Postdoctoral Researcher in Evolution and Systematics of Plants at Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Germany, in collaboration with the Senckenberg Institute for Plant Form and Function.

Summary

The Friedrich Schiller University Jena, together with the Senckenberg Institute, seeks a postdoctoral researcher to join its Integrative Taxonomy of Plants group. The three‑year position (extendable by three years) focuses on plant phylogenomics, taxonomy and biogeography of tropical Rutaceae and Primulaceae. The role includes supervising the molecular lab, teaching bachelor and master courses, organizing field trips, and developing independent research leading to a habilitation. Candidates must hold a PhD in systematic botany or plant evolution and possess strong English skills. Salary follows the TV‑L pay scale 13 with an additional annual payment. The university offers modern labs, botanical collections, international research environment, family services, health facilities, pension, and 30 days of leave plus two extra holidays. Applications close on 15 October 2026.

Key Facts

Position Type	Postdoctoral Researcher
Discipline	Botany
Research Area	Plant phylogenomics, integrative taxonomy, and biogeography of Rutaceae and Primulaceae
Degree Required	PhD in systematic botany or plant evolution
Salary	Remuneration is based on TV-L pay scale 13, depending on personal qualifications, with a special annual payment under the collective agreement
Funding	Salary (TV-L pay scale 13) with special annual payment
Contract Duration	3 years, possible extension of 3 years; part-time possible
Language	English
Deadline	2026-10-15

About the Project

The project investigates the phylogenomics, taxonomy and biogeography of (sub)tropical Rutaceae and Primulaceae, integrating molecular data, field work and bioinformatic analyses to resolve evolutionary relationships and support a habilitation‑level research profile.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to departmental research and co‑supervise students
• Develop independent projects in plant phylogenomics, integrative taxonomy, and/or biogeography
• Supervise the department’s molecular laboratory and help establish the professorship
• Organize and teach bachelor’s‑ and master’s‑level courses (4 hours per week per semester)
• Take part in and organize collecting trips and excursions
• Publish and present research, and pursue a habilitation project

Required Skills

• Strong knowledge of plant systematics, phylogenomics and bioinformatics
• Very good English proficiency
• Experience with target capture, RADseq, PacBio or Nanopore methods (advantageous)
• Knowledge of Rutaceae or Primulaceae (advantageous)
• Experience with (sub)tropical fieldwork (advantageous)

Who Should Apply

Early‑career scientists with a PhD in systematic botany or plant evolution, strong knowledge of plant systematics, phylogenomics and bioinformatics, and good English proficiency, who are interested in independent research, teaching and supervising students in a collaborative, international environment.

Benefits

• Newly built laboratories and botanical collections
• International research environment
• Opportunities to develop an independent profile
• Family and childcare services
• Health and sports facilities
• Pension and other benefits
• 30 days of annual leave plus December 24 and 31

About the Employer

Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Germany, in collaboration with the Senckenberg Institute for Plant Form and Function, hosts the Integrative Taxonomy of Plants group, offering modern facilities, extensive botanical collections and an international research environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the start date of the position?

The position starts on January 1, 2027.

What is the duration of the contract?

Initially three years, with a possible extension for another three years; part‑time may be considered.

What language proficiency is required?

Very good English proficiency is expected.

How many days of annual leave are provided?

30 days of annual leave plus December 24 and 31.

What is the salary basis?

Remuneration follows the TV‑L pay scale 13 with a special annual payment.