The State Museum of Natural History Stuttgart (SMNS) is one of the most important natural history research museums in Germany and conducts collection-based research in the fields of systematics, taxonomy, biodiversity and evolution. The SMNS also cooperates closely with the University of Hohenheim in research and academic teaching. As an integrated research museum, the SMNS also makes a central contribution to a deeper understanding of complex biological relationships and to the participation of all citizens in natural history research.
We are offering a position as a
Junior Group Leader on Conservation Genomics (m/f/d)
(E 13 TV-L, 100%, limited to 3 years, renewable)
Position description:
The Biodiversity Monitoring department aims to understand the drivers of genetic diversity within species, and how it affects diversity change at the species and ecosystem levels. With this position, we aim to bridge gaps between fundamental research on evolutionary genetics and practical conservation efforts, while fostering a young scientist to establish their independent research program. We welcome applications from scientists with interest in Museomics, Conservation Biology and Biodiversity Monitoring, who’s research is aligned with Target 4 from the convention on Biological Diversity (https://www.cbd.int/gbf/targets/4), specifically in the context of genetic diversity.
Tasks:
- Develop and lead inter-departmental research projects that connect genetic diversity with conservation outcomes.
- Publish high-impact scientific manuscripts in research.
- Apply to external funding in topics related to Monitoring of Genomic diversity.
- Foster interdisciplinary collaborations within SMNS through leading specialized training programs, courses, or workshops in fields such as Museomics and Conservation Genomics.
- Mentor students and researchers to translate genomic findings into tangible conservation actions (e.g. conservation agencies and policymakers).
Requirements:
Essential
- Ph.D. in Conservation Biology, Genetics, Bioinformatics, or related discipline.
- Strong record of scientific publications fields such as Evolution and Conservation Biology.
- Experience with next-generation sequencing methodologies using both fresh and historical samples.
- Experience customizing bioinformatics analyses for non-ideal samples (e.g., addressing biases from differential sequencing coverage and distantly related reference genomes).
- Proficiency in relevant analytical methods of next generation sequencing and programming languages (e.g., R, Python, bash).
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Desirable
- Experience in using genomics methods across study systems (plants, invertebrates and vertebrates).
- Experience collaborating with conservation agencies or policy-makers.
- Experience mentoring Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. students.
- Successful track record in obtaining research funding.
Our offer:
- Enrollment and mentorship for an “Habilitation” degree at the university of Hohenheim.
- A leadership role in an inter-departmental team at a prestigious research institution.
- A research budget of 5,000 EUR per year.
- Opportunities for impactful conservation research in both national and international networks.
- Attractive workplace in central Stuttgart with flexible and family-friendly working hours.
- Subsidized public transportation (JobTicket BW).
- Annual bonus and pension plan benefits.
Salary is paid according to the German public service salary scale E13 TV-L. The position is limited to 3 years, renewable, full time 39,5 hours per week and located in Stuttgart.
How to apply:
Applications in German or English are welcome. Please send your electronic application - in a single PDF file (max. 10 MB), including cover letter, CV, list of 3 academic references and relevant certificates to biodiversity(at)smns-bw.de by June 15th, 2025.
For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Ricardo Pereira by email at ricardo.pereira(at)smns-bw.de.
SMNS is an equal opportunity employer, promoting diversity and inclusion within our workforce. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, irrespective of gender, cultural background, age, or disability. Qualified women are particularly encouraged to apply. Severely disabled applicants will be given preference if equally qualified.
Information on data protection law for applicants can be found on our homepage under “Jobs”.