Postdoctoral Researcher in Evolution and systematics of Plants

Friedrich Schiller University Jena; Jena; On-site; EUR 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remuneration TV-L 13

30 days vacation

Family-friendly environment

University health promotion

VBL occupational pension

Job summary

Friedrich Schiller University Jena invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Evolution and systematics of Plants. The position is full-time for three years with a potential extension, starting January 1, 2027.

You will work in the Integrative Taxonomy of Plants group, focusing on phylogenomics, taxonomy and biogeography of (sub)tropical Rutaceae and Primulaceae, and supervise student projects. The role offers possibilities to acquire an independent research profile, participate in

Qualifications

• PhD in systematic botany or plant evolution, or a relevant PhD.
• Strong knowledge in plant systematics, phylogenomics and bioinformatics.
• Experience with target capture, RADseq or third-generation sequencing is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Collaboration in research projects and (co-)supervising students and staff.
• Plan and organize own research in phylogenomics, taxonomy and biogeography.
• Supervise the molecular lab of the department.
• Assist in setting up the professorship and related tasks.
• Organize courses and teaching for BSc/MSc students (4 hours/week per semester).
• Coordinate collecting trips and field excursions when needed.
• Publish results in scientific journals and present at conferences.
• Develop your own academic qualification project (habilitation).

Skills

Plant systematics

Phylogenomics

Bioinformatics

English proficiency

Teamwork

Curiosity

Education

Master's degree or Diploma in biology

PhD in systematic botany or plant evolution

Tools

Target capture (HybSeq)

RADseq

PacBio

Nanopore

Job description

Job advertisement

Vacancy ID: 260/2026

Closing date: 2026-10-15

Postdoctoral Researcher in Evolution and systematics of Plants

The Friedrich Schiller University Jena is a dynamic and innovation-driven university centrally located in Germany. With a broad range of disciplines, it shapes the future through excellent research and teaching. Its scientific excellence is reflected in the profile areas Light – Life – Liberty, which provide pioneering insights and sustainable solutions for the society of tomorrow. Through close collaborations with leading research institutions, innovative companies, and renowned cultural organizations, it advances interdisciplinary developments. With around 17,000 students and approximately 10,000 employees, it defines Jena as a vibrant, internationally connected city of science and innovation. The Institute of Ecology and Evolution and the Senckenberg Institute for Plant Form and Function seeks to fill the position of a

commencing on January 1st, 2027.
We offer a full-time position (40 hours per week) initially for three years. An extension for another three years is possible.

The group of Integrative Taxonomy of Plants (Prof. Dr. Marc Appelhans) is looking for a motivated Postdoc in our newly established team. We are looking for a person with a strong focus in systematic botany and experience with Next-Generation sequencing methods and bioinformatic skills. Our current research focusses on the phylogenomics, taxonomy and biogeography of (sub)tropical Rutaceae and Primulaceae, and we expect active participation in existing and future projects as well as (co-)supervision of student projects and instruction of student assistants. We encourage own ideas and we expect that you acquire your own projects and build up an independent research profile. The position offers the opportunity to gain an academic qualification (habilitation).

Your responsibilities:

• Collaboration in research projects of the department and (co-)supervising of students and instruction of student assistants


• Planning and organizing own research projects in the field of phylogenomics, integrative taxonomy and/or biogeography of plants


• Supervision of the molecular lab of the department


• Assistance in setting up the professorship


• Organization of courses (BSc and MSc levels) and teaching in the department of Integrative Taxonomy of Plants (4 hours per week per semester)


• Participation in and organization of collecting trips and excursions


• Publication of your work in scientific journals and participation in conferences


• Work on your own academic qualification project (habilitation)

Your profile:

• You have successfully graduated from a university with a Master degree or Diploma in biology or a similar discipline and you hold a PhD with a focus on systematic botany or plant evolution


• Alternatively, you have successfully completed a bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field and hold a doctoral degree (earned through a fast-track program) with a focus on systematic botany or plant evolution


• Very good knowledge in the areas of plant systematics, phylogenomics and bioinformatics are expected


• Experience with target capture (target enrichment, HybSeq), RADseq and third-generation sequencing methods (PacBio, Nanopore) is advantageous


• Knowledge of tropical plant families – especially Rutaceae and Primulaceae – and excursion experience in (sub)tropical regions are advantageous


• Very good command of English (spoken and written)


• Curiosity, the ability to work in a team and a willingness to communicate

We offer:

• Newly built laboratories and outstanding botanical collections (Jena Botanical Garden, Herbarium Haussknecht)


• Working in a young and motivated team with a strong international focus and co-operations


• Good connections to the Senckenberg Society and iDiv (German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research)


• A varied field of activity with the opportunity to realize your own projects and develop an independent research profile


• Remuneration based on the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Federal States (TV-L) at salary scale 13 — depending on the candidate’s personal qualifications—, including a special annual payment in accordance with the collective agreement.


• A family-friendly working environment with a variety of offers for families: University Family Office ‘JUniFamilie’ and flexible childcare (‘JUniKinder);


• University health promotion and a wide range of university sports activities;


• Attractive fringe benefits, e.g. capital formation benefits (VL) and an occupational pension (VBL)


• 30 days of vacation per calendar year plus two days off on December 24 and 31

In principle, the job is also suitable for part-time employment. The extent to which a part-time request can be granted, in particular with regard to the location and scope of the part-time work, will be assessed on the basis of the needs of the service. The place of work is Jena.

Candidates with severe disabilities will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications and suitability.

Questions about the position can be directed to Prof. Dr. Marc Appelhans ([e-mail]).

For further information for applicants and the information on the collection of personal data, please refer to Data privacy and information for applicants