Curator (m/f/d) for Seals and Marine Conservation

Position Overview

The Ocean Museum Germany (Deutsches Meeresmuseum) is looking for a scientist-curator to oversee and represent its research and collection work focused on seals, while also helping shape present and future exhibitions. The role is based in Stralsund, Germany.

What the Role Involves

You will take the lead on marine mammal necropsies and the scientific interpretation of the findings. The position also includes managing and expanding the museum’s seal collection, supporting research activities, and presenting current marine conservation topics to the public, especially issues connected to the Baltic Sea. You will work across related museum disciplines, including marine invertebrates and mammals, fishes, ecology, and conservation.

Key Duties

• Oversee necropsies of marine mammals and turn the results into scientific analysis.
• Carry out fieldwork in specialized areas of seal biology.
• Maintain and develop the scientific seal collection and its databases.
• Contribute to collaborative research projects in ecology, biodiversity, and marine conservation.
• Publish research and deliver scientific presentations.
• Prepare and lead applications for national and international third-party-funded projects.
• Guide BSc and MSc students in their academic work.
• Assess current marine conservation topics, with particular attention to the Baltic Sea.
• Develop and implement permanent and special exhibition concepts.
• Prepare accurate, current public-facing science communication materials.
• Represent the museum in national and international panels.
• Work as part of a multidisciplinary museum team and coordinate with external partners.

Candidate Profile

The museum is seeking a highly qualified, enthusiastic researcher with strong scientific and applied expertise in seals, zoology, biodiversity, and marine conservation. The ideal candidate combines research strength with public communication skills and the ability to work in a collaborative, fast-moving environment.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in biology or a closely related discipline.
• Deep scientific and applied knowledge of zoology, biodiversity, and seal behavior.
• Strong understanding of interdisciplinary marine conservation topics, including ecology and oceanography.
• Proven experience in acquiring, coordinating, and administering scientific projects.
• Strong publication track record.
• Hands-on experience with museum collections and fieldwork.
• Excellent written and spoken German and English.
• High creativity and adaptability, with the ability to perform well under pressure.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary team.
• Experience supervising BSc and MSc students.
• Experience in science communication.

Preferred Qualifications

• Programming skills for databases and database maintenance.
• Active involvement in institutional environmental or marine conservation work.
• Knowledge of fisheries, fisheries policy, and marine conservation policy.
• Well-developed scientific network.
• International experience.
• Valid driver’s license for cars and small vessels.
• Diver certification.

What the Museum Offers

• Employment at one of Germany’s most popular museums.
• A company pension scheme.
• Support for work-life balance through flexible working hours, home-office options, and part-time arrangements.
• 30 days of annual leave per calendar year when hours are distributed across five working days; increasing to 31 days from 2027.
• Access to various training and continuing education opportunities.
• Company sport.
• Optional bike leasing.
• Work in Stralsund, a highly regarded city that is part of the Hanseatic League and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Additional Information

Sector: Other. Level: Entry level. Salary level: TvöD (VKA) EG 13. Preferred education: PhD.

Application Details

Please submit your application by email to the museum using the stated job offer code. The application deadline is 15 August 2026. Questions about the role can be directed to Director Prof. Dr. Burkard Baschek at burkard.baschek@meeresmuseum.de.

Note

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