Fully Funded PhD Position in Botany and Molecular Evolution at Senckenberg Society for Nature Research in Germany
If you are passionate about plant evolution, tropical biodiversity, and phylogenomics, this newly announced PhD opportunity at the Senckenberg Society for Nature Research offers an outstanding platform to build a research career in evolutionary botany. The position, officially titled PhD Position – Research Assistant (m/f/d) in Botany and Molecular Evolution, is based in the Department of Botany and Evolutionary Research at the Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt. This three-year, DFG-funded project focuses on the evolutionary history of the pantropical plant family Dichapetalaceae and combines phylogenomics, systematics, and biogeography in a highly collaborative international setting.
The PhD Position in Botany and Molecular Evolution at Senckenberg Society for Nature Research offers a rare chance to investigate tropical plant evolution using state-of-the-art phylogenomic methods. With strong international collaborations, excellent institutional support, and a scientifically important research question, this opportunity is ideal for ambitious early-career researchers seeking to make meaningful contributions to biodiversity science.
About Senckenberg
The Senckenberg Society for Nature Research, a member of the Leibniz Association, has been conducting world-class biodiversity and Earth system research for more than two centuries.
With eight institutes, five research stations, and scientists from over 40 countries, Senckenberg integrates historical collections, field research, and cutting-edge molecular techniques to understand biodiversity and support its conservation.
Its flagship institution, the Senckenberg Natural History Museum Frankfurt, is one of the most renowned natural history museums in Europe.
PhD Project: Evolutionary History of Dichapetalaceae
The successful candidate will work on the DFG-funded project:
“Exploring the Complex Origin of Pantropical Diversity: Phylogenomics, Systematics, and Biogeography of Dichapetalaceae.”
Dichapetalaceae is a tropical flowering plant family distributed across Africa, Asia, and the Neotropics. Despite its broad distribution and ecological significance, many aspects of its evolutionary history remain unresolved.
Project Objectives
The project aims to:
- Build a robust phylogenomic framework for Dichapetalaceae
- Resolve taxonomic uncertainties
- Reconstruct global historical biogeography
- Investigate diversification patterns
- Integrate genomic, morphological, and geographic data
This research will contribute to a deeper understanding of tropical plant evolution and biodiversity dynamics in the Anthropocene.
Research Environment and Collaborations
The PhD project will be carried out in close collaboration with the Professorship of Biodiversity and Molecular Evolution of Flowering Plants at Goethe University Frankfurt.
The candidate will also interact with international partners across Europe, Africa, and other global research centers, gaining exposure to an extensive academic network.
Key Responsibilities
As a doctoral researcher, you will:
Conduct Phylogenetic and Systematic Research
- Study evolutionary relationships within Dichapetalaceae
- Clarify taxonomic boundaries
Generate and Analyze Genomic Data
- Produce genome skimming datasets
- Work with target capture sequencing data
Reconstruct Biogeographic History
- Model historical dispersal and diversification processes
Perform Taxonomic Revisions
- Use herbarium collections and morphological analyses
Participate in Sampling Activities
- Engage in fieldwork and herbarium visits when appropriate
Disseminate Research
- Publish in peer-reviewed journals
- Present at conferences
Collaborate Widely
- Work with interdisciplinary research groups and project partners
Required Qualifications
Applicants should hold:
- A Master’s degree in Botany or a closely related biological field
- Strong background in botany, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biogeography
- Good command of English (written and spoken)
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
Preferred Skills
The following qualifications will strengthen your application:
- Experience with R
- Experience with Python
- Familiarity with Linux and bioinformatics pipelines
- Knowledge of German
Salary and Funding
The position is remunerated according to TV-H E13 at 65% employment, which is the standard salary scale for PhD researchers in Hesse.
This funding level typically provides a competitive stipend-like salary with full employee benefits, including health insurance, pension contributions, and paid leave.
Employment Benefits
Senckenberg offers an attractive benefits package, including:
- Flexible working hours
- Mobile working options
- Annual special payment
- Company pension plan
- Generous vacation entitlement
- Free admission to Senckenberg museums
- Access to international research networks
Why This PhD Opportunity Is Exceptional
This position stands out for several reasons:
- Fully funded doctoral research for three years
- Focus on a globally distributed tropical plant family
- Integration of phylogenomics, taxonomy, and biogeography
- Collaboration with leading botanists and international institutions
- Access to extensive herbarium collections and advanced genomic resources
For students aiming to pursue careers in evolutionary biology, systematics, or biodiversity science, this is a highly competitive and intellectually rewarding opportunity.
Living in Frankfurt am Main
Frankfurt am Main is one of Germany’s most cosmopolitan cities and a major center for science and higher education.
Highlights include:
- Excellent public transportation
- International airport
- Diverse cultural and culinary scene
- Strong academic community
- High quality of life
Application Documents Required
Prepare the following documents in one PDF file:
- Letter of motivation describing your previous and current research interests
- Curriculum Vitae
- Academic certificates and transcripts
- Publication list (if applicable)
- Recommendation letters (optional but beneficial)
How to Apply
Submit your application through APPLY NOW by 6 June 2026.
Contact Information
For scientific questions about the position, contact: Dr. Marie Claire Veranso-Libalah
Email: marie-claire.veranso-libalah@senckenberg.de
Postal Address:
Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung
Senckenberganlage 25
60325 Frankfurt am Main
Germany
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is this PhD position fully funded?
Yes. The position is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and includes salary under TV-H E13 at 65% employment.
How long is the contract?
The appointment is temporary and limited to three years, which is the standard duration for doctoral projects in Germany.
What salary can I expect?
The salary follows TV-H E13 at 65%, which provides a competitive monthly income plus full employee benefits.
Is knowledge of German required?
No. German is listed as an advantage, but it is not mandatory.
Which programming skills are useful?
Experience with R, Python, Linux, and bioinformatics workflows is highly beneficial.
Will there be opportunities for fieldwork?
Yes. Depending on project needs, the candidate may participate in field and herbarium-based sampling.
Can applicants from outside Germany apply?
Absolutely. Senckenberg welcomes applications from qualified candidates worldwide.
Is prior publication experience required?
Publication experience is helpful but not strictly required for strong candidates with relevant research potential.
What is Dichapetalaceae?
Dichapetalaceae is a pantropical family of flowering plants distributed across Africa, Asia, and the Americas, and the focus of this doctoral project.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline to submit your application is 6 June 2026.
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