PhD position – Research Assistant (mfd) in botany and molecular evolution

Senckenberg Leibniz Institution for Biodiversity and Earth System Research (SGN) headquartered in Frankfurt am Main is seeking to fill the following position in the Department of Botany and Evolutionary Research at the Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt as soon as possible:

PhD position Research Assistant (m/f/d) in botany and molecular evolution

(part time)

Location: Frankfurt

Employment scope: Part-time: 65%

Type of contract: Temporary limited to 3 years

Remuneration: Collective agreement of the state Hesse (TV-H) E/13

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 city of Frankfurt where the Senckenberg Society was originally founded hosts the organizations central administrative services along with two research institutes housing extensive scientific collections and one of Senckenbergs most renowned institutions the Senckenberg Natural History Museum Frankfurt. Senckenberg is as much a part of the citys identity as its skyline and its traditional apple wine.

The Project

The research associate will have the opportunity to work towards a PhD in the field of tropical plant evolution and biodiversity research and will join the Department of Botany and Evolutionary Research. The successful applicant will work on the DFG-funded project Exploring the Complex Origin of Pantropical Diversity: Phylogenomics Systematics and Biogeography of Dichapetalaceae. Dichapetalaceae is a pantropical family of flowering plants with remarkable diversity in tropical forests of Africa the Neotropics and Asia. Despite its ecological and evolutionary importance the family remains poorly understood including unresolved phylogenetic relationships uncertain taxonomic boundaries and limited knowledge of its biogeographic history. The project aims to generate a robust phylogenomic framework for Dichapetalaceae reconstruct its global historical biogeography and revise key taxonomic groups using integrative approaches combining molecular data morphology geography and computational evolutionary analyses. The successful candidate will benefit from close collaboration with the Professorship Biodiversity and Molecular Evolution of Flowering Plants at Goethe University Frankfurt and international partners in Europe Africa and beyond. The project will be conducted within an interdisciplinary collaboration framework and contribute to Senckenbergs efforts in furthering its overall mission as well as to decipher Anthropocene biodiversity changes.

• Conduct research on the phylogeny and systematics of Dichapetalaceae
• Generate and analyze genomic datasets (skimming and target capture data)
• Reconstruct historical biogeographic patterns and diversification processes
• Carry out taxonomic revisions using herbarium and morphological data
• Participate in field and herbarium-based sampling where appropriate
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present results at conferences
• Collaborate with other working groups and other researchers involved in the project

• Masters degree in Botany or related biological research areas
• Background in botany evolutionary biology genomics and biogeography
• Computer literacy specifically skillful use of MS office packages graphics software
• Experience with R Python Linux or bioinformatic workflows is beneficial
• Good communication skills in English both written and verbal
• Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

• Knowledge of German is advantageous

• access to an international network of scientists policymakers and research organizations
• an attractive job within the inspired and dynamic working environment of an internationally recognized research institution
• flexible working hours mobile working options employee ID card with free admission to Senckenberg museums annual special payment collectively agreed vacation entitlement company pension plan

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.

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) as a single PDF file on our website by June 6 2026.

Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung
Senckenberganlage 25
60325 Frankfurt am Main

If you have any specific questions about the position please contact Dr. Marie Claire Veranso-Libalah at

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