Scientist*in in Functional Ecology und Kurator*in von Gefäßpflanzen (m/w/d)

08.10.2024

Scientist in Functional Ecology and Curator of Vascular Plants (m/w/d)

Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung (SGN), Frankfurt am Main

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 twelve locations throughout Germany, scientists from almost 40 nations conduct cutting-edge research on an international scale. In April 2024, the Senckenberg Institute for Plant Form and Function Jena (SIP) was newly founded in cooperation with the Friedrich Schiller University Jena around the Herbarium Haussknecht. Jena is a research city with state-of-the-art scientific facilities. In SIP, the four departments Functional Plant Biodiversity, Integrative Plant Taxonomy, Ecology and Evolution of Bryophytes and Digital Collectomics work together to analyse Anthropocene Biodiversity Change using modern and innovative methods in large temporal depth and on broad spatial scale.

Scientist in Functional Ecology and Curator of Vascular Plants  (m/w/d)

(tenure-track, full time / part time options available)

The position will include curatorial responsibility for the vascular plant collection of the Herbarium Haussknecht (JE), including the development and maintenance of associated online data bases and portals as well as the development and application of novel methods to extract trait information from specimen.

Your tasks

• Conduct collection-based research in the broad field of vascular plants, utilizing integrative techniques to extract information from specimen, with a special focus on understanding the Anthropocene Biodiversity Change using functional approaches
• Curation and development of the vascular plants collections and associated resources of the Herbarium Haussknecht
• Develop and apply methods to extract trait information from specimens (e.g., digital microscopy, near infrared spectroscopy)
• Secure external research funds
• Publish results of your research in international scientific journals
• Participate in academic teaching and mentoring of students and graduates at Friedrich Schiller University Jena
• Foster visibility of our collection-based research (publications, communications with different stakeholder)

Your profile

• Doctoral degree in botany, plant ecology or a related field
• A research plan to implement innovative research methods in the context of vascular plant collections
• Experience in using research collections
• Floristic knowledge
• Experience in curating and knowledge on botanical nomenclature would be a plus
• Experiences in modern programming languages (e.g., R, Phython) would be a plus
• Excellent academic track record adequate to your career stage
• Very good knowledge of the German and English language
• Very good communication and teamwork skills
• Motivation and commitment to build new and maintain existing scientific networks, willingness to engage in self-administration

What can you expect?

• A vibrant, international team of scientists with collection-based research programs, focussed on understanding the Anthropocene Biodiversity Change
• Excellent infrastructures and collaborations opportunities at SIP, e. g. in Functional Biodiversity Research, Integrative Plant Taxonomy, Digital Collectomics, and Ecology and Evolution of Bryophytes, embedded in a lively research environment in Senckenberg and the Friedrich Schiller University Jena as well as in Central Germany with the German Centre of Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig and the Michael Stifel Centre for Data driven and Simulation Science Jena (MSCJ).
• An attractive and challenging position in a research institution of international standing
• Opportunities to participate in teaching and outreach activities, e.g. at Friedrich Schiller University Jena and the Natural History Museums of Senckenberg.
• A salary that reflects the responsibilities of the position and the experience of the candidate, based on the collective agreement for public service in the state of Thuringia
• Flexible working hours, annual special payment, company pension scheme. 30 days holidays, strong support for work/life balance (certified by “audit berufundfamilie“)
• Secure employment that is robust to economic or health crises

Place of employment: Jena, Germany, working hours: full-time (40 hours/week), part time options are available (minimum 75%), type of contract: the position is initially limited; 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. Salary: according to the German collective agreement (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 disabilities (“Schwerbehinderung”) will be given preferential 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 us your application documents containing

• A letter of motivation
• A CV with publication list and academic achievements
• Copies of certificates and diplomas
• A research concept for collection-based research including trait-extraction

Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung

Senckenberganlage 25

60325 Frankfurt a.M.

E-Mail: [recruiting(at)senckenberg.de](javascript:linkTo_UnCryptMailto to%27nbjmup%2BsfdsvjujohAtfodlfocfsh%5C%2Fef%27");)

For more information, please contact Prof. Dr. Christine Römermann: [Christine.Roemermann(at)senckenberg.de](javascript:linkTo_UnCryptMailto to%27nbjmup%2BDisjtujof%5C%2FSpfnfsnbooAtfodlfocfsh%5C%2Fef%27");)

Further information about the Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung can be found at www.senckenberg.de.