PhD Position: Transcriptional Regulation in Beetle Sociality (Molecular Ecology)

The Senckenberg – Leibniz Institution for Biodiversity and Earth System Research, based in Frankfurt am Main, offers a PhD position in the Department of Molecular Ecology at the Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (SBiK-F). This project, titled 'Transcriptional Regulation in Beetle Sociality,' investigates the molecular and regulatory mechanisms underlying the evolution of subsociality and complex parental care in beetles. Subsociality, a key evolutionary step towards eusociality, has independently evolved in multiple beetle families, yet its genomic and regulatory basis remains poorly understood. The research aims to uncover the regulatory architecture that controls parent-offspring interactions, using a multi-omics approach to identify key regulators and epigenetic modifications shaping social behavior. The project is part of the interdisciplinary 'GEvol: Genomic Basis of Evolutionary Innovations' consortium (SPP 2349, funded by the German Science Foundation), and involves close collaboration with research groups at the University of Bayreuth, University of Freiburg, LMU Munich, and Coventry University. The successful candidate will conduct experimental work, including sample collection from eight beetle species across three parental-care phases, perform essential laboratory procedures (such as RNA extraction and library preparation), and carry out bioinformatic analyses to integrate gene expression and epigenetic data. Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at international conferences, with opportunities for collaboration and training across Germany. Applicants should have a Master’s degree in Biology, Evolutionary Biology, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, or a related field, with a strong interest in evolutionary processes, genomics, and behavior. Prior experience with NGS data, R, or other programming languages is advantageous. The ideal candidate will demonstrate curiosity, independence, excellent English communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team. Desirable skills include conducting experiments, tissue dissection, molecular laboratory procedures, and familiarity with transcriptome, methylation, and histone modification analyses. The position is part-time (65%) for three years, remunerated according to the TV-H E13 collective agreement of the state Hesse. Benefits include a company pension plan, annual special payment, vacation entitlement, employee ID card with free admission to municipal museums, flexible working hours, mobile working options, and support for family care. Senckenberg is committed to diversity and inclusion, welcoming applications from all qualified candidates regardless of background, and offering special consideration to applicants with severe disabilities. To apply, submit your application (letter of motivation, CV, certificates, publication list, and recommendation letters if available) as a single PDF file via the Senckenberg website by March 29, 2026. For further information or specific questions, contact Dr. Barbara Feldmeyer or Prof. Dr. Sandra Steiger via email. Additional details about the institution and privacy policy can be found on the Senckenberg website.