spectrum of relevant software and experience with data storage and basic bioinformatics
• Keen to participate in interdisciplinary research projects
• Flexible, team working, great skills in communicating and organizing

We encourage candidates to apply if they fulfil the essential criteria. We explicitly consider parental leave and its effects on the applicant’s career and publication track record during the selection process.

We offer

• Excellent local working conditions in a state-of-the-art ancient DNA lab and in an inspiring research environment at Senckenberg Natural History Collections Dresden (www.senckenberg.de/en/institutes/senckenberg-naturhistorische-sammlung-dresden/)
• Stimulating international research atmosphere at Senckenberg, a globally significant research institution, and in Dresden, as part of the DRESDEN-concept cooperation (https://dresden-concept.de/?lang=en) including the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI CBG)
• Dresden (https://www.mpi-cbg.de) Collection and laboratory support personnel
• Flexible work hours – family-friendly working conditions (certified by audit berufundfamilie”) – open and collegial atmosphere – salary according to German TV-L scheme
• Opportunities to participate in teaching and outreach activities, e.g. at the Technical University of Dresden
• A salary that reflects the tasks and responsibilities of the position based on the collective agreement for public service (E13, TV-L) and depending on the expertise of the applicant
•  Life in the vibrant city of Dresden (560,000 citizens), a major European center for music, arts, and science

Location: Dresden

Working hours:  Full-time (40 weekly working hours / or part-time option available)

Type of contract: The start of the contract shall be 01 October 2023. The contract is Initially limited for a period of 3 years (tenure track 3+3 years) with a possible extension after evaluation. The position itself is basically permanent.

Remuneration:  According to the public service tariff 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.

We welcome your application!

Please send your complete and comprehensive application (letter of motivation with a short description of your previous and current research foci, a CV, certificates of academic achievements as well as letters of recommendation) electronically (as a single PDF) via the APPLY button, mentioning the reference number #07-23001 by 01.05.2023 Alternatively, you can apply directly through our online application form at our home page www.senckenberg.de/de/karriere/bewerbung/.

Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung

Senckenberganlage 25

60325 Frankfurt a.M.

For more information, please contact Professor Uwe Fritz uwe.fritz@senckenberg.de and visit our homepage https://www.senckenberg.de/.