Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) in the Department of Zoology, Molecular Biogeography
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
We are seeking an academically independent, committed and team-oriented individual who can combine their own research ideas with existing projects, initiate collaborations and further develop scientific networks.
Join our team!
The focus is on innovative research questions concerning the biogeography of vertebrates and molluscs using molecular methods.
With your expertise and ideas, you will make an important contribution to biodiversity research and help shape the future of the SMNS as an internationally recognised research institution. Information on the research programmes: https://www.naturkundemuseum-bw.de/en/research/zoology
Your responsibilities will include:
- Carrying out independent research and publishing the results in renowned scientific journals in the field of molecular biogeography
- Securing third-party funding for research
You have the following skills and knowledge:
- PhD in Biology or a related field
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience in molecular biogeography, including bioinformatic analysis, as evidenced by publications
- Experience in independently planning and conducting scientific research projects
- 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 option to work remotely
- Well-equipped laboratory infrastructure, including molecular laboratories suitable for next-generation sequencing and DNA extraction from historical specimens, as well as laboratories for histology and digital morphology (micro-CT, SEM and microphotography)
- Core funding for research activities and conference travel
- The opportunity to participate in established research projects at the SMNS
- An active network of researches both in-house and at the University of Hohenheim through the jointly run Centre for Biodiversity and Integrative Taxonomy (KomBioTa)
- Support in balancing work and family life
- Support with acquiring 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 of a specific research programme at the museum, maximum one page
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? PD Dr Stefan Merker will be happy to assist you. You can reach him on +49-711/8936-246, or by email at: stefan.merker@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