Postdoc Researcher (f/m/d) in Evolutionary Genomics of Mammals

Senckenberg Society for Nature Research (SGN), headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, is seeking to fill the following position at the Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (SBiK-F), starting as of 01 November 2026:

Postdoc Researcher (m/f/d)

in Evolutionary Genomics of Mammals

(Full time / part time options available)



Location: Frankfurt am Main
Employment scope: Full-time; part time options are available
Type of contract: Temporary, limited to 2 years
Remuneration: Collective agreement of the state Hesse (TV-H) / E13

The Senckenberg Society for Nature Research is a member of the Leibniz Association and has been investigating the “Earth System” worldwide for more than 200 years, examining the past, analysing the present, and developing projections for the future. We conduct integrative geobiodiversity research with the aim of understanding nature in all its complexity and diversity in order to preserve it as the foundation of life for future generations and to ensure its sustainable use. Across eight institutes and five research stations throughout Germany, scientists from more than 40 countries conduct research at the highest international level.

The mission of the Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre is to study the complex interactions between biodiversity and climate change.

There is an exciting opportunity for a talented and motivated applicant to join the working group of Prof. Dr. Axel Janke. The applicant will be closely involved in gene flow, evolutionary, population or phylo-genetics to study speciation in mammals (bears, giraffe, kangaroos or allies) at the genomic level and in MSc and BSc teaching. Strong own and proven research interests including other vertebrate groups will be considered.

• Conduct genomic research on mammalian evolution and speciation, including evolutionary, population and phylogenomic analyses
• Investigate phylogenetic relationships, gene flow and genomic signatures of evolutionary and environmental processes using genomic and bioinformatic approaches
• Apply and further develop bioinformatic methods for the analysis of genomic data, including population genomics, genome assembly and species distribution modelling
• Organise and teach university courses and supervise BSc and MSc theses
• Independently prepare and publish research results in peer-reviewed journals and contribute to the acquisition of third-party funding

• PhD degree in Biology, Genetics, Bioinformatics or a related field
• Strong interest and proven skills in evolutionary, population or phylogenomics.
• Knowledge of gene-flow analyses and/or drift processes is an advantage
• Experience in population genomics, genome assembly and script programming, including R
• Very good written and oral communication skills in English
• Interest in species distribution modelling, paternal inference, conservation genetics and epigenetics

• access to an international network of scientists, policymakers and research organizations
• an attractive job within the inspired and dynamic working environment of an internationally recognized 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 ethnic or cultural origin, gender, religion or belief, age, sexual identity or disability. Women are particularly encouraged to apply, as they are underrepresented in the field of this position; in the case of equal qualifications and suitability they will be given preference. 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.

Please upload your application as a single PDF by 5 October 2026, including:

• CV
• Letter of motivation
• Academic transcripts and certificates/credentials
• Two relevant publications
• Contact details of two potential references

Please compress the files where possible. If the two publications cause the file to exceed the upload limit, they may be uploaded separately.

Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung
Senckenberganlage 25
60325 Frankfurt am Main

For specific questions about this role, please contact Prof. Dr. Axel Janke at axel.janke@senckenberg.de

For data protection information on the processing of personal data as part of the application and selection process, please refer to the privacy policy on our homepage at https://www.senckenberg.de/en/imprint/

Please visit our website at www.senckenberg.de for further information about the Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung.