Scientist in molecular biodiversity research (m/f/d)

The Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change (LIB) is one of the large, globally connected research museums of the Leibniz Association. In addition to excellent research on biodiversity and its change, we are advancing the further development of our extensive scientific collections with an international team and state-of-the-art technology. With our exhibition, knowledge transfer and communication work at our exhibition venues Museum Koenig Bonn and Museum der Natur Hamburg, we want to spread enthusiasm for nature and contribute with our research topics to current socio-political discussions on species loss, climate change and the protection of ecosystems. The construction of an integrated natural history museum is being planned for the Hamburg location; the research infrastructure at the Bonn location is currently being significantly expanded.

The Centre for Molecular Biodiversity Research is looking for a

Scientist in molecular biodiversity research (m/f/d)

for a tenure-track position at the LIB Hamburg in full‑time (39hours/​week) or part-time.

The position holder will be the head of a research section and will play a leading role in advancing molecular research at the highest scientific standards at the LIB. The Centre for Molecular Biodiversity Research contributes to the ongoing development of the LIB as a globally leading institute for the study of biodiversity change. The working groups of both localities closely collaborate in developing future strategic developments and perspectives, and in making their particular expertise available to all researchers in the LIB.

The successful candidate will

• closely collaborate with the LIB research sections and museum collections covering the entire animal diversity and provide knowledge and infrastructure to all LIB researchers,
• apply and develop advanced methods and approaches in molecular biodiversity research, preferably in one or more of the following areas of molecular biodiversity research; phylogenomics, population genomics, conservation genomics, museomics, metagenomics, annotation, machine learning,
• instruct users in the usage of hardware and software for molecular biodiversity research,
• acquire substantial third-party funding with other LIB researchers of both localities.

We expect the candidate to

• hold a PhD in Evolutionary Biology, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, or a closely related field with strong emphasis on at least one of the following areas of molecular biodiversity research; phylogenomics, population genomics, conservation genomics, museomics, metagenomics, annotation, machine learning,
• have advanced knowledge in the application and development of NGS wet lab or computational methods for the analysis of genome data for molecular biodiversity research,
• have strong experience in data management and analysis of sequence and genome data (computational skills) in compliance with the FAIR principles,
• have experience in working with non-model organisms (animals),
• have experience in developing independent research projects and the development of new methodological approaches,
• have experience in team management and student supervision,
• have motivation to work in a team and take responsibility,
• have excellent communication skills and be fluent in written and spoken English.

It is desirable that the applicant has/is:

• a good knowledge of bioinformatic analyses of sequence data, statistical analyses and graphical visualization of data.
• experience with soft money acquisition.
• knowledge of the German language or willingness to learn it.

We offer:

Salary corresponds to grade TV-L E13 in the German Public Service Scheme. The contract will start as soon as possible and will initially be restricted to three years. A tenure track will be subject to personal performance. After a successful tenure evaluation, the candidate will be classified in EG14 TV-L.

Applicants are evaluated based on how well they fulfil the requirements detailed above. Such evidence may include documentation of completed course work, scientific publications, technical and analytical know-how, evidence of organisational skills, and prior experience in leading a research group. Whenever possible, statements to these effects should be accompanied by objective or independent assessment of the candidate's track record and potential. These may include links to access published or unpublished material or letters of support from supervisors or previous employers. The tenure procedure will evaluate the above listed essential criteria. Working language is English, German language skills should be acquired on long term.

The Leibniz Association is committed to diversity and gender equity. The LIB is certified as a family-friendly institution. We aim to increase the proportion of women in areas where women are underrepresented and to promote their careers in particular. We therefore strongly encourage women with relevant qualifications to apply.

Applications will be handled in accordance with the Landes­gleichstellungs­gesetz NRW (State Equality Act). Applications from suitable individuals with a certified serious disability and those of equal status are particularly welcome. When recruiting, they have priority over applicants who are not legally privileged and who have essentially the same suitability, qualifications and professional performance.

Applications in English, accompanied by supporting documentation (CV, certificates, lists of publications and funding) and a concept for molecular biodiversity research at the LIB Hamburg and across the Centre for Molecular Biodiversity Research should be submitted no later than September 30th, 2025only digitally to Andreas Pfeifer.

For further information about Museum Koenig Bonn and Museum der Natur Hamburg, please see: https://www.leibniz-lib.de .