Thomas Mueller
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Two Postdoctoral Researchers in Movement Ecology / One Data Scientist / One Scientific Coordinator Senckenberg Society for Nature Research in Germany
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
Fixed-term positions for 4 years until 31.12.2030 with remuneration under the Hesse state collective agreement (TV-H) / E13; Data Scientist and Scientific Coordinator are 50% positions.
Deadline
Nov 15, 2026
Country
Germany
University
Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung
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About this position
Senckenberg Society for Nature Research in Frankfurt am Main is recruiting for the VEBITA project, a transdisciplinary research programme at the Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre focused on how animal movement data can inform understanding of behavioural adaptability and conservation responses to environmental change.
The opening comprises two postdoctoral research positions in movement ecology, a data scientist, and a scientific coordinator. The postdoctoral researchers will join a team studying movement traits, behavioural plasticity, functional connectivity, and landscape permeability in animals, with a particular emphasis on terrestrial mammals and migratory or nomadic ungulates. One postdoctoral project will develop and analyse standardised movement traits derived from biologging data, extending the MoveTraits database for comparative studies across taxa and biomes. The second will focus on animal movement responses to habitat configuration and linear barriers, including AI-assisted detection of behaviours such as crossing, tracing, and avoidance.
The data scientist will build the project’s research data infrastructure around MoveTraits, supporting database development, data workflows, and analysis-ready products linked to Movebank and other repositories. The scientific coordinator will support the consortium structure, internal collaboration, project communication, and coordination across the biology, computer science, and social-ecological research components.
The positions are embedded in a broad collaborative network involving Senckenberg, Marburg University, the Institute for Social-Ecological Research, Movebank, and international biodiversity and movement-ecology initiatives. The project combines ecological field and trait-based research with data infrastructure, AI-enabled analysis, and cross-sector collaboration aimed at turning movement data into indicators of ecological change.
Funding details
Fixed-term positions for 4 years until 31.12.2030 with remuneration under the Hesse state collective agreement (TV-H) / E13; Data Scientist and Scientific Coordinator are 50% positions.
What's required
For the postdoctoral positions, a PhD in ecology or a related field is required, together with strong proficiency in R, a publication record appropriate to career stage, and excellent written and oral communication skills in English. Preferred experience includes behavioural ecology, macroecology and/or trait-based ecology, open science practices, and for PostDoc #2 experience with field data collection and handling large mammals plus teaching or supervision experience. For the Data Scientist position, a master’s degree in computer science, data science, ecology or a related field is required, together with strong programming skills in R and/or Python, experience managing large datasets, version control with Git/GitHub/GitLab, database development, and excellent English communication skills; a PhD is welcome but not required. For the Scientific Coordinator position, a master’s degree in ecology, environmental sciences or a related field is required, along with experience coordinating research projects or science management, strong organisational and communication skills, and excellent English; German language skills are advantageous and a PhD is welcome but not required.
How to apply
Submit a single PDF application via the website application form by 15 November 2026. Clearly state which position(s) and reference number(s) you are applying for. Include a cover letter, CV, and contact details of two referees; add publications, writing samples, and funding details where applicable.
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Professors
Prof. Dr. at Senckenberg Society for Nature Research
Germany
Research Interests
Conservation Biology
Ecology
Wildlife Biology
Animal Behavior
Behavioral Ecology
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.