As a member of the DNFS (Deutsche Naturwissenschaftliche Forschungssammlungen e.V.), the State Museum of Natural History Karlsruhe (SMNK) is one of the largest research museums and collections in Germany and presents permanent and special exhibitions on over 5000 m², including the largest living coral reef in Germany. With extensive analog and digital offerings, it attracts more than 200,000 visitors every year. As a nationally and internationally active research museum in the fields of geosciences and biosciences, the museum enjoys recognition far beyond the region. The SMNK has a well-developed research infrastructure with molecular laboratories and imaging facilities. Based on its extensive collections and the taxonomic expertise of its curators, the museum is also an important point of contact for the general public, schools and the press interested in plant, fungal and animal species in south-western Germany and for experts in the region, as well as a cooperation partner for national and international institutes. The Natural History Museum Karlsruhe is looking for a Postdoc for environmental DNA (eDNA) research on bees, 100%, limited to 2.5 years, at Naturkundemuseum Karlsruhe, Karlsruhe, Germany, starting 1.4.2024 We are living in a biodiversity crisis of unprecedented extend. Many species are on the brink of extinction and important ecosystem services are at risk, including pollination. Pollinators and their interactions are the focus of the Beenergia project. In particular, the conflict between managed pollinators, especially honey bees, and wild bees will be investigated. In a multidisciplinary consortium, Beenergia aims to understand the ecological balance between commercial and wild pollinators, assess threats and develop solutions that ensure both pollinator protection and food security. This subproject aims to develop innovative methods for gentle sampling and monitoring of wild bees based on molecular methods. Therefore, we are looking for a committed, motivated, communicative and team-oriented person with a strong interest in molecular ecology and sequencing methods to participate in developing eDNA-based methods for the detection and monitoring of pollinators in cooperation with the project partners in Germany and Switzerland and to test them in field trials. We expect: - PhD in biology, or similar disciplines with a focus on biodiversity, ecology or evolutionary biology - In-depth knowledge of eDNA methods and various sequencing techniques - Interest in the realization and testing of prototypes - Basic knowledge of bees and wild bees and their ecology - Good language skills in English (project language) - Bioinformatics knowledge is a plus We offer - Payment will be in EG 13 TV-L - dynamic collaboration in an international team - the opportunity to work at a nationally renowned research museum with recognized collections and an attractive exhibition - a workplace in the center of Karlsruhe, with excellent public transport connections to several attractive natural areas and the Black Forest National Park - flexible work time and family-friendly working hours (39.5 h/week); possibility of mobile working - participation in company health management, job ticket and job bike subsidized by the state of Baden-Württemberg The SMNK aims to increase the proportion of women in areas in which women are underrepresented and therefore expressly asks qualified women to apply. Severely disabled applicants will be given priority if equally qualified. Please include a note to this effect in your cover letter and enclose proof of disability. Please send your informative electronic application with CV, list of publications, certificates and references to bewerbung@smnk.de by 31.01.2025, quoting reference number 01_2025. If you have any questions, please contact the Scientific Director Prof. Dr. Martin Husemann: martin.husemann@smnk.de. Please note that the application documents will be forwarded to the persons involved in the recruitment process. Unfortunately, costs for interviews cannot be covered or reimbursed. Further information on the State Museum of Natural History Karlsruhe can also be found on the Internet at www.smnk.de Data protection notice for applicants The protection of your personal data is an important concern for the Staatliches Museum für Naturkunde Karlsruhe and is guaranteed at all times. All personal data collected and processed as part of an application is protected against unauthorized access and manipulation by technical and organizational measures. Your data will only be used to process your application within the Natural History Museum and will be treated in strict confidence in accordance with legal regulations. If you send your application by e-mail, please note that confidentiality risks and unauthorized access by third parties cannot be ruled out when communicating by unencrypted e-mail. Questions and suggestions on data protection If you have any questions or suggestions on the subject of data protection, please contact our data protection officer. E-mail: despina.antonatou@smnk.de Mit freundlichen Grüßen i.A. Isabel Zimmermann Personalwesen Verwaltung Staatliches Museum für Naturkunde Erbprinzenstraße 13 D- 76133 Karlsruhe Tel.: +49 (0)721 175 2163 Isabel.zimmermann@smnk.de www.naturkundemuseum-karlsruhe.de Bitte beachten Sie: Diese E-Mail kann vertrauliche oder rechtlichgeschützte Informationen enthalten. Der Inhalt ist ausschließlich für den bezeichneten Adressatenoder dessen Vertreter bestimmt. Wenn Sie nicht der richtige Adressat sind, setzen Sie sich bitte mit dem Absender in der E-Mail in Verbindung. Jede Form der Veröffentlichung, Vervielfältigung oder Weitergabe des Inhalts fehlgeleiteter E-Mails ist unzulässig. Zimmermann Isabel (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)