Senckenberg Leibniz Institution for Biodiversity and Earth System Research (SGN) headquartered in Frankfurt am Main is seeking to fill the following position in the research group Bryophyte Ecology & Evolution at the Senckenberg Institute for Plant Form and Function (SIP) in Jena starting as soon as possible:
Postdoctoral Researcher (Molecular Ecologist) (m/f/d)
with focus on Bryophytes
Location:Jena (Thuringia Germany)
Employment scope:Full-time (part-time options are available)
Type of contract:The start of the contract is as soon as possible. The contract is limited to 36 months an extension is possible
Remuneration: Collective agreement of the German Länder TV-L E13
The Senckenberg Society for Nature Research is a member of the Leibniz Association and has been investigating the Earth System worldwide for more than 200 years examining the past analysing the present and developing projections for the future.
We conduct integrative geobiodiversity research with the aim of understanding nature in all its complexity and diversity in order to preserve it as the foundation of life for future generations and to ensure its sustainable use. Across eight institutes and five research stations throughout Germany scientists from more than 40 countries conduct research at the highest international level.
The Senckenberg Institute for Plant Form and Function (SIP) at Friedrich Schiller University Jena (FSU) is the eighth and most recently founded Senckenberg institute. Located in the vibrant university city of Jena in Thuringia and forming part of an international network it brings together the renowned Herbarium Haussknecht with cutting-edge research on biodiversity change in the Anthropocene.
The research group Bryophyte Ecology & Evolution at the Senckenberg Institute for Plant Form and Function Jena (SIP) and the University of Jena (FSU) deals with ecological and evolutionary research questions related to biodiversity and the adaptation of plants specifically bryophytes to various habitats. We use fieldwork experiments under controlled conditions and the collection of the herbarium Haussknecht to understand the interplay of molecular and morphological variation and environmental change in time and space. A current focus is on understanding the biology of evolutionary young and rapidly evolving bryophyte groups and their responses to global change. The selected candidate will use population genetics and genomics/transcriptomics together with environmental and trait data to investigate microhabitat adaptation and its role in speciation and hybridization. We value a collaborative atmosphere diversity and curiosity.
Conduct data collection in field settings the herbarium and in the laboratory including DNA/RNA sequencing
Perform bioinformatic and statistical analyses of research data
Interpret the results and prepare data and research findings for publication in peer-reviewed journals
Present results at national and international conferences workshops and seminars
Curate data including the deposition of datasets in data repositories
Actively take part in group and project meetings
The possibility to develop and conduct own third-party funded research
oecological-evolutionary genomics and/or transcriptomics and/or genetics
oplant systematics and/or functional biodiversity
ostate-of-the-art molecular laboratory techniques such as DNA/RNA isolation PCR NGS-sequencing
obioinformatic and statistical methods based on bash R or Python
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.
.
Please send your meaningful and complete application (letter of motivation your CV a maximum two-page description of your research interest including ideas for future research linked to this position certificates of academic achievements list of publications as well as letter(s) of recommendation if available) as a single PDF by March 29 2026 to .
Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung
Senckenberganlage 25
60325 Frankfurt am Main
If you have any specific questions about the position please contact Prof. Dr. Julia Bechteler at .
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 further information about the Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung please visit
Required Experience:
Unclear Seniority