PhD position – Research Assistant (m/f/d) in botany and molecular evolution

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 eleven locations throughout Germany, scientists from over 40 nations conduct cutting-edge research at an international level. At the Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt we seek to fill the position of

PhD position – Research Assistant (m/f/d) in botany and molecular evolution (part-time 65% / limited to 3 years)

The research associate will have the opportunity to work towards a PhD in the field of ‘Biodiversity Genomics of Plants and their Interactions’ and will join the Department of Botany and Evolutionary Research. The successful applicant benefits from close collaboration with the Professorship in Biodiversity of Angiosperms at Goethe University Frankfurt and the LOEWE Center for Translational Biodiversity Genomics. The successful candidate will investigate the evolution of the repeatom of parasitic plants and their hosts using comparative genomic approaches. The project will be conducted within an interdisciplinary collaboration framework and contribute to Senckenberg’s efforts in furthering its overall mission as well as to decipher Anthropocene biodiversity changes.

Your Responsibilities

• Perform research on selected lineages of parasitic plants
• perform individual and comparative genomic analyses of the repeatom landscape
• reconstruct evolutionary trajectories and genome dynamics
• investigate intercellular and horizontal gene transfer
• publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present results at conferences
• collaborate with other working groups and other researchers involved in the project

Your profile

• Master’s degree in biology, or a related field
• Background in botany, evolutionary biology and genomics
• Good communication skills in English, both written and verbal
• Knowledge of German is advantageous
• Computer literacy, specifically skillful use of MS office packages, graphics software, knowledge in Phyton and R is beneficial
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

We offer you

• a challenging and rewarding research project in the field of plant biodiversity genomics
• opportunities to present research findings at conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals
• Flexible working hours – leave of absence due to family reasons (“audit berufundfamilie”) – annual special payment – company pension scheme – Senckenberg badge for free entry in museums in Frankfurt, the Zoo, and Palmengarten – leave of 30 days/year

Place of employment: Frankfurt am Main (Hesse)

Working hours: Part time (65%)

Type of contract: 3 years, starting as soon as possible

Salary: According to the German collective agreement TV-H, (Pay grade 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.

How to apply

Please send us your complete and informative application documents (letter of motivation, detailed CV, academic certification, transcripts and grades, contact details of two references) mentioning the reference of this job offer (ref. #01-24017) until 24.05.2024, by e-mail (attachment in a single pdf document to: recruiting@senckenberg.de or apply directly on our homepage using the online application form.

Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung
Senckenberganlage 25
60325 Frankfurt

E-Mail: recruiting@senckenberg.de

For information regarding the scientific aspects of the project please contact the project leader Prof. Dr. Stefan Wanke (Stefan.wanke@senckenberg.de).