PostDoctoral Researcher in Ecological Networks and NCP supply (m/f/d)

The Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (SBiK-F), which is part of the the Senckenberg – Leibniz Institution for Biodiversity and Earth System Research (SGN), is seeking to fill the following position at its location in Frankfurt am Main, ideally starting on 01.01.2026:

PostDoctoral Researcher in Ecological Networks and NCP supply (m/f/d)

(Full time / part time options available)

Location: Frankfurt am Main
Employment scope: Full-time; part time options are available (min. 75%)
Type of contract: Temporary, limited to 3 years
Remuneration: Collective agreement of the state Hesse (TV-H) / E13

Founded in 1817, the Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum in Frankfurt am Main is one of the world’s leading research institutions in the field of biodiversity. At our twelve sites in Germany, scientists from over 40 nations conduct cutting-edge research on an international scale. Our headquarter is located in the thriving commercial metropolis of Frankfurt (Mainhattan) in the heart of Germany, which also hosts one of our most famous facilities, the Senckenberg Natural History Museum. The mission of the Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre is to study the complex interactions between biodiversity and climate as well as the changes affecting them.

We offer a PostDoctoral researcher position as part of the DFG-funded research unit ‘The role of nature for human well-being in the Kilimanjaro social-ecological system’. This interdisciplinary research project aims to understand interactions and feedback loops between people and nature in the Kilimanjaro region in Tanzania. A major goal of this position will be to understand how ecological networks between plants and animals underpin the supply of nature’s contributions to people (NCP).

Your tasks

• Conduct internationally recognized research on ecological networks and NCP supply on Kilimanjaro

• Develop new approaches to better understand how species interactions underpin the supply of different types of NCP
• Contribute to synthesis and reveal new scientific insights that can help to foster sustainable relationships between people and nature on Kilimanjaro
• Publish research findings in high-impact, peer-reviewed international journals
• Contribute pro-actively to the interdisciplinary research unit comprising research institutions across Germany, Tanzania, and beyond
• Support and guide early-career researchers in the context of the research unit
• Contribute to teaching at the Bachelor’s and Master’s levels

Your profile

• Doctoral degree (completed or soon to be completed) in biology, ecology, or a closely related field
• Proven experience in conceptual work on social-ecological system using network approaches
• Proven experience in ecological fieldwork in Africa and on tropical mountains
• Excellent command of advanced statistical methods, such as network analyses, using the R programming language
• Strong publication record relative to the career stage, demonstrating research excellence and experience in conceptual work
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team and experience in conducting research in an interdisciplinary context
• Fluency in spoken and written English

Desirable skills

• Knowledge of the NCP concept
• Basic knowledge of Swahili
• Teaching experience

We Offer

• Access to an international network of scientists, policymakers, and research organizations
• A dynamic working environment in Frankfurt, a diverse and vibrant city offering a high quality of life
• Opportunities to participate in teaching and outreach activities, e.g., in our museum and with collaborating universities
• Flexible working hours – mobile working options – Support with childcare or caring for family members (certified by the “audit berufundfamilie”) – employee ID card with free admission to municipal museums – annual special payment – collectively agreed vacation entitlement – company pension plan (ZVK)

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.

How to apply?

Please send your application (a 1-page motivation letter with a brief description of your research experience and interests, a CV with a full publication list, copies of certificates and diplomas, and the names of two potential referees) electronically (as a single PDF) to recruiting@senckenberg.de stating the reference #11-25011 by 17 September 2025 or apply online, using the application form on our website www.senckenberg.de/de/karriere/bewerbung/

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

E-Mail: recruiting@senckenberg.de

If you have any specific questions about the position, please contact PD Dr. Matthias Schleuning at matthias.schleuning@senckenberg.de

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/

Please visit our website at www.senckenberg.de for further information about the Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung.