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

Position

The Ocean Museum Germany (Deutsches Meeresmuseum) is hiring a Curator (m/f/d) focused on seals and marine conservation in Stralsund, Germany.

Role Overview

This role brings together research leadership, collection management, scientific curation, and public communication. The successful candidate will guide the museum’s work on seals, contribute to marine conservation research, and help shape both permanent and special exhibitions. The position also involves close collaboration with internal research teams and external partners.

Key Duties

The curator will oversee necropsies of marine mammals and carry out the scientific analysis of findings. The role also includes specialized fieldwork in seal biology, managing and expanding the scientific seal collection, and maintaining related databases. In addition, the position calls for participation in collaborative research projects on ecology, biodiversity, and marine conservation, as well as writing and presenting scientific work.

Other responsibilities include preparing and leading applications for nationally and internationally funded projects, guiding BSc and MSc students, and evaluating current marine conservation issues, especially those relevant to the Baltic Sea. The curator will help design and implement museum exhibitions, create accessible public-facing content, support science communication, and contribute to national and international panels. A strong team-oriented approach is expected in a multidisciplinary museum environment.

Required Qualifications

The museum is looking for a candidate with a PhD in biology or a closely related discipline, along with strong expertise in zoology, biodiversity, and seal behavior. Applicants should also have sound knowledge of marine conservation topics such as ecology and oceanography, plus experience in acquiring, coordinating, and administering research projects. A strong publication record, museum collection experience, and fieldwork background are also important.

Excellent written and spoken German and English are required. The role also calls for creativity, flexibility, the ability to handle pressure, good communication skills, and the ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary setting. Experience supervising BSc and MSc students and experience in science communication are also expected.

Desirable Profile

Additional strengths include programming skills for database work and maintenance, active engagement in institutional environmental or marine conservation efforts, and knowledge of fisheries, fisheries policy, and marine conservation policy. A strong professional network, international experience, a car and small-vessel driving license, and a diver certificate would be advantageous.

Benefits

The employer offers a position at one of Germany’s most popular museums, a company pension scheme, flexible working arrangements, the possibility of home office, and part-time options. Employees receive 30 days of annual leave, increasing to 31 days from 2027 if the working week is spread over five days. The museum also provides training and development opportunities, company sport, optional bike leasing, and a workplace in Stralsund, a UNESCO World Heritage city and member of the Hanseatic League.

Application Details

Applicants must send their application by email to bewerbung@meeresmuseum.de and include 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.

Additional Information

Location: Stralsund, Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, Germany. Employment type: Full time. Seniority level: Entry level. Salary grade: TvöD (VKA) EG 13. Preferred education: PhD.