**Senckenberg – Leibniz Institution for Biodiversity and Earth System Research (SGN)**, headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, is seeking to fill the following position at the Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (SBiK-F), **starting as soon as possible:**

# Postdoc in Biogeography and Ecology (m/f/d)

(Full-Time / Part-Time options are available)

Location: Frankfurt am Main
Employment scope: Full-Time / Part-Time options are available
Type of contract: Limited to 23 months
Remuneration: Collective agreement of the state Hesse (TV-H) / E13

Senckenberg is one of the world’s leading research institutions in the field of Biodiversity and Earth System Research, with eight research institutes across Germany and scientists from over 40 nations. 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 change.

This postdoc position is a collaborative position between the Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (SBIK-F) and the Biogeography and Biodiversity Lab, Institute of Physical Geography (IPG) at the Goethe-University Frankfurt. The postdoc will collaboratively work on topics of biogeography, (macro-)ecology and biodiversity research, with a particular focus on a novel macroecological framework for successional dynamics across taxonomic groups (plants, fungi, arthropods, etc.) and study systems (lava flows, glacier forefields, carrion, dead wood, disturbance, etc.). The goal of the two-year position is to a) publish research in international peer-reviewed journals and b) generate funding for a subsequent research project from national or international funding agencies.

**Your tasks**

• Develop a novel conceptual framework on successional dynamics

• Gather datasets on succession across taxonomic groups, study systems and geographic areas

• Analyze datasets from a taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic perspective

• Develop and submit a research proposal to an international or national funding agency based on ecological succession

• Develop an independent research profile

• Contribute to outreach activities

• Publish results in scientific journals with highest scientific standards

• Support teaching activities, particularly the supervision of master’s and bachelor’s theses in biogeography and physical geography

**Your profile**

• PhD degree in Geography, Ecology, Environmental Science or related fields

• A strong interest in biogeography, ecology and macroecology

• In depth knowledge of ecological succession in different habitats and taxonomic groups

• Strong expertise in data analyses and statistics

• Strong skills in R and databank management

• Documented ability to publish scientific papers in international journals

• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English

**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. 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 (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 #11-26006 by 28.02.2026

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. Severin Irl at irl@geo.uni-frankfurt.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.