Digitization Technician

Digitization Technician (m/f/d) in Entomology Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung (SGN), Frankfurt am Main

The Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung (SGN) was founded in 1817 and is one of the most important research institutions around biological diversity. At the eleven sites throughout Germany, scientists from over 40 nations conduct cutting-edge research on an international level. At the site in Dresden, the capital of Saxony, the Senckenberg Natural History Collections are in a historic city with a wide range of cultural activities and excellent research collaborations.

The Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung with its head institute in Frankfurt (Main) is looking for the following person for the Senckenberg Natural History Collections Dresden, to start ideally on July 1st, 2024.

Digitization Technician (m/f/d) in Entomology (part-time from 50% up to a maximum of 75%)

Senckenberg is committed to study the causes and effects of biodiversity loss in the Anthropocene. As part of our strategic development, we launched an ambitious long-term research effort in "Anthropocene Biodiversity Loss” encompassing the modules "Collectomics”, "Biodiversity Genomics”, and "Solution Labs”. Objectives include the transformation of natural history collections into the digital era, studying biodiversity from the genome to the ecosystem levels and offering exploratory spaces for science and society to develop common solutions to Anthropocene challenges.

Within this research effort, Senckenberg takes innovative steps in collection-based research and data science. The objective of "Collectomics” is to make current and future natural history collections digitally accessible and to improve integration and collaboration across regions, collections, and disciplines. This will enable broader, more holistic biodiversity research, for the benefit of people and nature.

Your tasks

• Generate high-resolution photographs/images of entomological collection objects
• Process metadata (e.g., on labels) of the insect specimens
• Handling entomological objects pinned or preserved in ethanol
• Technical use, management, support, and testing of different photographic equipment (e.g., digital cameras, lenses, light systems, scanners)
• Stacking, editing, processing, labeling and assembling of high-definition photographs/images using different software (e.g., Helicon Focus, Capture One)
• Tasks in managing and updating of the entomological collection database
• Creation, optimization and standardization of digitization workflows
• General administrative tasks such as support with cost center management
• Co-supervision and training of volunteers (m/f/d), students and interns
• Participation in public relations work such as open days, guided tours and exhibitions

Your profile

• Education as a technical assistant with appropriate further training in the area of digitization, digital photography etc. or equivalent education and training, e.g. in the field of biology (e.g. Bachelor of Science)
• Good and broad knowledge and experience with digital imaging procedures and relevant equipment and software
• Good knowledge of insect diversity and systematics
• Knowledge of the principles of the naming of organisms (e.g., the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature - ICZN)
• Knowledge and experience in digitizing collection items (preferably entomological)
• Knowledge and experience in working with natural history collections (preferably entomological)
• Competence and care in handling fragile historical collection items
• Ability to present scientific content to the public (desirable)
• Knowledge of common MS Office applications
• Very good knowledge of English (desirable) and German language (spoken and written)
• Conscientious, precise, and quality-conscious working methods
• Strong communication skills, open-mindedness, and your ability to work in a team

What is awaiting you?

• Excellent local working conditions in an inspiring research environment and globally recognized research institution. (www.senckenberg.de/en/institutes/senckenberg-naturhistorische-sammlung-dresden/)
• Flexible working hours – opportunities for mobile working – support with childcare or caring for family members (certified by the "audit berufundfamilie") – Senckenberg badge for free entry to numerous city museums – a special annual payment – a leave of 30 days per year – special annual payment – company pension scheme
• Life in the vibrant city of Dresden (560,000 citizens), a major European center for music, arts, and science

Location: Dresden, Germany

Working hours: part-time from 50% up to a maximum of 75%

Type of contract: Initially limited to two years with the option of a permanent contract

Remuneration: Collective agreement of the states (TV-L) E 6 – E 9 depending on qualification

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. 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.

How to apply?

Please send your complete and comprehensive application (letter of motivation with a short description of your experience, detailed CV, certificates of your educational achievements) in electronic form (as a single PDF file) to recruiting(at)senckenberg.de mentioning the reference number ref. #07-24002 by June 25th 2024 or apply directly on our homepage using the online application form.

Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung

Senckenberganlage 25

60325 Frankfurt a.M.

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Dr. Klaus Klass at klaus.klass(at)senckenberg.de or Dr. Arianna Thomas-Cabianca at arianna.thomas-cabianca(at)senckenberg.de

Further information about the Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung can be found at www.senckenberg.de.

---