PhD Conservation genomics & biology Stuttgart State Museum Germany PhD position (m/f/d) in conservation biology and population genomics of bryophytes within the Bryophyte Diversity Change and Evolution research group, Botany department (Salary scale E 13 TV-L, 50%, limited to 3 years) State Museum of Natural History Stuttgart Homepage: www.naturkundemuseum-bw.de/en/ Project and job description: The doctoral position is assigned to the project "How to prevent species from extinction: A pilot study on Schistidium spinosum" in the Bryophyte Diversity Change and Evolution research group of the Botany department. The research of our group focusses on the diversity and range shifts of species, and the evolutionary potential to respond to environmental changes. We are particularly interested in the effects of habitat fragmentation, land-use and climate change in natural and anthropogenic ecosystems, with a focus on mountain habitats and epiphytic communities. In addition, we study the diversity and evolutionary processes in different bryophyte groups, especially in our model system Schistidium. The project is dedicated to the conservation biology of the critically endangered moss species Schistidium spinosum, which is confined to a few occurrences in Central European mountain ranges. We aim to investigate the reasons for its rarity, identify the threats and compare the spatial and genomic population structure to evaluate the fitness and isolation of subpopulations. The results will be used to develop specific conservation strategies to enable the long-term conservation of the species. The successful applicant will work on the topic as part of his/her own research project, combining extensive field- and labwork with analyses of ecological and genomic data. The doctoral student will be based at the Botany Department of the SMNS, but should enroll in a doctoral program of University of Hohenheim (https://www.uni-hohenheim.de/en/natural-science-doctoral-degree-program). The project will be supervised by Dr. Thomas Kiebacher (https://www.naturkundemuseum-bw.de/forschung/botanik/team-botanik/thomas-kiebacher). Requirements: M.Sc./Diploma degree or equivalent in biology or related program by the time of the start of the project � Experience in conducting observational and experimental studies with plants � Experience in field and laboratory work � Experience in genetic or genomic data acquisition and analyses � Statistical and analytical skills (experience in R is a plus) � Experience/interest in bryology � Knowledge of the English language; knowledge of German is an advantage � Teamwork and communication skills � Interest in working with conservation authorities and other stakeholders Our offer: The opportunity to pursue your academic career in an internationally renowned research museum An interdisciplinary and cooperative, team-oriented research environment Opportunity to attend national and international conferences Intensive academic and personal mentoring Attractive workplace in the centre of Stuttgart with flexible and family-friendly working hours A subsidised public transport ticket (JobTicket BW) The salary is based on the German civil service salary scale E13 TV-L, part-time (19,75 h/week) for research. The position is limited to three years. Applications in German and English are equally welcome. Please send your application, including a cover letter, CV and certificates exclusively online (in one file, max 10 MB) to phd.rotkaeppchenmoos@smns-bw.de by September 11, 2024. Job interviews are scheduled for September 25, 2024. Invited candidates should give a max. 15-minute presentation on their research background, their interest in the project and their methodological skills. For further information, please contact Dr. Thomas Kiebacher: 0049-(0) 711 8936 209, thomas.kiebacher@smns-bw.de. 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. The State Museum of Natural History Stuttgart (SMNS) is one of the largest natural history museums in Germany and conducts collection-based research in the areas 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 delivers an essential contribution towards a deeper understanding of complex biological phenomena und a broad range of engagement opportunities for all citizens. Dr. Thomas Kiebacher Department of Botany, group leader State Museum of Natural History Stuttgart Rosenstein 1, 70191 Stuttgart, Germany P+49 (0) 711 89 36 - 209 thomas.kiebacher@smns-bw.de https://www.naturkundemuseum-bw.de/forschung/botanik/mitarbeiter-botanik/thomas-kiebacher "Kiebacher, Thomas" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)