The State Museum of Natural History Stuttgart (SMNS) is one of the largest and most popular natural history museums in Germany. As a modern research museum, we consider ourselves a bridge between science and society, offering a vibrant platform for dialogue and exchange. Innovation occurs where cutting-edge research meets our unique collection and creative educational outreach. We are passionately committed to the preservation of biodiversity. Our goal is to safeguard the foundations of life, thereby helping to shape a positive future.

Our motto, "Committed to Diversity," shapes the actions of our 190 employees from around the world. We value diverse talents and perspectives, foster team spirit, and attach great importance to a positive and appreciative working environment.

The entomological collection at the SMNS has a global scope and is of major international significance. It serves as a comprehensive research resource for addressing biological questions within the thematic areas of systematics and phylogeny, biogeography, speciation, biological invasions, or species interactions.

We are seeking to fill the following position as soon as possible:

Research Group Leader (m/f/d) for Insect Systematics (Diptera, Hemiptera, or Orthoptera)

The position is initially fixed-term for four years on a part-time to full-time basis (80% to 100%, TV-L E13) with the potential for subsequent transition to a permanent employment contract.

Tandem (job-sharing) applications are welcome. Applications are possible until October 11, 2026

Join Our Team!

You bring experience in collection-based research and scientific curation, and you wish to actively shape the future scientific value creation and international visibility of a major entomological collection. You possess a solution-oriented mindset in a team environment and communicate in a respectful and cooperative manner. With your commitment and ideas, you will help shape the future of our museum.

Your Responsibilities:

You will take on the establishment and execution of an independent research program with the following key areas:

Establishing an internationally visible, collection-based research group with clearly defined scientific questions and regular publications in internationally recognized peer-reviewed journals.
Further developing the Diptera or Hemimetabola collection according to the "Extended Specimen" concept and implementing innovative concepts for the scientific utilization, digitization, and networking of the collection.
Scientific curation, structuring, and sustainable enhancement of selected collection areas using integrative methods (morphology, molecular genetics, biodiversity informatics).
Initiating and securing competitive third-party funded projects to establish future research perspectives.
Building and deepening cross-departmental collaborations as well as expanding national and international research partnerships within the framework of the SMNS research strategy.
Science communication via diverse formats (e.g., popular science lectures, guided tours, social media, press, events, contribution to exhibitions).
Participating in the training and supervision of early-career scientists.

Expected Outcomes Within the Four-Year Period:

This position serves to establish an internationally visible research group at the SMNS. Transition into permanent employment will be evaluated at the end of the four-year period based on the following criteria:

An established research program with international visibility.
Submitted third-party funding applications and/or granted projects.
New concepts for the scientific enhancement of the collection.
Sustainable integration of results into the SMNS research strategy.
Recommendations for the future structural development of the collection area.
Active engagement in the science communication activities of the SMNS.
German language proficiency of at least C1 level.

Required Qualifications and Knowledge:

Completed Ph.D. in Biology (Entomology) or a related discipline.
Comprehensive knowledge in curating insect collections.
Outstanding publication record.
Expertise and research experience in taxonomy, systematics, phylogeny, evolution, or biogeography.
Proven track record in securing external funding.
Established international scientific collaborations.
Excellent written and spoken English skills.
Basic knowledge of German and a willingness to learn German.
Experience in science communication.

Desirable Competencies:

Research interests offering cross-departmental connections to existing SMNS projects.
State-of-the-art morphological methods for insect identification and description.
Molecular genetic methods, including bioinformatic analyses.
Teaching experience and experience in co-supervising student theses.
Experience handling large datasets (morphological, biogeographical, genetic) to investigate biodiversity dynamics.

What We Offer:

Technical assistance linked to collection curation.
Well-equipped molecular laboratories, suitable for Next-Generation Sequencing and extraction of ancient/historical DNA.
Well-equipped laboratories for histology and digital morphology (micro-CT, SEM, and micro-photography).
Extensive modern geological and paleontological (amber) collections as research resources.
Participation in established research projects at the SMNS.
A vibrant scientific environment, such as the Center for Biodiversity and Integrative Taxonomy (KomBioTa), jointly supported with the University of
Hohenheim.
Supervision of Ph.D., Master’s, and Bachelor’s candidates.
Generous core and flexible working time regulations, as well as the option for remote/mobile work.
Work-life and family balance support.
Support in acquiring German language skills (if required).

Please submit your application containing:

Cover letter (max. 2 pages)
Curriculum Vitae, list of publications, secured external funding, teaching experience, and engagement in science communication
Research program including networking, publication, and third-party funding strategies (max. 3 pages)
Teaching concept including potential thesis topics, as well as planned contributions to science communication (max. 2 pages)
Names and contact details of three academic references
Copies of relevant certificates and degrees

Applications in both German and English are welcome. First-round interviews are scheduled via Zoom.

We explicitly encourage women to apply. Diversity and inclusion are central values at our institution; applicants with severe disabilities will be given preference in the case of equal suitability. Since 2019, we have been certified with the "audit berufundfamilie" quality seal, demonstrating our commitment to family- and life-stage-conscious working conditions.

Questions? Dr. Hossein Rajaei is available to answer any questions. You can reach him by phone at +49-711/8936-223 or via email at: hossein.rajaei@smns-bw.de.

Your contact person:

Susanne Treu
Tel.: +49 711 8936-2941

Apply now