PhD position in Coleoptera Phylogenomics in Frankfurt am Main bei Senckenberg

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 eleven locations throughout Germany, scientists from over 40 nations conduct cutting-edge research at an international level. At the Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt we seek to fill the position of

PhD Position – (m/f/d) in Coleoptera Phylogenomics

(part-time 65% / limited to 3 years)

The project focuses on Dorynotini, a Neotropical tribe of tortoise beetles, to explore trait evolution, including antipredator traits, in relation to shifts between savanna/dry forest and tropical rainforest biomes. Moreover, the project seeks to understand the tribe’s spatiotemporal evolution, more specifically, the role of seasonally dry tropical forests for dispersal across South America, and how the morphological diversity on the Caribbean islands evolved. The PhD student will engage in diverse activities spanning field work in South America and the Caribbean, fossil description, alpha taxonomy, phylogenomics, historical biogeography, and bioinformatics. The research associate will have the opportunity to work towards a PhD.

Your tasks

• Conduct fieldwork in tropical South America and the Caribbean
• Conduct morphological and molecular lab work, and perform bioinformatic, phylogenomic and biogeographic analyses
• Manage and analyze research data, publish research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals, and present results at international conferences
• Collaborate closely with project partners on project objectives and publications

Your profile

• Master’s degree in evolutionary biology (ideally in entomology)
• strong interest in entomology and systematics
• a background in phylogenomics (preferentially anchored hybrid enrichment, low-coverage whole-genome sequencing), including assembly and wet lab methods
• Experience with methods of divergence time estimation, ancestral range reconstruction and trait evolution is also beneficial, as is publication in peer-reviewed journals
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to conduct field work in the Tropics
• Good communication and writing skills in English
• Strong organizational skills

We offer you

A workplace in a central location with good transport connections in the heart of Frankfurt – flexible working hours – opportunities for mobile working – support with childcare or caring for family members (certified by the „audit berufundfamilie“) – Senckenberg badge for free entry in museums, the Zoo and Palmengarten in Frankfurt – a leave of 30 days per year – special annual payment – company pension scheme.

Place of employment: Frankfurt am Main (Hesse)

Working hours: Part time (65%)

Type of contract: 3 years, starting as soon as possible

Salary: According to the German collective agreement TV-H (Pay grade E 13)

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 us your complete and informative application documents (letter of motivation, including a possible start date, summary of previous research experience, a CV and contact information for at least two references, and copies of certificates, transcripts and grades) mentioning the reference of this job offer (ref. #01-24019) until 14.06.2024, by e-mail (attachment in a single pdf document to: recruiting@senckenberg.de or apply directly on our homepage using the online application form.

Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung
Senckenberganlage 25
60325 Frankfurt a.M.
E-Mail: recruiting@senckenberg.de

For information regarding the scientific aspects of the project please contact Marianna Simões (marianna.simoes@senckenberg.de).