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

Tätigkeitsprofil:

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 organization’s central administrative services along with two research institutes housing extensive scientific collections and one of Senckenberg’s most renowned institutions, the Senckenberg Natural History Museum Frankfurt. Senckenberg is as much a part of the city’s 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 Senckenberg’s efforts in furthering its overall mission as well as to decipher Anthropocene biodiversity changes.

Your tasks

• 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

Anforderungsprofil:

Your profile

• Master’s 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

Desirable skills

• Knowledge of German is advantageous

We Offer

• Access to an international network of scientists, policymakers, and research organizations
• Opportunities to present research findings at conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals
• A dynamic working environment in Frankfurt, a diverse and vibrant city offering a high quality of life

• 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 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 https://www.senckenberg.de/en/career/ by June 6, 2026.

Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung

Senckenberganlage 25

60325 Frankfurt a.M.

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