Scientific coordinator of the eLTER site Rhine-Main-Observatory and the Synthesis Center on Freshwater Biodiversity Change in Europe (m/f/d)

For its Division River Ecology and Conservation in Gelnhausen, the Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, is seeking to fill the following position

Scientific coordinator of the eLTER site Rhine-Main-Observatory and the Synthesis Center on Freshwater Biodiversity Change in Europe (m/f/d)

(full time / part-time optional)

as soon as possible.

Location: Gelnhausen, Germany

Employment scope: full-time / part-time optional

Type of contract: permanent

Remuneration: collective agreement of the state Hesse, TV-H E13

Founded in 1817, Senckenberg Society for Nature Research (SGN) 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.

We are looking for an enthusiastic researcher and data manager (m/f/d) with a strong background in community ecology, macroecology, analysis of ecological time series, and the management of large spatial and temporal biodiversity datasets.

Since almost 20 years the Rhine-Main-Observatory (RMO; https://www.senckenberg.de/rmo/) has been part of the German LTER network (https://www.ufz.de/lter-d/index.php?en=42518), and – since 2018 – the eLTER research infrastructure (https://elter-ri.eu/). During this period, many long-term biodiversity and accompanied environmental data from river and terrestrial ecosystems have been compiled at the RMO and other eLTER sites. Additionally, since 2019 an annual sampling of terrestrial insects using Malaise traps and DNA metabarcoding has been established, resulting in so far > 7,000 samples across the whole of Germany.

Recently, the Synthesis Center on Freshwater Biodiversity Change in Europe has started as a new research topic within Senckenberg. The Synthesis Center has already compiled > 30,000 freshwater biodiversity time series across 30 European countries from rivers and lakes, covering invertebrates, fish, macrophytes, diatoms and benthic algae, and established a large pan-European network of > 150 researchers.

The large datasets from both, the RMO and the Synthesis Center, require careful quality assurance/quality control and data management, and provide a unique opportunity to address a broad variety of fundamental and applied ecological questions, including those related to community ecology, freshwater and terrestrial (invertebrate) ecology, time series analyses, multiple stressor responses, and conservation (see https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06400-1 for an example).

Your tasks

• Coordinate the research at the RMO and Senckenberg´s contribution to eLTER RI
• Coordinate the research at the Synthesis Center on Freshwater Biodiversity Change in Europe
• Analyze spatial and temporal biodiversity data, and accompanied environmental data, to elucidate spatial patterns and temporal trends in taxonomic and functional diversity and drivers thereof
• Management of big biodiversity datasets, including quality assurance/quality control and methods for automation
• Preparation of scientific manuscripts and reports
• Mentoring graduate students
• Oral presentation at national and international conferences

Your profile

• PhD in Ecology or a related field
• Solid background in (macro-) ecology and biodiversity research, covering extensive experience of both freshwater and terrestrial invertebrates, and some experience with at least two more taxonomic groups of the Synthesis Center.
• Solid background in the analysis of broad-scale and long-term biodiversity (using taxa lists as well as genetic data (e.g., OTUs)) and accompanied environmental data to elucidate spatial patterns and temporal trends in both taxonomic and functional diversity and drivers thereof
• Background in eLTER
• Advanced statistical analyses, including mixed modeling, time series analysis, and multivariate statistics, using R
• Strong track record of publications in high-tier ecological journals
• Experience in project/personnel management and report writing
• Excellent written and oral communication and project presentation skills in English
• Significant experience as a postdoctoral researcher

We offer

• access to an international network of scientists, policymakers and research organizations
• an attractive job within the inspired and dynamic working environment of an internationally recognized research institution
• flexible working hours – mobile working options – assistance with child care and care for family members („audit berufundfamilie“) – employee ID card with free admission to Senckenberg 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. 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 your application (letter outlining your suitability for the post, a detailed CV, certificates of academic achievements, list of publications as well as contact details of 2 references) electronically (as a single PDF) to recruiting@senckenberg.de stating the reference #04-25009 by November 25^th , 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 Prof. Dr. Peter Haase at peter.haase@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 website at https://www.senckenberg.de/en/imprint/

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