Researcher in Soil Zoology and Biodiversity | Researcher Enchytraeidae (m/f/d)

Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung

Frankfurt am Main, Hessen, Deutschland
Published Feb 16, 2026
Full-time
Fixed-term

Job Summary

This part-time (65%) research position at the Senckenberg Museum of Natural History in Görlitz focuses on the biodiversity and ecological functions of Enchytraeidae (potworms). As part of the 'BE-DEF' project, the successful candidate will investigate how land use impacts soil communities through a combination of field campaigns and advanced laboratory analysis. Day-to-day responsibilities include morphological species identification, managing trait databases, and preparing samples for proteomics (MALDI-TOF) and stable isotope analysis. The role is highly collaborative, involving close cooperation with a partner researcher in Frankfurt and participation in national and international conferences. This position offers a unique opportunity to work within one of Europe's largest soil fauna collections, contributing to high-impact manuscripts for international journals. It is particularly attractive for scientists seeking to combine traditional taxonomy with cutting-edge functional trait analysis in a world-leading biodiversity research institution.

Required Skills

Education

Diploma or Master’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Zoology, or a related field.

Experience

  • Professional experience in soil fauna, biodiversity, or ecology research
  • Experience in morphological species identification and trait data collection
  • Experience in laboratory sample preparation for mass-spectrometry or proteomics
  • Experience in writing and publishing scientific manuscripts in international journals
  • Experience in conducting field work campaigns and soil parameter analysis

Languages

English (Fluent)

Additional

  • Willingness to participate in multi-week field campaigns within Germany; willingness to undertake short-term lab visits (up to 4 weeks) to Frankfurt, Göttingen, and Wilhelmshaven; valid driving license is desirable.