The State Museum of Natural History Stuttgart (SMNS) is one of the largest natural history museums in Germany and conducts collection-based research in the areas of systematics, taxonomy, biodiversity and evolution. The SMNS also cooperates closely with the University of Hohenheim in research and academic teaching. As an integrated research museum, the SMNS delivers an essential contribution towards a deeper understanding of complex biological phenomena and a broad range of engagement opportunities for all citizens.

We offer a

# Postdoc position (m/f/d) in Temnospondyl Geochemistry

## E 13 TV-L, 100 %, 2 years

### Project and job description:

The DFG (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft – German Research Foundation) funded the project “Bone microanatomy, ichnology and paleoenvironments” within the wider frame of the DFG Research Group “The Evolution of Life Histories in Early Tetrapods”. The main goal of the project is to understand aquatic and terrestrial adaptations in temnospondyls and how their lifestyles, especially locomotion, changed through ontogeny and adapted to their habitats. These project questions will be tackled by analyzing data from bone microanatomy, ichnology and paleoenvironments (including geochemistry).

The research to be done in the frame of the postdoc project (2 years long) will be mainly focused on the analyses of geochemical data obtained from tetrapod taxa (e.g., teeth), accompanying fossils (e.g., invertebrates), and hosting sedimentary rocks. Results will be confronted and discussed with sedimentological data, as well as bone microanatomy analyses. Geochemical data will be obtained and processed in cooperation with external collaborators and labs. As part of the DFG Research Group, the data collected will be combined with other projects within the coordinated team, which will be supported by regular meetings with other project partners.

### Responsibilities:

Tasks of the candidate will include the collection of samples to be analyzed geochemically from key temnospondyl taxa, and from associated fossils and sedimentary rocks. Sampling will be based on the collections in Stuttgart, as well as in other institutions. Geochemistry will mainly include: isotope analyses of Carbon, Oxygen and Strontium in bioapatite (mainly from tooth enamel, as well as of calcareous invertebrate shells), and in situ element analysis on tooth sections using LA-ICP-MS. Results will be confronted with data from bone microanatomy and sedimentology analyzed by other project partners. Standardized scientific methods and protocols will be employed, especially in collaboration with partners of the Research Group and with specialized researchers in the field of geochemistry. The candidate is expected to produce scientific publications within the framework of the project, and the presentation of the research in scientific meetings as talks and/or posters.

### Requirements:

- PhD degree in Natural or Earth Sciences, Biology or Paleontology
- Knowledge in the areas of vertebrate paleontology and geochemistry
- Desirable but not strictly required is knowledge on the anatomy and evolution of early tetrapods and amphibians
- Excellent English skills
- Analytical skills, especially (but not only) in the field of geochemistry
- High motivation, working independently, teamwork and interdisciplinary communication skills
- The overarching goal is to publish obtained results as scientific articles in international journals and conferences

### Our offer:

- The opportunity to pursue your academic career in an internationally renowned research museum, which includes one of the most important paleontological collections in Europe
- A friendly, dynamic, interdisciplinary working environment
- Academic mentoring
- An attractive workplace in the center of Stuttgart with flexible and family-friendly working hours
- A subsidized public transport ticket (JobTicket BW)

The position is funded by a DFG grant, and thus salary is paid according to the German salary scheme for the public sector for research (100% E13 TV-L). The position is limited to 2 years (24 months).

### How to apply:

Please send your electronic application in English, including a motivation letter, CV with list of publications, PhD certificate, and the names and contact details of two referees in a single PDF file (max 10 MB) to [**postdoc-paleontology@smns-bw.de**](https://mailto:postdoc-paleontology@smns-bw.de "Mail to application") no later than **March 8th, 2026**. Job interviews are scheduled for **March 24th, 2026**. The position should be filled by **June 1, 2026 **at the latest.

For further information, please contact Dr. Eudald Mujal ([eudald.mujalgrane@smns-bw.de](https://mailto:eudald.mujalgrane@smns-bw.de "Mail to Eudald Mujal-Grané")) or Dr. Eli Amson ([eli.amson@smns-bw.de](https://mailto:eli.amson@smns-bw.de "Mail to eli.amson@smns-bw.de")).

The SMNS promotes equal opportunities for its employees and therefore welcomes applications from all people regardless of their gender, cultural and social background, age, religion, ideology, disability or sexual identity. As the promotion of equality between women and men is of particular concern to us, we expressly encourage qualified women to apply. Severely disabled applicants will be given preference if equally qualified.

Data protection information for applicants can be found on our homepage under "Jobs".