Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) in the Department of Entomology
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 see ourselves as a bridge between science and society, offering a vibrant platform for dialogue and exchange. Innovation arises where cutting-edge research meets our unique collection and creative outreach. We are passionately committed to the conservation of biodiversity. Our aim is to preserve the foundations of life and thus help shape a positive future.
Our motto, ‘On A Mission For Diversity’, shapes the work of our 190 staff members from all over the world. We value diverse talents and perspectives, foster team spirit and place great importance on a positive and supportive working environment.
We are seeking to fill a position as soon as possible:
Full-time or part-time (80-100%), fixed-term until 31 December 2029
Remuneration in accordance with TV-L E13
Applications accepted until 30 September 2026
The collections of the SMNS are global in scope and of great historical and international significance. To strengthen our team, we are seeking a highly motivated, scientifically independent and team-oriented individual who will advance the SMNS’s research programmes through innovative research approaches, pursue their own research ideas, and enrich existing projects with new methodological and scientific perspectives.
Join our team!
The position focuses on innovative research questions in the fields of community ecology and species distribution modelling. We particularly welcome methodological expertise that strengthens interdisciplinary collaboration within the SMNS as well as cooperation with external partners. Potential approaches include community models, species distribution and habitat models, and related quantitative methods.
In addition to contributing to ongoing projects, the successful candidate will be expected to develop and implement an independent research programme. This should build on the existing research activities of the Department of Entomology while extending them both methodologically and taxonomically. A focus on holometabolous insects would be particularly welcome. We would also be delighted to see a willingness to establish new scientific collaborations and further develop existing networks.
A particular focus will be the insect monitoring project of LUBW. We particularly welcome research ideas that make use of the data collected through this project and address new research questions using innovative ecological or modelling-based approaches.
With your expertise and ideas, you will contribute to regional and global biodiversity research and strengthen the national and international profile of the SMNS as a modern research institution. You will have the opportunity to develop your own research priorities, expand your scientific networks, and explore new fields of research together with colleagues both within and beyond the museum.
Further information on the research activities of the Department of Entomology can be found on the website of the Stuttgart Natural History Museum: https://www.naturkundemuseum-bw.de/en/research/entomology
Your responsibilities will include:
- Conducting independent research projects and publishing the results in renowned academic journals
- Securing external funding to finance research projects
- Contributing to the existing course programme, as well as designing and initiating own courses and workshops
- Attending national and international conferences and academic symposia
- Interdisciplinary collaboration with the museum’s researchers
You have the following skills and knowledge:
- PhD in Biology or a related field
- Demonstrated knowledge and practical experience in community and/or landscape ecology, species distribution modelling and/or macroecology, evidenced by relevant scientific publications
- Demonstrated subject-matter expertise in insect ecology, evidenced by scientific publications on insects
- Experience in conducting large-scale ecological analyses, particularly in data-poor regions outside Europe, with the aim of enabling global studies and comparative analyses
- Excellent written and spoken English
- Basic knowledge of German or a willingness to learn German
Here are the benefits we offer:
- Generous core working hours and flexible working arrangements, as well as the opportunity to work remotely
- Access to LUBW data and resources
- Extensive storage and computing capacity for large-scale biodiversity analyses
- Core funding for research activities and conference travel
- Participation in established research projects at SMNS
- An active research network through collaboration with the University of Hohenheim within the jointly operated Centre of Competence for Biodiversity and Integrative Taxonomy (KomBioTa)
- Good work–life balance and compatibility of work and family life
- Support in acquiring or further developing German language skills, if required
Please submit your application containing:
- A cover letter and CV outlining your motivation
- The names and contact details of three referees
- Copies of relevant certificates
- A list of publications and external funding secured
- An outline (maximum two pages) on a specific project at the museum, within the framework of the above-mentioned research programmes and in connection with the LUBW insect monitoring project.
Applications are welcome in both German and English. We strongly encourage women to apply. Diversity and inclusion are central to our values: applications from people with severe disabilities will be given priority where candidates are equally qualified. Since 2019, we hold the ‘audit berufundfamilie’ certificate and offer working conditions that are demonstrably family- and life-stage-friendly.
Would you like more information? Dr. Hossein Rajaei will be happy to assist you. You can reach him on +49-711/8936-223, or by email at: hossein.rajei@smns-bw.de.
Your contact person:
Magdalena Lipska
Tel.: +49 (0)711 / 8936-113
State Museum of Natural History Stuttgart
Rosenstein 1
D-70191 Stuttgart