Postdoctoral fellow in Conservation Genomics (m/f/d)

The Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung (SGN) is a member of the Leibniz Association and is based in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. The LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE- TBG), tbg.senckenberg.de, is a joint venture of the Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung (SGN), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen and Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME aiming to intensify biodiversity genomics in basic and applied research. We establish a new and taxonomically broad genome collection to study genomic and functional diversity across the tree of life and make genomic resources accessible for societal demand driven applied research.

For the LOEWE funded Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics Centre (LOEWETBG), Project area Genomic Biomonitoring, Senckenberg invites applications for a

Postdoctoral fellow in Conservation Genomics (m/f/d)

(Two years – 80-100% FTE)

The postdoc position will focus on applied conservation genomics. This project is on the Western Leopard Toad (Sclerophrys pantherina), an endangered conservation flagship species from South African’s West Cape Province that has declined in parallel with urbanization and agricultural spread. The postdoc will generate and analyze genome-wide genomic data (starting from range wide samples collected in 2021) and use this data to estimate key population genetic parameters, study genetic diversity loss, and explore inbreeding’s effect in a large genome species. The postdoc will have the parallel aims of, supporting conservation management actions in the toad, while also expanding broader empirical conservation evidence and understanding of genetic processes in declining populations. There are many open questions in conservation genomics, so there is also degree of flexibility to pursue additional questions of mutual interest alongside those planned.

You will work in the new Genomic Biomonitoring lab (Prof. Deborah Leigh) within the LOEWE Center for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (“TBG”) in the Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum (Frankfurt, Germany) and collaborate with South African researchers (Dr. Jessica da Silva, South African National Biodiversity Institute “SANBI”). This offers a great opportunity to grow your scientific network. The TBG has access to high throughput computation clusters, internal bioinformatic expertise, and state-of-the-art wet labs. Note: no extensive field work is envisioned but a short trip to South Africa may be necessary for dissemination. The working language of the lab is English. In the Genomic Biomonitoring Lab we encourage healthy working habits, so part time employment (80% minimum) and partial remote working/flexible hours can be arranged. The salary will follow the German E13 scale.

Your tasks

• Generate, process, and analyze genomic sequencing data. Conduct population genomic analysis (e.g. population structure) and estimate key statistics (e.g. ROH, Ne etc.).
• Publish findings in high quality peer-reviewed scientific journals. Present results at international conferences. Report findings to partners.
• Support MSc thesis students and/or BSc summer interns.

Your profile

• PhD in Population Genomics/Conservation Genomics/Bioinformatics.
• Good/strong knowledge of conservation-relevant population genetic theory.
• Strong downstream genomic data (i.e. SNP) analysis skills.
• Experience working on remote computing clusters in a bash UNIX/BASH environment (i.e. submitting jobs and creating data analysis pipelines).
• Collaborative working style, with interest in working in a lab and with an international team.
• Experience or interest in working with conservation managers.
• Excellent communication skills and writing skills in English.
• Strong personal and research organization skills.

What is awaiting you?

• An interesting task in a newly established international research group
• Flexible working hours – leave of absence due to family reasons (certified by “auditberufundfamilie”) – parent-child- office – annual special payment – company pension scheme – Senckenberg badge for free entry in museums in Frankfurt – leave of 30 days/year
• Senckenberg and TBG provide access to cutting-edge computational (large HPC clusters, genome browser, bioinformatic support) and lab infrastructure to sequence and analyze genomes
• Central Frankfurt as location: Frankfurt is a vibrant and highly international city at the heart of Europe that combines a skyscraper skyline with traditional and historic buildings as well as multiple parks and green areas. The Economist 2022 index ranked Frankfurt among the top 10 most livable cities worldwide.
• English is the working language in our lab
• Location: Frankfurt am Main, Germany
• Start date: October 1^st, 2024 (or soon thereafter)
• Working hours: 100 % FTE (40hrs / week), 80% possible
• Type of contract: Limited to 2 years
• Salary: According to the collective agreement of the State of Hessen
• (TV-H), pay grade E13

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 age, gender, ethnic or cultural origin, religion and ideology, sexual orientation and 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 disabilities (“Schwerbehinderung”) will be given preferential 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.

The Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung is a member of the Leibniz Association and is based in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. LOEWE-TBG is a joint venture of Senckenberg with five partner institutes from the Federal State of Hesse, aiming to intensify biodiversity genomics in basic and applied research. We establish a new and taxonomically broad genome collection to study genomic and functional diversity across the tree of life and make genomic resources accessible for societal demand driven applied research.

How to apply

Please send us your application documents by September 13th 2024 including

• CV with publication list
• Contact information for at least two references
• Cover letter with previous research experience and interest in position (max 2 pages)
• Copies of PhD certificates or signed letter from supervisor confirming graduation date

in electronic form (as a coherent PDF file) to recruiting(at)senckenberg.de quoting the reference number #12-24012. Or apply through the online application form on our homepage.

Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung

Senckenberganlage 25

60325 Frankfurt a.M.

E-Mail: recruiting(at)senckenberg.de

For more information about the project, please contact Prof. Dr. Deborah Leigh (deborah.leigh(at)senckenberg.de). For more information about the Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung, please visit www.senckenberg.de.