Technician position (m/f/d) in Plant Ecology

• The State Museum of Natural History Stuttgart (SMNS) is one of the largest
• and most popular natural history museums in Germany. As a modern research
• museum, we see ourselves as a bridge between science and society, offering a
• vibrant platform for dialogue and exchange. Innovation arises where
• cutting-edge research meets our unique collection and creative outreach. We are
• passionately committed to the conservation of biodiversity. Our aim is to
• preserve the foundations of life and thus help shape a positive future.

• Our motto, ‘On A Mission For Diversity’, shapes the work of our 190 staff
• members from all over the world. We value diverse talents and perspectives,
• foster team spirit and place great importance on a positive and supportive
• working environment.

We are seeking to fill a position as soon as possible:

Technician position (m/f/d) in Plant Ecology

Full-time (100%), fixed-term for 6 months

Remuneration in accordance with TV-L E 9a

Applications accepted until 15 November 2026

• This position is part of HYPERSPACE, an international research project funded
• by the German Research Foundation (DFG, Germany) and the French National
• Research Agency (ANR, France). The project investigates the patterns and
• processes underlying plant hyperaccumulation of heavy metals. It takes a
• multidisciplinary approach, examining gene expression, metal allocation,
• individual fitness, functional trade-offs and the community-level consequences
• of hyperaccumulation.

• Within the field of functional and comparative ecology, the main task is to
• contribute to field sample collection and processing. The successful candidate
• will support the processing of samples for the large-scale characterisation of
• plant functional traits. The role also involves preparing for and participating
• in a field campaign in the western United States, in close collaboration with
• Dr Pierre Liancourt. The technician will work closely with the laboratory of
• Professor Katja Tielbörger, the principal investigator leading the HYPERSPACE
• project in Germany.

Your responsibilities will include:

• •Implementing and adapting techniques and methods in plant functional
• ecology, with trait measurements conducted both in the field and in the
• laboratory. Plant organs (leaves, stems and roots) and soil samples will be
• analysed for metal concentrations.
• •Contributing to data collection, formatting and management, and maintaining
• detailed records of protocols and procedures.
• •Following appropriate hygiene and safety procedures when handling plant and
• soil samples with elevated metal concentrations, both in the field and in the
• laboratory.

You have the following skills and knowledge:

• •A Bachelor’s degree in ecology or an equivalent qualification.
• •English proficiency at B2 level or above; C1 or C2 preferred for
• communication with international partners.
• •Basic knowledge of functional ecology and methods for measuring
• above-ground and root functional traits.
• •An understanding of major plant adaptations to exposure to metals and
• metalloids.
• •Experience in sample collection and international transport, including
• relevant regulatory requirements.
• •Experience in functional trait measurements using specialist software such
• as WinFolia and WinRhizo.
• •Enjoyment of fieldwork and the physical fitness required for potentially
• demanding conditions, including mountainous terrain and remote areas.
• •Precision and thoroughness in laboratory work, which will account for a
• substantial proportion of the role, particularly when handling plant and soil
• samples with elevated metal concentrations.
• •Clear and open communication with a range of stakeholders, including
• international researchers.
• •The ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, meet deadlines and
• adapt to changing workloads.
• •A valid Category B driving licence.
• •Willingness and ability to travel to the United States for fieldwork,
• subject to applicable travel and entry requirements; travel expenses will be
• covered by the project.

Here are the benefits we offer:

• •The opportunity to develop your career at an internationally renowned
• research museum.
• •A friendly, dynamic and interdisciplinary working environment.
• •An attractive workplace in central Stuttgart.
• •A subsidised public transport ticket (JobTicket BW).
• •Generous core hours, flexible working arrangements and the option to work
• remotely.
• •Core funding for research and conference travel.
• •The opportunity to participate in established research projects at the
• State Museum of Natural History Stuttgart (SMNS).
• •Family-friendly working conditions.
• •Support with learning German, if required.

Please submit your application exclusively via our website, including:

• •A cover letter outlining your motivation and a CV.
• •The names and contact details of two referees.
• •Copies of relevant certificates.

• Applications are welcome in English. We strongly encourage women to apply.
• Diversity and inclusion are central to our values: applications from people
• with severe disabilities will be given priority where candidates are equally
• qualified. Since 2019, we hold the ‘audit berufundfamilie’ certificate and
• offer working conditions that are demonstrably family- and life-stage-friendly.

• Would you like more information? Dr. Pierre Liancourt will be happy to assist
• you. You can reach him by email [email protected].

• Data protection information for applicants can be found on our website under
• ‘Jobs’.