Researcher (m/f/d) for Marine Benthic Ecology and Spatial Modelling (CONMAR-Habitat)

Researcher (m/f/d) for Marine Benthic Ecology and Spatial Modelling (CONMAR-Habitat)

Senckenberg – Leibniz Institution for Biodiversity and Earth System Research (SGN), headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, is seeking to fill the following position at its institute Senckenberg am Meer in Wilhelmshaven, starting as of June 2026:

Researcher (m/f/d) for Marine Benthic Ecology and Spatial Modelling (CONMAR-Habitat)

(full time / part-time options available)

Type of contract: The contract shall ideally start in June 2026 and is limited for the project duration until 30 November 2027.

Remuneration: Collective agreement of the state Hesse, TV-H E 13.

Senckenberg is one of the world’s leading research institutions in the field of Biodiversity and Earth System Research, with eight research institutes and three natural history museums across Germany and scientists from over 40 nations. Our headquarter is located in the thriving commercial metropolis of Frankfurt in the heart of Germany, which also hosts one of our most famous facilities, the Senckenberg Natural History Museum. Named for its location bordering the North Sea, our northernmost institute “Senckenberg am Meer” in Wilhelmshaven cooperates with major marine research institutions and universities. The area around Wilhelmshaven is well-known for its unspoilt nature and general recreational value.

For the project CONMAR-Habitat “Spatio-temporal variability of benthic communities and environmental parameters in munition sink areas and reference sites in the North and Baltic Sea”, embedded in the “Deutsche Allianz Meeresforschung (DAM)” joint research project “CONcepts for conventional MArine Munition Remediation in the German North and Baltic Sea (CONMAR)”, applications are welcome.

• Active participation in several research cruises per year (approx. two weeks each) in the North and Baltic Sea
• Taxonomic identification and quantitative analysis of marine benthic infauna and epifauna communities
• Multivariate statistical analysis of community and environmental datasets
• Spatial analysis and georeferencing of ecological data using GIS
• Development and implementation of species distribution models
• Preparation of project reports and publication of results in peer‑reviewed scientific journals
• Contribution to interdisciplinary collaboration within the CONMAR consortium

Your profile

• PhD in Benthic Ecology, or in Marine Biology, or a related natural science discipline – or a Master degree with demonstrated expertise in points 1‑4 of the tasks
• Experience in Taxonomy of North Sea Infauna and Epifauna
• Strong background in multivariate statistical analyses (e.g. R or comparable software)
• Proven experience in GIS‑based spatial analyses
• Experience in species distribution modelling
• Track record of peer‑reviewed scientific publications
• Experience in ship‑based sampling campaigns
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in interdisciplinary research teams
• Excellent command of written and spoken English

We offer

• Access to an international network of scientists, policymakers and research organisations
• An attractive job within the inspired and dynamic working environment of an internationally recognised 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. 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 on our website by 16 April 2026.

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