Friedrich Schiller University is a traditional university with a strong research profile rooted in the heart of Germany. As a university covering all disciplines, it offers a wide range of subjects. Its research is focused on the areas Light—Life—Liberty. It is closely networked with non-research institutions, research companies and renowned cultural institutions. With around 17.000 students and more than 10.000 employees, the university plays a major role in shaping Jena’s character as a cosmopolitan and future-oriented city.

The Institute of Ecology and Evolution and the Senckenberg Institute for Plant Form and Function (SIP) seeks to fill the position of a

Doctoral Candidate
in Evolution and systematics of Plants

commencing as soon as possible.
We offer a part-time position (65%; 26 hours per week) for three years.

For the project “Systematics and Biogeography of New Caledonian Rutaceae” we are looking for a motivated doctoral student. New Caledonia is home to many endemic species of the genera Medicosma, Melicope, Myrtopsis and Zanthoxylum. Almost nothing is known about the phylogenetic relationships among the species, and the aim of the project is to perform phylogenetic and biogeographical analyses based on hybrid capture DNA data in order to reconstruct the evolutionary history of the species. You will be part of the newly established working group for Integrative Taxonomy of Plants and an active collaboration with scientists from France and New Caledonia. The position will allow the applicant to pursue an academic qualification (doctoral degree).

Your responsibilities:

• Generating sequencing libraries using target capture (target enrichment, HybSeq) methods
• Bioinformatic processing of sequence data, as well as phylogenetic and biogeographical analyses
• Familiarization with the New Caledonian species of Rutaceae and collaboration on the new description of species
• Carrying out a collecting trip to New Caledonia
• Collaboration in courses in the department of Integrative Taxonomy of Plants
• Supervision of assistants and support of graduate candidates
• Publishing your work in scientific journals and writing a dissertation

Your profile:

• Successfully completed master's degree with a focus on systematic botany, evolution or comparable qualifications
• Knowledge in the areas of plant systematics and phylogenetic reconstruction is required
• Knowledge of biogeography, next-generation sequencing (e.g. hybrid capture), as well as bioinformatic analysis of DNA sequence data is desirable
• Knowledge of tropical plant families and excursion experience in (sub)tropical regions are advantageous

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); Opportunity to participate in the yDiv graduate school
• 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

Candidates with severe disabilities will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications and suitability. The place of work is Jena.

Are you eager to work for us? Then apply by 28.03.2025 using our online form. Questions about the position can be directed to Prof. Dr. Marc Appelhans (spezbot@uni-jena.de).