Curator and Researcher (m/f/d) for Marine Ichthyology

Role overview

The Ocean Museum Germany (Deutsches Meeresmuseum) is looking for an experienced scientist and curator to take charge of research and collection work focused on marine fishes. The position also involves helping shape current and future exhibitions and representing the museum’s fish-related work in public-facing activities and outreach.

You will work in close coordination with other museum disciplines, including marine invertebrates, mammals, conservation, and ecology, while contributing to the museum’s wider research, collections, and communication efforts.

Key duties

• Carry out research using the museum’s collections and aquarium resources.
• Conduct fieldwork in a specialized area of ichthyology or fish biology.
• Curate, expand, and improve the scientific collection of marine fishes.
• Maintain and further develop collection databases, including web-based access to them.
• Contribute to research in the museum’s aquaria, fish nursery, and joint projects on ecology, conservation, or biodiversity.
• Publish scientific work and present findings at professional events.
• Prepare and lead applications for national and international externally funded projects.
• Supervise bachelor’s and master’s students.
• Develop concepts for permanent and temporary exhibitions and help bring them to life.
• Support science communication activities.
• Take part in national and international panels and expert groups.
• Work as a collaborative member of a multidisciplinary museum team and coordinate with outside partners.

Required profile

• A PhD in biology or a closely related field is required.
• Applicants should have deep scientific knowledge of fish zoology, biodiversity, physiology, behavior, and anatomy.
• Experience in securing, coordinating, and administering scientific projects is expected.
• A strong record of publications is essential.
• Previous experience with museum collections and fieldwork is required.
• Excellent written and spoken English skills are necessary.
• Candidates must be creative, adaptable, and able to handle demanding situations.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary team are important.
• Experience supervising bachelor’s and master’s students is required.
• Experience in science communication is expected.

Preferred qualifications

• Programming knowledge for database development and maintenance is an advantage.
• Experience working with online databases is desirable.
• Background in environmental or marine conservation activities within an institution is welcomed.
• A strong professional network is an asset.
• International experience is preferred.
• German language skills, or a willingness to learn German, would be beneficial.
• A driving licence for cars and small vessels is desirable.

What the museum offers

• Employment at one of Germany’s most popular museums.
• Access to a company pension scheme.
• Flexible working arrangements that support work-life balance, including the possibility of home office and part-time work.
• 30 days of annual leave per calendar year, rising to 31 days from 2027, assuming a five-day work week.
• A range of training and professional development opportunities.
• Access to company sports initiatives.
• Optional bike leasing.
• The chance to work in Stralsund, a beautiful Hanseatic city and UNESCO World Heritage site.

Application details

The museum asks applicants to submit their application by email, quoting the stated job reference code. Applications must be received by 15 August 2026.

For questions about the role, candidates may contact Director Prof. Dr. Burkard Baschek.

Additional information

Work is based in Stralsund, Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, Germany. The role is a full-time, on-site position at experienced level. The salary is based on TVöD (VKA) EG 13. The required level of education is a PhD. The original posting also notes that the museum seeks a qualified, enthusiastic scientist and curator to lead and represent its research and collection activities on marine fishes, strengthen its collections, and support exhibitions and outreach. A JavaScript notice appeared in the source page but is not part of the job conditions.