PhD Researcher in Phytoplankton Parasitoid Ecology (m/f/d)

The Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (SBiK-F), which is part of the the Senckenberg – Leibniz Institution for Biodiversity and Earth System Research (SGN), is seeking to fill the following position in the working group of Evolutionary Analyses and Biological Archives, starting as soon as possible:

PhD Researcher in Phytoplankton Parasitoid Ecology (m/f/d)

Location: Frankfurt
Employment scope: Part-time: 65 %
Type of contract: Limited to 3 years
Renumeration: Collective agreement of the state Hesse (TV-H) / E13

Founded in 1817, the Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum in Frankfurt am Main 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 (Mainhattan) in the heart of Germany, which also hosts one of our most famous facilities, the Senckenberg Natural History Museum. The mission of the Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre is to study the complex interactions between biodiversity and climate as well as the changes affecting them.

Join SEAMPHONI, an EU‑funded consortium of leading European marine research institutions, to pioneer methods for evaluating parasites of protists—especially phytoplankton—using eDNA and microscopy. This 3‑year, part‑time (65%) PhD position offers a unique opportunity to advance fundamental and applied understanding of host–parasitoid dynamics across diverse marine environments.

• eDNA monitoring across latitudes: Work with regularly sampled demonstration sites—from tropical reefs to Arctic fjords—using harmonized protocols to detect and quantify protist parasitoids.
• Arctic microscopy fieldwork: Lead sampling campaigns in Iceland, preparing and analyzing phytoplankton and their parasites via Differential Interference Contrast (DIC) microscopy.
• Cultivation & co‑culture assays: Establish cultures of host phytoplankton and their parasitoids to investigate infection dynamics under controlled conditions.
• Single‑cell genomics: Apply single‑cell sequencing to characterize parasite diversity, host specificity, and genomic adaptations.

Your profile

• You hold a Master’s degree in marine biology, microbiology, molecular ecology, or a related discipline.
• You have hands‑on experience with molecular techniques (e.g., eDNA metabarcoding), microscopy (preferably DIC), and basic cultivation of marine microorganisms.
• You’re passionate about interdisciplinary research, thrive in international teams, and value creative approaches to research.
• You communicate fluently in English, both in writing and orally.

We Offer:

• Access to an international network of scientists, policymakers, and research organizations
• The chance to shape novel monitoring tools that inform conservation and management of Marine Protected Areas.
• A dynamic working environment in Frankfurt, a diverse and vibrant city offering a high quality of life
• 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 CV, a cover letter including your research interests, and two references, certificates of academic achievements, list of publications as well as letter(s) of recommendation, if available) electronically (as a single PDF) ) to recruiting@senckenberg.de stating the reference #11-25013 by 24 September 2025 or apply online, using the application form on our website www.senckenberg.de/de/karriere/bewerbung/

For data protection information on the processing of personal data as part of the application and selection process, please refer to the privacy policy on our homepage at https://www.senckenberg.de/en/imprint/ .

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