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

Start of contract

Deadline Job offer code

01.12.2026

15.08.2026 W/OZ/018

Employment duration

Weekly hours

Salary

permanent

39

EG 13 according to

public tariff TVöD

VKA, if personal

requirements are met

The Ocean Museum Germany (Deutsches Meeresmuseum) is looking for candidates in the Research Department to fill the position of

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

For many people, the ocean is a place of longing. For us, it is at the centre of our daily work. The Ocean Museum Germany is a nationally and internationally important natural science museum. In our exhibitions, aquariums, and collections, we focus on the diversity of marine life and ocean ecosystems. In our research projects, we investigate current topics of marine biology, coastal oceanography, and fisheries. We are actively involved in nature and species conservation. At our three museum sites, the MEERESMUSEUM, OZEANEUM, and NATUREUM, we inform about the marine environment, threats, and solutions. Our visitors are welcome to immerse in the fantastic underwater world of the tropical and northern seas – with full-size animal models, impressive exhibits, and fascinating aquaria.

Photo: Anke Neumeister/Deutsches Meeresmuseum

Photo: Anke Neumeister/Ocean Museum Germany

Job description

We are searching for a qualified, enthusiastic scientist and curator to lead and represent the museums research and collection activities on marine fishes and co-create current and future exhibitions. Another key responsibility will be to strengthen the diverse museum collections of marine fishes and represent these taxa in the museums exhibitions and outreach activities. In this role, you will work closely with other research areas of the museum, such as marine invertebrates and mammals, conservation, and ecology.

Your tasks:

- research with collections and in the aquaria of the museum

- fieldwork in a specialized field of ichthyology or fish biology

- curation and extension of the scientific collection of marine fishes

- management, maintenance, and further development of collection databases and their web-based access

- research collaboration in the museums aquaria, fish nursery, or joint projects on ecology, conservation, or biodiversity

- scientific publications and presentations

- application for national and international third-party-funded projects and leadership of projects

- supervision of BSc and MSc students

- concepts for and realization of permanent and special exhibitions of the museum

- science communication

- collaboration in national and international panels

- work as an integrative member of our motivated multidisciplinary museum team and with external partners

Job qualifications:

- PhD in biology or related fields

- strong scientific expertise in zoology, biodiversity, physiology, behavior, and anatomy of fishes

- experience in project acquisition, coordination and administration of scientific projects

- strong publication record

- experience with museum collections and fieldwork

- excellent English language skills (written and oral)

- high degree of creativity and flexibility; ability to work under pressure

- good communication skills and ability to work in an interdisciplinary team

- experience in the supervision of BSc and MSc students

- experience in science communication

Desirable qualifications:

- programming skills for databases and their maintenance

- experience with online databases

- engagement in institutional environmental or marine conservation activities

- strong scientific network

- international experience