Museum für Naturkunde Berlin is currently establishing an internationally visible ДCenter for Integrative Biodiversity DiscoveryУ to meet the scientific and societal demands arising from the global biodiversity crisis and the need to secure the future of 'System Earth'. The center will develop new scientific approaches to the study of biodiversity that will contribute to a more efficient and significantly faster global biodiversity inventory and at the same time enable high-quality taxonomic research on extinct and recent organisms. 

We are seeking a taxonomist/biodiversity researcher (f/m) to develop and support the new УCenter for Integrative Biodiversity DiscoveryФ at the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin Ц Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science. The jobholder is expected to take a leading role in the development of concepts for accelerating the process of biodiversity discovery and taxonomic workflows in order to overcome the 'taxonomic impediment' for the Center, to co-ordinate research activities across working groups, and to conduct own respective research in this field. To this purpose, she/he will bring her/his own research agenda in the field of integrative biodiversity discovery of insects, which should be embedded in the research program of the Center for Integrative Biodiversity Discovery. Both tasks involve engagement in grant applications as well as training and supervision of students and junior researchers. We also expect active participation in public outreach activities of the museum about biodiversity and biodiversity discovery.

The Museum für Naturkunde Berlin provides an excellent research environment. It houses state-of-the-art laboratories for morphology (including histology, imaging, SEM, and µCT labs), molecular genetics/genomics and computation. Numerous research groups are working in a wide range of research fields including population genetics, phylogenetics, developmental and evolutionary genetics, and taxonomy. Our world-class zoological collections provide unique access to specimens collected over the last 200+ years.

PhD in biology/zoology and proven record of postdoctoral experience as a taxonomist in collection-based biodiversity research on a species-rich group of insects. Strong experience in and strong general knowledge of integrative biodiversity discovery and taxonomic research as well as experience in taxonomy related workflows (proven by a strong publication record, which must include taxonomic studies). Demonstrated success in obtaining third party funding and experience in leading a research group, ideally experience in leading international collaborative research projects. Field work experience, preferably also in larger collaborative projects, is expected; research in one of MfNТs geographic focus regions (Southeast Asia, Africa) is desirable. Successful candidates will be expected to work in a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary environment at GermanyТs largest natural history museum. The ideal candidate should have a strong knowledge of interdisciplinary and innovative research approaches beyond the own field of expertise (e.g. between biology, pharmacy, or medicine). Excellent team player, proven communication skills and intercultural competence. Professional written and verbal communication in English.