Technical Assistant (m/f/d) for collections digitisation

Job Announcement Ref. #01-25034

Technical Assistant (m/f/d) for collections digitisation

full time (part time options are available)

Location: Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum, Frankfurt, Germany

Contract type: Initially limited to 2 years with the option of extension

Salary: TV-H E 6–7 (depending on qualification and experience)

(TV-H: Collective agreement of the state Hesse)

Start date: As soon as possible

The Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung (SGN) was founded in 1817 and is one of the most important research institutions in the field of biodiversity. At its twelve locations throughout Germany, scientists from almost 40 nations conduct cutting-edge research on an international scale. The Society’s headquarter is in the Main metropolis of Frankfurt in the heart of Germany. This is also where one of the best-known Senckenberg facilities, the Senckenberg Natural History Museum, is located.

The Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum in Frankfurt, Germany, is an internationally renowned and well-connected hub of modern biodiversity science. The primary research infrastructure for the institute is its collection of historical specimens of animals, plants, and minerals, representing global geobiodiversity. As part of the project to digitally transform the Senckenberg collections, objects are being digitally catalogued. This indexing includes both the recording of metadata and image-based digitisation. A pilot project for a newly developed mass digitization system is being deployed in the collection of molluscs. The post holder will be responsible for the operation of this system including object handling, image capture, transcribing data, and organising a smooth workflow.

· Operation of the digitisation workstation

· Optimisation and standardisation of work processes

· Image capture and quality control

· Capture, management and validation of metadata

· Structured filing of media

· Documentation and acquisition of relevant information

· Independent troubleshooting of the digitisation workstation and workflow

Your profile

· Completed vocational training as technical assistant, media specialist, photo assistant, or a comparable qualification

· Experience with sensitive collection material or other delicate and valuable objects

· Very good knowledge of image processing and corresponding programmes

· Experience with databases

· Very good command of written and spoken English and German

· Structured, solution-oriented style of working

· Willingness to participate in regular and advanced training

We welcome applicants who either bring experience or wish to grow in the following fields

· Interest in natural history collections

· Experience in reading and interpreting handwritten documents especially Old German scripts

· Knowledge and experience with biological classification or museum catalogue databases

· Experience in dealing with image repositories or digital asset management systems (e.g. easyDB)

· Working knowledge of digital image processing and the relevant image processing programmes, in particular batch processing (e.g. Adobe CS6, ImageJ)

· Good knowledge of digital colour management

What We Offer

· Access to an international network of scientists, policymakers, and research organizations.

· A dynamic work environment in Frankfurt, a diverse and vibrant city offering a high quality of life.

· Flexible working hours – mobile working – Support with childcare or caring for family members (certified by the “audit berufundfamilie” (work and family audit)) – Employee ID card with free admission to municipal museums – Annual bonus – Company pension plan

Senckenberg is committed to diversity. We benefit from the diverse skills, perspectives, and personalities of our employees and welcome applications from qualified applicants, regardless of age, gender, ethnic or cultural background, religion and belief, sexual orientation and identity, or disability. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given special consideration if they are equally qualified. Senckenberg actively supports the balance of work and family life and attaches great importance to an equal and inclusive work culture.

Would you like to apply?

Please send us your complete and comprehensive application documents (motivational letter, CV, academic certificates and credentials electronically (as a single PDF file) quoting reference #01-25034 by 15th of June 2025 to recruiting@senckenberg.de or apply directly on our website.

For any job-related inquiries, Ms Prof. Dr. Julia Sigwart will be happy to assist you at Julia.sigwart@senckenberg.de.