[Taxacom] Mattfeld-Quadbeck Research Curatorship (2 Year PostDoc) at the BGBM

[Guentsch, Anton]

The Botanischer Garten und Botanisches Museum Berlin-Dahlem (BGBM) of the
Freie Universität Berlin announces the opening of a

Mattfeld-Quadbeck Research Curatorship (2 Year PostDoc)

Background:
The Botanischer Garten und Botanisches Museum Berlin-Dahlem is one of the
world leading institutions with a research focus on plant taxonomy and
biodiversity. With extensive herbarium and living plant collections and more
than 30 scientific staff, one among several focal areas addresses plant
diversity in the Euro-Mediterranean region. The institution is working
towards an improved integration of molecular and morphological approaches in
plant systematics, especially with the aim of improving the quality of
monographic work and of accelerating the assessment of species diversity, as
a scientific basis for plant conservation. Building upon funds of the
Mattfeld-Quadbeck foundation a research curatorship is opened that allows to
work with natural history collections by using modern evolutionary research
methods. 

Job description:
The successful applicant will work on a project studying the diversity of
Campanula and allies (Campanulaceae, bell flowers) with a focus in the East
Mediterranean and the Caucasus. The genus Campanula is especially diverse in
Eurasia, with high levels of endemism. In addition to contributing to a
species-level phylogeny of the genus and to the analysis of patterns of
endemism, selected groups of Campanula will be treated monographically.
Other aspects will deal with applying obtained scientific results to improve
the curatorial standard of the respective collections. Work will include
active interaction with international partners and travel to field sites in
the East Mediterranean and the Caucasus is expected.

Requirements:
- a Ph.D. in the plant sciences
- a robust background in plant taxonomy with an understanding of
collection-based research -deep interest or experience in molecular
systematics
- excellent communication and organizational skills
- excellent knowledge of English

A successful candidate is expected to work at the BGBM, Germany. Salary will
be Vgr. II a BAT (i.d.F.d. Anw. TV FUB). The position is limited to two
years. For implementing equal employment opportunities, applications of
qualified women are particularly welcome. Handicapped applicants will be
given preference in case of equal qualification.

Applications quoting the Reference number MQ 1/09 consisting of a letter,
CV, proof of degree(s) and relevant qualifications, list of publications,
and names of two possible referees should be sent by 31 July 2009 to:

Professor Dr. Thomas Borsch
Director Botanischer Garten and Botanisches Museum Berlin-Dahlem
Freie Universität Berlin
Königin-Luise-Str. 6-8
14195 Berlin
Germany