Doctoral student (m/f/d) in Paleobotany

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. The Society’s headquarter is in the Main metropolis of Frankfurt in the heart of Germany. This is also where one of the best-known Senckenberg facilities, the Senckenberg Natural History Museum, is located.

The Senckenberg Society for Nature Research (SGN) at the location in Frankfurt am Main is seeking to fill the following position starting 01.09.2025

Doctoral student (m/f/d) in Paleobotany

(Part time, 75%)

As part of the Emmy Noether Project “Spatial signal and bias in the fossil record of seed plants in the late Mesozoic” led by Dr. Mario Coiro, we are hiring a doctoral student (m/f/d) for a 30 month term contract with possibility of a 6 month extension.

The project aims to identify the geological and biological causes of the patterns observed in Jurassic and Cretaceous floras by combining spatially explicit data from the rock record with trait-based data from the plant fossil record, in order to fully disentangle the different causes of the apparent quasi-synchronous radiation of seed plants. This position will focus on estimating the variation in plant trait diversity at a global scale during the Jurassic-Cretaceous interval.

Your tasks

• Study and photograph vegetative fossil specimens of gymnosperms from the collections of the Senckenberg networks as well as other collections around the world.

• Score traits from vegetative fossils of gymnosperms from the Jurassic and Cretaceous based on literature searches and direct observations.

• Quantify morphological variation through time and space using disparity measures.
• Disseminate results in scientific journals and international conferences.

Your Qualfications

Essential

• Diploma or Masters degree in Botany, Biology, Paleontology, Paleobiology or a related discipline
• Knowledge of botany and plant anatomy
• Strong interest in trait-based analyses and macroevolution
• Good communication skills, in order to work in a highly collaborative and international environment
• Very good command of written and spoken English

Desirable

• Good knowledge of the statistical programming language R
• Experience with vegetative fossils of seed plants, i.e. leaf venation and architecture
• Knowledge of cuticular anatomy and microscopy, including fluorescence and confocal microscopy

We offer

• An attractive and challenging position in a motivated team
• Independent work in an international and professional environment
• The possibility to conduct a PhD thesis
• Flexible working hours – mobile working – Support with childcare or caring for family members (certified by the „audit berufundfamilie“ (work and family audit) – Employee ID card with free admission to municipal museums – Annual bonus – Company pension plan

Location: Frankfurt

Employment scope: Part Time (75%)

Contract type: Limited until 29.02.2028 with the possibility of a 6 month extension

Compensation: E 13 TV-H / Collective agreement of the state Hesse

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.

Would you like to apply?

Please send us your complete and comprehensive application documents (cover letter, detailed CV, training and employment references) electronically (as a single PDF file) quoting reference #01-25029 by 11^th of May 2025 to recruiting@senckenberg.de.

Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung
Senckenberganlage 25
60325 Frankfurt a.M.

E-Mail: recruiting@senckenberg.de

For any job-related inquiries, Dr. Mario Coiro will be happy to assist you at mario.coiro@senckenberg.de.

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