Research Associate (m/f/d) –  Bavarian State Collection of Palaeontology and Geology

The SNSB (Bavarian State Collections of Natural History) is a public, non-profit research museum with state natural history collections in the fields of zoology, botany, geology and palaeontology, mineralogy, anthropology, and palaeoanatomy, with 10 locations in Munich, Bamberg, Bayreuth, Eichstätt, Nördlingen, Nuremberg, and the Munich-Nymphenburg Botanical Garden. Approximately 280 employees archive, research, and communicate information about some 32 million specimens in the collection. The SNSB’s activities in collecting, research, and knowledge transfer focus on the changes and interrelationships between the geosphere and the biosphere. Through our national and international research, we make a significant contribution to a deeper understanding of biodiversity and geodiversity, as well as the impact of human activities on the Earth’s ecosystem.

The Bavarian State Collection for Palaeontology and Geology in Munich is seeking to fill a position for

a research associate (m/f/d) for a fixed term of 3 years (75%) starting as soon as possible.

The successful candidate is expected to pursue a doctorate.

This project investigates the development of the aquatic biodiversity hotspot in Anatolia during the late Cenozoic and the emergence of the modern fauna through comprehensive analyses of fossil freshwater molluscs from southwestern Anatolian lake basins. Fossil and modern Anatolian faunas represent a complex of diverse mollusc species with varying biogeographic origins. These faunas exhibit marked evolutionary transitions, including complete species turnovers within short timeframes. However, the mechanisms and spatiotemporal variation of biogeographical relationships remain poorly understood due to an incomplete taxonomic inventory and stratigraphic framework.

The project employs a multidisciplinary approach, combining stratigraphy, sedimentology, systematic palaeontology, geochronology, and isotope geochemistry in seven key basins in western Turkey. The aim is to create a standardized taxonomic dataset and a regional stratigraphic framework, as well as to investigate biogeographical relationships, the influence of climate and environmental fluctuations, and the origin of the region’s modern fauna.

Tasks:

  • Fieldwork and sampling in several palaeo-lake basins in Turkey
  • Reconstruction of biodiversity patterns and biogeographical relationships, as well as analyses of the influences of climate and environmental factors using statistical methods
  • Taxonomic analysis of selected freshwater mollusc faunas and creation of an inventory of the Late Cenozoic mollusc faunas of Turkey
  • Trips to selected natural history collections in Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands for comparative studies
  • Participation in national and international conferences to present research results
  • Cooperation with national and international research teams, especially with project partners in Turkey
  • Publication of research results in scientific journals

Required qualifications:

  • Completed qualifying university degree (MSc, Diploma) in Palaeobiology, Palaeontology, Evolutionary Biology, Biogeography, or a comparable field of study
  • Knowledge of data management and statistical analysis using R
  • Diligence, reliability, and precision in work, as well as structured time management
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills
  • Excellent written and spoken communication skills (English)

Desired skills:

  • Experience in biodiversity informatics and systematic taxonomy
  • Experience with palaeontological fieldwork
  • Experience in writing scientific publications

We offer:

  • A stimulating work environment with various departments of natural history collections and public museums, as well as close collaboration with the Chair of Palaeontology and Geobiology at the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at LMU Munich
  • A diverse research environment with a wide range of skills, opportunities for collaboration, and state-of-the-art research infrastructure
  • International networking and exchange opportunities
  • Flexible working hours within a flexitime arrangement
  • All the benefits of employment with the Free State of Bavaria
  • Remuneration according to the collective agreement for public sector employees of the German states (TV-L E13 75%)

We look forward to receiving your informative and complete application documents, including a cover letter, CV, list of publications, and certificates, as a single PDF file (< 10 MB), which should be sent to bewerbung@snsb.de no later than 12 June 2026.

For questions regarding the position itself, please contact the project manager, PD Dr. Thomas A. Neubauer (neubauer@snsb.de). For questions regarding the application process, please contact Ms. Susann Windisch (personal@snsb.de).

We are committed to diversity. Therefore, applications from people with diverse backgrounds are expressly welcome. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference if they are otherwise essentially equally qualified. We are particularly interested in receiving applications from women to promote gender equality. Please note that application documents will not be returned after the selection process is complete. Travel expenses for attending a potential job interview will not be reimbursed.