Researcher Enchytraeidae (mfd)
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Job Location:
Frankfurt am Main - Germany
Monthly Salary:
Not Disclosed
Posted on:
Yesterday
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
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) as of September 1 2026
Researcher (m/f/d) Enchytraeidae Biodiversity and Functions
part time (65%)
Location:Frankfurt am Main (Hesse)
Employment scope: part-time (65%)
Type of contract:limited to 18 months
Remuneration: collective agreement of the German Land Hesse TV-H E13
Senckenberg is one of the worlds leading research institutions in the field of Biodiversity and Earth System Research with eight research institutes and three natural history museums across Germany and scientists from over 40 nations. Our headquarter is located in the thriving commercial metropolis of Frankfurt in the heart of Germany which also hosts one of our most famous facilities the Senckenberg Natural History Museum.
In the Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (SBiK-F) in Frankfurt am Main the department Functional Environmental Genomics develops and adapts molecular approaches to study the structure composition and functions of hard-to-observe organisms particularly soil invertebrate communities. We generate high-resolution genomic resources and tools including shotgun metagenomics ancient environmental DNA time series and transcriptomic analyses to improve species identification and to address key ecological questions such as the impacts of rapid global change on biodiversity. Through interdisciplinary collaborations we integrate complementary genomic approaches and contribute to foundational databases and ecological insights that support biodiversity monitoring and conservation.
The project
Land use affects belowground communities with unknown consequences for essential ecosystem the framework of the Biodiversity Exploratories ( funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) the project Biodiversity Exploratories Biodiversity of Enchytraeidae and their Functions (BE-DEF) will investigate temporal and spatial dynamics of grassland communities of Enchytraeidae (Annelida Oligochaeta) using morphological identification metabarcoding and eDNA approaches. Combined with proteomics and compound-specific stable isotopes we will analyse the impact of land use on functional diversity in Enchytraeidae communities and therefore soil this project two researchers will closely work together for sampling campaigns morphological identification and interpretation of results. One of them (based in Görlitz) will specialize in analysing functional traits using proteomics and compound stable isotope analysis in amino acids. The other researcher (based in Frankfurt) will engage in metabarcoding and DNA-barcoding of bulk samples and eDNA focussing on alpha- beta- and genetic biodiversity and analysing spatial distributions of species.
Participate in field work campaigns (each covering one week three in total) within Germany
Short-term lab visits (each covering a maximum of 4 weeks three in total) to Görlitz Göttingen Wilhelmshaven
Morphological determination of Enchytraeidae and collection of morphological trait data
Molecular lab work for metabarcoding and DNA-barcoding (eDNA and bulk samples)
Sequence data management
Spatial and temporal analysis of sequence data
Exchange of data and results within the project team combined with online meetings for joint interpretation of results
Participation at conferences for presenting results of the research project
Writing of manuscripts for publication of research results in international journals
Diploma or MSc degree in biology ecology zoology or a related field
Strong interest in soil fauna soil biodiversity and ecology
Willingness to participate in field work campaigns
Good communication skills for working in a highly collaborative and international environment
Very good spoken and written English language skills
Team spirit
Experience in molecular lab work (barcoding metabarcoding data analysis phylogeography)
Experience in (soil) invertebrate identification using light microscopy
Good knowledge in statistical analyses preferably in R
Driving license
- 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. Applicants with a 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 upload your application (letter of motivation with a short description of your previous and current research foci a CV certificates of academic achievements list of publications as well as letter(s) of recommendation if available) electronically as a single PDF by April 10 2026.
Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung
Senckenberganlage 25
60325 Frankfurt a.M.
For specific questions about these positions please contact Prof. Dr. Miklos Balint at .
Required Experience:
Unclear Seniority
