Postdoc (m/f/d) in the Department of Zoology
Homepage: www.naturkundemuseum-bw.de
The State Museum of Natural History Stuttgart (SMNS) with its two locations Museum am Löwentor and Schloss Rosenstein is one of the largest natural history museums in Germany with over 180 employees. It sees itself as a future-oriented research and educational institution. With the support of the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts, the focus on biodiversity and evolutionary research is being comprehensively expanded. This will enable the SMNS to make an even greater contribution to solving current and future challenges such as the biodiversity crisis. In addition, together with the University of Hohenheim, we are forming the Competence Centre Biodiversity and Integrative Taxonomy (KomBioTa).
At the earliest possible date, we are looking for one
Postdoc (m/f/d) to work in research programmes of the Department of Zoology
(E 13 TV-L, 100 %, limited until 30 September 2026)
Research should focus on molecular biogeography, conservation genetics, analysis of faunal change, evolutionary morphology or ecology. Interdepartmental cooperation is also very welcome. Special emphasis will be given to innovative questions that can be answered, for example, using molecular methods. Postdocs can collaborate in ongoing SMNS projects or contribute their own research programmes. These must allow a close taxonomic and methodological link to existing projects in the Department of Zoology ().
Collaboration is possible on the following projects for which data already exist:
· Conservation genetics of freshwater mussels and groundwater snails using NGS data
· Feeding ecology and admixture of Malagasy rainforest birds using metabarcoding from faecal samples and stable isotope analysis of feathers
· Evolutionary morphology of the genitalia or olfactory system of amphibians (Gymnophiona) using µCT analyses
· Morphological and genetic evidence of hybridisation in two Foudia species (weaver birds) at a Madagascan rainforest edge
Requirements
· Completed doctorate in biology or a related subject
· Knowledge and experience in at least one of the research areas biogeography, ecology or conservation/population genetics proven through publications
· Excellent command of written and spoken English; basic knowledge of German is a plus
In addition, one or more of the following knowledge/skills are desirable:
· Molecular genetic/genomic methods incl. bioinformatic analysis in the field of biogeographical or ecological research (e.g. metabarcoding)
· Statistical analyses, e.g. of genetic and/or ecological data
· Stable isotope analysis
Your tasks:
· Publication of research results in renowned scientific journals
What we offer
· Full-time position, remunerated according to TV-L E 13 (limited until 30 September 2026)
· Basic research funding and support for conference travel
· Cooperation and integration into already established research projects
· Attractive workplace in the centre of Stuttgart in an internationally renowned research museum; links to the research projects of the University of Hohenheim (e.g. KomBioTa)
· Research in an international and multidisciplinary environment
· Well-equipped molecular laboratories
· Support in acquiring German language skills if necessary
· Monthly public transport allowance of 25 € (JobTicket BW)
Please send your electronic application - in a single PDF file, max. 10 MB - with
· Cover letter/resume with a description of your motivation
· Names/addresses of three references
· Copies of relevant certificates
· List of publications
· List of acquired third-party funding
· Outlook (max. one page) for a specific project at the museum within the above-mentioned research programmes
We accept applications in German and English. Please send your application to postdoc-zoologie@smns-bw.de by 30/06/2025 at the latest. Interviews are scheduled for 11/07/2025.
For further information, please contact PD Dr Stefan Merker (Tel.: +49-711/8936-246, Email: stefan.merker@smns-bw.de). You can also contact other scientists of the Department of Zoology directly.
The SMNS promotes equal opportunities for its employees and therefore welcomes applications from all people regardless of gender, cultural and social background, age, religion, ideology, disability or sexual identity. We are particularly committed to promoting equality between women and men and therefore expressly encourage qualified women to apply. Severely disabled applicants will be given preference if equally qualified.
Data protection information for applicants can be found on our homepage under ‘Jobs’.
