Dear colleagues,
Funded PhD position at the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin, Germany
 
The Evolutionary Genomics & Biodiversity research group, led by Dr. Mozes Blom, invites applications for a funded PhD position. We are seeking a creative, collaborative and motivated colleague to join our team. The successful candidate will participate in a large-scale Leibniz funded research project that aims to push the boundaries of museomics and further integrate Natural History Collections in population genomics research. We are therefore looking for an enthusiastic researcher that is keen to undertake an interdisciplinary project that spans the fields of computational biology, genomics and evolutionary biology.
 
Human activities are a major driver of biodiversity loss, with many species facing extinction due to habitat destruction, pollution, climate change or overexploitation. North American Peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) are one of the most well-known examples of 20th century population decline, due to environmental pollution, but their populations have largely recovered following a ban on specific pesticides and major captive breeding and release efforts. In this PhD project, we will track changes in the genetic diversity of North American Peregrine falcon populations throughout the 20th century using a temporal genomics approach. We will use both historical and contemporary specimens to investigate how population decline and conservation efforts have shaped the genome composition of extant populations and quantify to what extent the genetic diversity of pre-1900 is still represented in current populations. Moreover, we will also explore avenues to improve our ability to obtain high-quality DNA from museum specimens by critically revising State-of-the-Art sampling methods. This research is embedded within the BirdMORE project and funded by the Leibniz Junior Research Group program. 
 
Key Information
 
Start date: Summer/Fall 2026
Location: Museum für Naturkunde, Berlin, Germany
Project duration: 3 years
Minimum Qualifications (see link to advertisement for further details):
MSc in biological sciences, computer science or related field
Background and deep interest in evolutionary biology
Experience with (population) genomic data
Familiar with R, Python or other coding languages
Excellent knowledge of English (spoken and written)
We offer:
A stimulating, collaborative and open research environment
Access to State-of-the-Art research facilities (incl. in-house laboratories, HPC, etc.)
A long-standing collaborative network and close involvement (incl. external visits) with researchers at the Naturhistoriska Riksmuseet Stockholm (Sweden)
Healthy work-life balance (incl. 30 days paid leave each year)
Competitive remuneration corresponding to TV-L (E13) with company pension scheme
Exciting opportunity to join us in one of the most dynamic, livable and free spirited capital cities of Europe.
 
Application process: Please apply using the following link https://jobs.museumfuernaturkunde.berlin/jobposting/d336fa105b57b451e0f2f310c4b961d478f4805a0 
 
Application requirements: Please include the following
A 1-2 page cover letter detailing your research background and interests
Your curriculum vitae (CV)
Academic transcripts and certificates
Names and contact details of two academic referees
 
Application deadline: 17.05.2026
(Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews shortly after this date)
 
Informal inquiries about the position are welcome and can be directed to Dr. Mozes Blom (mozes.blom[@]mfn.berlin)
 
Mozes Blom
Leibniz Junior Research Groupleader
Museum für Naturkunde Berlin
Invalidenstrasse 43, Berlin

(to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to
evoldir@evoldir.net)