Job Description

The Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung headquartered in

Frankfurt am Main

is seeking to fill the following position in its

Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Center

as soon as possible:

PostDoctoral Researcher in Plant-bird Interactions (m/f/d)

(full time / part time options available)

Location: Frankfurt

Employment scope: Full time; part time option (minimum 75%) available

Type of contract: Temporary, limited to 3 years

Renumeration: Collective agreement of the state Hesse (TV-H) / E13

Founded in 1817, Senckenberg Society for Nature Research (SGN) is one of the world’s leading research institutions in the field of biodiversity. At our twelve sites in Germany, scientists from over 40 nations conduct cutting-edge research on an international scale. Our headquarter is located in the thriving commercial metropolis of Frankfurt (Mainhatten) in the heart of Germany, which also hosts one of our most famous facilities, the Senckenberg Natural History Museum.

Your tasks

Conduct internationally recognized research on plant–bird interactions Advance a mechanistic understanding of how plants and birds respond to climate change and other environmental drivers Establish an independent research profile in pioneering fields such as individual behavioral variation or species’ adaptive capacity in the context of global change Publish research findings in high-impact, peer-reviewed international journals Attract and secure competitive third-party funding to support your research Support and mentor early-career researchers, including BSc, MSc and PhD students Actively contribute to teaching at the Bachelor’s and Master’s levels Contribute to building up a working group on Interaction Ecology and Climate*

Your profile

Doctoral degree (completed or soon to be completed) in biology, ecology, or a closely related field Proven experience in fieldwork on plant-bird interactions, including studies on avian seed dispersal and plant regeneration using seed-sowing experiments in the Alps Experience in bird captures and GPS telemetry Excellent command of advanced statistical methods, such as GLMMs or Bayesian approaches, preferably using the R programming language Strong publication record relative to career stage, demonstrating research excellence Keen interest in leading research on interaction ecology in the context of climate and land use change Ability and motivation to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment Fluency in spoken and written English

Desirable skills

Valid bird ringing license and experience in ringing corvids Proficiency in German is an asset and would support teaching duties in German

We Offer

Access to an international network of scientists, policymakers, and research organizations A dynamic working environment in Frankfurt, a diverse and vibrant city offering a high quality of life Opportunities to participate in teaching and outreach activities, e.g., in our museum and with collaborating universities Flexible working hours – mobile working options – Support with childcare or caring for family members (certified by the „audit berufundfamilie“) – employee ID card with free admission to municipal 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. 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 your application (letter of motivation with a short description of your previous and current research foci, a CV with a full publication list, copies of certificates and diplomas, along with the names of two referees), electronically (as a single PDF) to recruiting@senckenberg.de stating the

reference #11-25008 by August 24, 2025

or apply online, using the application form on our website www.senckenberg.de/de/karriere/bewerbung/





Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung


Senckenberganlage 25


60325 Frankfurt a.M.


E-Mail: recruiting@senckenberg.de



If you have any specific questions about the position, please contact Dr. Eike Lena Neuschulz at eike-lena.neuschulz@senckenberg.de



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 https://www.senckenberg.de/en/imprint/



Please visit our website at www.senckenberg.de for further information about the Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung.