The State Museum of Natural History in Stuttgart (SMNS) with its two locations, Museum am Löwentor and Schloss Rosenstein, is one of the largest natural history museums in Germany and sees itself as a future-oriented research and educational institution. The SMNS mission is to contribute to solving current and future challenges, such as the biodiversity crisis. Furthermore, together with the University of Hohenheim, we form the Center for Biodiversity and Integrative Taxonomy (KomBioTa).
The SMNS is seeking, as soon as possible, a
Technical employee in Lepidoptera collection (m/f/d)
Salary scale E9B TV-L, permanent position, full-time (39.5 hours/week), job-sharing possible
To fill this position, we are seeking for a skilled entomology preparator (m/f/d) with the motivation and ability for high-quality preparation of Lepidoptera as well as the technical management of one of the largest Lepidoptera collections in Germany.
Your tasks:
- High-quality preparation of Lepidoptera specimens for scientific research, our growing collections, and engaging exhibitions
- Permanent preservation of Lepidoptera specimens, including type and historically significant material
- Digitization of collection specimens
- As a minor duty, assisting with molecular lab work (DNA-Extraction, PCR, Gel electrophoresis, etc.)
- Integrated pest monitoring (IPM) within the insect collection
- Assisting in fieldwork for lepidoptera collections, preparing and labelling the specimens and processing for long-term storage in the collection
- Entering collection data, including identifications, location, etc. in the electronic collection database Diversity Workbench
- Support of curators with loans and inquiries related to the collection
- Knowledge transfer, e.g., to students, junior preparators and trainees
- Co-supervision of guests, students, and interns, also during fieldwork
- Active participation in general departmental tasks (e.g., maintenance of specimens in the exhibition, organization of workshops, congresses and exhibitions)
Job requirements:
- Completed training as entomology preparator or technical assistant or comparable training in entomology (e.g., completed university education in the field)
- Trackable solid experience in insect collections as well as experience with databases
- Extensive expertise in the systematics and anatomy of insects
- Strong sense of responsibility in handling valuable and delicate collection material
- Personal engagement and discipline, ability to work independently
- Excellent organizational skills and a collaborative, team-oriented mindset
- High empathy, emotional intelligence, reliability, organizational talent, and flexibility
- Willingness to learn new methods and pursue further training related to the job
- Driver’s license class B
- Strong German and English skills
Beneficial qualifications:
- Prior knowledge on taxonomy and systematics of Lepidoptera
- Ability of identification of Lepidoptera as well as general knowledge on biology of Lepidoptera
- Experience with molecular work
- Ability to conduct fieldwork in remote or rugged outdoor environments, and hiking over uneven terrain while carrying research equipment
We offer you:
- The opportunity to participate in and sustainably help shape an internationally renowned research museum with first-class infrastructure
- The chance to contribute your ideas and skills to the (re-)design of special exhibitions as well as the permanent exhibitions
- Parallel work for six months with the current position holder as well as strong support for professional development
- An attractive workplace in the centre of Stuttgart that is easily accessible by bike, bus and train
- A secure job with all social benefits of the collective agreement for the public service of the federal states (TV-L). If all legal and personal requirements are met, the salary group would be E9b TV-L German salary scheme. Job-sharing is possible.
- Flexible working hours and family-friendly working conditions
- Additional benefits such as special annual payment, employer-funded pension scheme, Subsidized ticket for local public transport, capital-building benefits and Participation in company health management program
The SMNS promotes equal opportunities for its employees and therefore welcomes applications from all people regardless of their gender, cultural and social background, age, religion, ideology, disability or sexual identity. As the promotion of equality between women and men is of particular concern to us, we expressly encourage qualified women to apply. Severely disabled applicants will be given preference if equally qualified.
Please send your comprehensive application, including a one-page motivation letter, CV detailing research and other job-relevant activities and skills and certificates, all in a single PDF file (max. 5 MB) to lepidoptera(at)smns-bw.de by November 2nd, 2025. Job interviews are scheduled for November 19th, 2025.
For specific questions or further information, please contact Dr. Hossein Rajaei via email hossein.rajaei(at)smns-bw.de.
Information on data protection law for applicants can be found on our homepage under “Jobs”. After completion of the procedure, all application documents will be deleted in accordance with data protection regulations.