Postdoctoral Position in experimental biogeochemistry of aDNA in archaeological deposits

The Senckenberg Society for Nature Research (Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung, SGN) was founded in 1817 and is one of the most important research institutions around biological diversity. At its twelve sites throughout Germany, scientists from over 40 nations conduct cutting-edge research on an international scale. At the site in Tübingen, Baden-Württemberg, the Senckenberg Centre for Human Evolution and Palaeoenvironmant (SHEP) is located in a lively university town with historical flair and numerous local recreational opportunities.

The Senckenberg Centre for Human Evolution and Palaeoenvironment (SHEP) at the University of Tübingen is seeking to fill a

Postdoctoral Position in experimental biogeochemistry of aDNA in archaeological deposits

(full-time position, part time options available)

The position will start as soon as possible and will be primarily hosted in the Geo-Biosphere Interactions working group within the University of Tübingen. The project is nested within the Leibniz Science Campus “Geogenomic Archaeology Campus Tübingen” (GACT). GACT brings together experts from the fields of archaeology, genetics, geosciences, ecology, and microbiology to examine the evolutionary relationship between humans and ecosystem biodiversity through the multidisciplinary analysis of sedimentary cave archives containing ancient DNA.

Your tasks

• Develop and conduct experiments that test the effect of phosphorous and other elements on the mobility of (ancient) DNA in cave sediments.
• Apply stable and radioactive isotopes combined with geochemical analysis.
• Work with trace amounts of radioactive phosphorous within state-of-the-art radionuclide facilities.
• Analysis and interpretation of geoarchaeological samples from Pleistocene cave deposits.

Your profile

• Doctorate in archaeological sciences, geoarchaeology, geosciences/geology, soil science, paleogenetics, biology, bioinformatics or a related field.
• The ideal applicant (f/m/d) will have knowledge in biogeochemical cycles in soils and/or sediments, and a genuine interest in the human past and linking their data with biomolecular analysis.
• Previous experience in experimental applications of isotopic tracers, and soil and/or sediment geochemical analysis is recommended.
• Good communication skills in order to work in a highly collaborative and international environment.
• Very good command of written and spoken English. Knowledge of German is appreciated but is not a requirement.

We offer

• a varied and interesting job in a globally recognized research institution
• independent action in an international and professional environment
• flexible working hours – possibility of mobile working – support with childcare or caring for family members (certified by the „audit berufundfamilie“) – Senckenberg badge in combination with free admission to numerous municipal museums – a collectively agreed annual special payment – collectively agreed vacation entitlement – company pension plan

Place of employment: Tübingen (Baden-Württemberg)

Working hours: Full-time (39,5 hours/week), part time options are available

Type of contract: 2 years with possibility of extension

Pay: according to the public collective agreement TV-L E13

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. Women are particularly encouraged to apply, as they are underrepresented in the field of this position; in the case of equal qualifications and suitability they will be given preference. Applicants with a severe disability (“Schwerbehinderung”) 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.

You would like to be part of our team?

Please submit your complete an meaningful application including a letter of motivation, a CV, scans of academic transcripts, and contact details of two potential academic referees as a single PDF file. Applications should be submitted electronically no later than the 01st of December 2024 and addressed to recruiting@senckenberg.de quoting the reference number 10-24002-1.

Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung

Senckenberganlage 25

60325 Frankfurt a.M.

E-Mail: recruiting@senckenberg.de

For scientific inquiries regarding the position please contact the GACT Scientific Coordinator: Dr. Gerlinde Bigga, E-Mail: gerlinde.bigga@senckenberg.de.

For more information about the Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung please go to www.senckenberg.de.