PhD position or Postdoctoral Researcher: Effects of Global Livestock Management on Wildlife Movement Senckenberg Society for Nature Research in Germany

Senckenberg Society for Nature Research (SGN), headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, is offering a PhD position or postdoctoral researcher position within the Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (SBiK-F). The project starts on 1 January 2027 and runs as a temporary appointment for 4 years until 31 December 2030. This is a part-time, funded research position with a PhD appointment at 65% or a postdoctoral appointment up to 60%, remunerated according to TV-H / E 13.

The position is embedded in the VEBITA project, a collaborative transdisciplinary initiative involving SGN, Marburg University, and the Institute for Social-Ecological Research (ISOE). VEBITA develops animal movement data into early-warning systems for nature conservation by combining GPS and sensor data with statistical and AI-based methods. The advertised subproject focuses on the effects of global livestock management on wildlife movement. It aims to advance biodiversity footprint approaches by quantifying how different livestock management systems influence the movements of wild mammals, and how management strategies may be adapted for more sustainable outcomes.

Research tasks include advancing existing biodiversity footprint methods in the context of livestock production and wildlife movement, classifying global livestock management systems, analysing global patterns in how livestock keeping influences wild mammal movement, contributing to project meetings and reporting, and publishing results in international journals with the project team. The work is designed to inform science-policy debates and to incorporate perspectives from key stakeholder groups such as livestock farmers, conservationists, and regulators.

Applicants should hold an MSc degree (or equivalent) for the PhD role or a PhD degree for the postdoctoral role in a relevant area such as sustainability science, physical geography, ecology, or another related field. Essential skills include programming in R, Python, or similar tools, experience with heterogeneous datasets, strong English-language ability, and interest in interdisciplinary, transdisciplinary, and applied science at the science-policy interface. Experience with stakeholder engagement is desirable.

Applications must be submitted as a single PDF by 19 November 2026 using the online application system and reference number Ref. #11-26021. The application should include a cover letter, detailed CV, contact details of two potential references, and all academic credentials and certificates. Email applications are not accepted. For questions about the position, the contact person is Dr. Thomas Kastner ([email protected]).

Further information about the institution and data protection details are available via Senckenberg’s website and imprint pages. The role is based in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.