The Institute of Forest Genetics at the Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute, Federal Research Institute for Rural Areas, Forestry and Fisheries, is seeking to fill a full-time (currently 39 hours/week), permanent position at its Großhansdorf location as soon as possible for a

scientist (f/m/d)

Forestry or related disciplines

To strengthen the research area 'Ecological Genetics'.

In light of the necessary climate adaptation of forests, our expertise at the Thünen Institute of Forest Genetics is in high demand, particularly when it comes to assessing the status and threats to the genetic diversity of trees and associated forest organisms.

A key focus in analyzing genetic structures in tree populations is the involvement of our research area in the National Forest Inventory (BWI) as well as in national and international initiatives on genetic monitoring. In addition, biodiversity monitoring at the ecosystem level in forests is supported by our work, which also includes vertebrates and insects. Modern genetic, genomic, and bioinformatic approaches are used for this purpose.

Tasks:

• Conceptual and methodological development and implementation of genetic surveys in the National Forest Inventory and international monitoring programs
• Further development and use of modern genetic methods for biodiversity monitoring (eDNA, metabarcoding) and for large-scale genetic inventories of trees (whole genome resequencing, SNP arrays and bioinformatic analysis)
• Assessing the impact of human activities on genetic diversity in forest ecosystems and deriving recommendations for action
• Development and application of population genomic analysis methods (gene flow, genetic diversity, gene conservation, adaptive variation, natural selection)
• Preparation of statements for the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Home Affairs (BMLEH)
• Participation in international boards, e.g. EUFORGEN
• Raising of third-party funding
• Publication of results

We expect from the applicant the following qualifications:

• University degree (Univ.-Diploma/M.Sc.) biology, forest science or related disciplines, PhD desired
• Proof of the ability to carry out independent scientific work
• Very good knowledge of population genetics/-genomics in trees
• Comprehensive knowledge in molecular biology and experience in laboratory operations with plants (common modern laboratory methods)
• Experience in dealing with specialised software and databases
• Interested in bioinformatic analysis of Metabarcoding- and resequencing data
• Experience in raising and processing of national and international third-party projects
• Open-mindedness, creativity and a high level of commitment when taking on new tasks
• Confident manner in talks and negotiations
• Very good command of written and spoken english

Our offer:

• Security and benefits: collectively agreed, fixed-term employment with attractive social benefits (e.g. company pension scheme, annual one-off payment, capital-forming benefits) upon fulfilment of the collective agreement and personal requirements according to pay group 13 TVöD
• Responsibility and a sense of purpose: responsible work in a dedicated team, involvement in a dynamic, interdisciplinary research institute and proximity to current policy and practice-relevant topics
• Flexibility and work-life balance: flexible working time models, fundamental possibility of part-time employment as well as mobile working and teleworking, certified employer berufundfamilie audit with a wide range of offers for reconciling work and life phases
• Prospects: further training opportunities for the area of responsibility and individual development
• Health: company health management and preventative healthcare programmes
• Mobility: JobTicket, public transport connections, free parking spaces and the option of using e-charging stations

The Thünen Institute promotes professional equality between women and men and therefore expressly welcomes applications from women.

We live a diverse and cosmopolitan coexistence. The Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute is committed to inclusion. Applications from people with severe disabilities are therefore expressly encouraged. They will be given preferential consideration in the selection process. Please enclose proof of severe disability or equal status with your application.

If you have an international degree, please also enclose a certificate evaluation from the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) with your application. If you do not yet have a certificate evaluation, you must apply for one if your application is successful. You can find further information at https://zab.kmk.org/de/zeugnisbewertung.

If you have technical queries, please contact Dr. Hilke Schröder (Tel.: 04102-696-148, E-Mail: hilke.schroeder@thuenen.de).

Please send your electronic application (as a single PDF document), including a tabular curriculum vitae (providing an overview of your educational and professional background), and copies of your certificates, quoting the reference „ 2025-116-FG “, by 01.07.2025

fg-bewerbungen@thuenen.de

Johann Heinrich von Thünen-Institute

Institute of Forest Genetics

Sieker Landstraße 2

22927 Großhansdorf

Information in accordance with Article 13 DSGVO on the collection of personal data can be found at

www.thuenen.de/de/thuenen-institut/karriere (http://www.thuenen.de/de/thuenen-institut/karriere)

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