Job Description

For the Senckenberg Museum of Natural History in Görlitz, the Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung headquartered in Frankfurt (Main) is seeking to fill the following position


Research Scientist and Curator (m/f/d) of the section Myriapoda (Tenure-Track)



Location: Görlitz, Saxony





Employment scope: full-time (40 hours/week) / part-time is possible





Type of contract: the contract shall start ideally from June 1st 2026. The position is initially limited. The type of time limitation depends on individual profile and legal framework (maximum 6 years). A later permanent employment (Tenure Track) is intended after a positive evaluation.





Remuneration: collective agreement of the German Länder, TV-L E 13





Founded in 1817, the Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung (SGN) is one of the world’s major research institutions in the field of biodiversity. At our twelve sites in Germany, scientists from over 40 nations conduct cutting-edge research at an international level. At the Görlitz site, the renowned Senckenberg Museum of Natural History is located in a historic town with a region that is particularly close to nature and well worth living in.



Senckenberg is committed to study the causes and effects of biodiversity loss in the Anthropocene. As part of our strategic development, we launched an ambitious long-term research effort in “Anthropocene Biodiversity Loss” encompassing the modules “Collectomics”, “Biodiversity Genomics”, and “Solution Labs”. Objectives include the transformation of natural history collections into the digital era, studying biodiversity from the genome to the ecosystem levels and offering exploratory spaces for science and society to develop common solutions to Anthropocene challenges.



Within this research effort, Senckenberg takes innovative steps in collection-based research and data science. The objective of “Collectomics” is to make current and future natural history collections digitally accessible and to improve integration and collaboration across regions, collections, and disciplines. This will enable broader, more holistic biodiversity research, for the benefit of people and nature.





Your Tasks


Scientific and personnel management of the Myriapoda section, including one technical assistant, third-party funded scientific personnel and volunteers Scientific curation and development of „Myriapoda” collection of the Soil Zoology department Collection-based research on the taxonomy, biology or (community) ecology of Myriapoda Publication of research results in high-ranking peer-reviewed international scientific journals Acquisition of third-party research funding Initiation and management of research projects and active participation in joint projects of the Soil Zoology department and beyond Establishment of collaborations with other national and international working groups, including other Senckenberg departments in Görlitz and across Germany Participation in the Management Board of Edaphobase, the international database on soil biodiversity Participation in the Editorial Board of the scientific journal Soil Organisms Participation in academic teaching at the MSc level programs of Dresden University of Technology




Your Profile


Doctoral degree in zoology or a related field Excellent knowledge of integrative taxonomy and systematics of Myriapoda Deep knowledge and work experience in the fields of soil ecology, taxonomy and community- and species-level ecology of Myriapoda Experience with scientific curation, management and development of invertebrate collections Experience in guiding staff, (post-graduate) students, or entire workgroups Outstanding research record in biology of soil animals, documented by publications in international peer-reviewed scientific journals Motivation, commitment and the ability to develop and implement own research ideas documented by publications and projects independent from PhD and master supervisors Experience in working in international teams Experience in the acquisition of third-party funding and project management Fluency in English both spoken and written




Desirable skills


Excellent knowledge of integrative taxonomy and systematics and/or community and species level ecology of Diplopoda and/or Chilopoda Knowledge of the Central European and Palearctic Myriapoda fauna Knowledge in research data management and databases Experience in participation in scientific committees Experience in academic teaching Good knowledge of German or willingness to learn German




We offer


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.





How to apply?



Please send your application (cover letter detailing your research foci and experience, your CV, copies of your certificates of academic achievements, list of publications as well as letter(s) of recommendation, if available) electronically (as a single PDF)

to recruiting@senckenberg.de stating the reference #08-25023 by 14th January 2026

, or apply online.





Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung



Senckenberganlage 25



60325 Frankfurt am Main



E-Mail: recruiting@senckenberg.de





For specific questions about this role, please contact Prof. Dr. Anton Potapov at anton.potapov@senckenberg.de.



Join us in advancing ecological research through innovative technology! We look forward to your application!





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/.





For further information about the Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung please visit https://www.senckenberg.de