PhD position

The Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (SBiK-F), which is part of the Senckenberg – Leibniz Institution for Biodiversity and Earth System Research (SGN), is seeking to fill the following position at its location in Frankfurt am Main, starting as soon as possible:

PhD position (m/f/d) in "Rainforest recovery through seed dispersal by frugivorous birds and rodents"

(50 % part-time)

Location: Frankfurt am Main

Employment scope: Part-time (50%)

Type of contract: Temporary, limited to 4 years

Remuneration: Collective agreement of the state Hesse (TV-H) / E13

Founded in 1817, Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung (SGN) is one of the world's leading research institutions in the field of biodiversity. At our twelve sites in Germany, scientists from over 40 nations conduct cutting-edge research on an international scale. Our headquarter is located in the thriving commercial metropolis of Frankfurt (Mainhatten) in the heart of Germany, which also hosts one of our most famous facilities, the Senckenberg Natural History Museum.

The PhD position will be part of the DFG Research Unit 5207 "Reassembly of species interaction networks" ) which aims to understand the mechanisms underpinning the functional recovery of rainforest ecosystems in Ecuadorian Chocó. The candidate will be part of a network of researchers from Ecuador and Germany.

Your tasks

• Investigate the temporal dynamics of seed-dispersal networks along a gradient of tropical forest recovery
• Independent field work in the study area to collect interaction data between plants and frugivorous birds and rodents
• Measurement of functional traits of plants and animals
• On-site experiments of seed rain and supplementary feeding to avian frugivores
• Collaborate with members of the whole research unit.
• Quantitative analyses of ecological networks and trait data
• Scientific publications and presentations

Your profile

• Master degree in Ecology or a related field
• Keen interest in studying interaction networks between plants and animal seed dispersers
• Strong quantitative skills and programming skills in R
• Experience with field work in remote and/or tropical areas
• Ability to work under physically demanding conditions
• Strong interest in the analyses of ecological networks and functional traits
• Excellent English communication skills (written & oral)

Desirable skills

• Prior taxonomic knowledge of Neotropical plants and birds is beneficial
• Basic Spanish skills are advantageous

We offer

• A dynamic working environment in Frankfurt, a diverse and vibrant city offering a high quality of life
• Opportunities to participate in teaching and outreach activities, e.g., in our museum and with collaborating universities
• Flexible working hours – mobile working options – Support with childcare or caring for family members (certified by the "audit berufundfamilie") – employee ID card with free admission to municipal museums – annual special payment – collectively agreed vacation entitlement – company pension plan (ZVK)

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 application (a 1-page motivation letter with a brief description of your research experience and interests, a CV with a full publication list, copies of certificates and diplomas, and the names of two potential referees) electronically (as a single PDF) to stating the reference # by 11 January 2026.

Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung

Senckenberganlage 25

60325 Frankfurt a.M.

E-Mail:

If you have any specific questions about the position, please contact Dr. Eike Lena Neuschulz at eike- or Prof. Dr. Matthias Schleuning at

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