Environmental DNA Scientist (m/f/d)

For 25 years now RIFCON GmbH is an independent scientific consulting company offering comprehensive professional services for the registration of synthetic and biological plant protection and fertilising products (e.g. biostimulants, fertilizers, inhibitors etc.). Our head office is located in Hirschberg near Heidelberg in Germany. About 200 employees offer services ranging from complete EU registration packages, general consultancy work to sophisticated GLP field studies and various combinations of these elements. Furthermore, we offer environmental planning and environmental monitoring including eDNA services.

Our Faunomics team specializes in precise biodiversity assessments and monitoring, utilizing advanced genomic methods to analyze ecosystem and species dynamics.

For our Faunomics team, we are looking for a Environmental DNA scientist (m/f/d) in full-time.

The job holder plays an important role in evaluating and developing new methods in the context of environmental DNA.

• Development, execution and management of assigned projects including communication with external vendors and the internal project team
• Independent planning, coordination and execution of environmental DNA projects including establishment of new technologies and processes as well as method evaluation
• Management of technical aspects in collaborations with external partners or research organizations
• Large dataset analysis and evaluation
• Documentation of activities, e.g. write experimental plans, SOPs, evaluation and development reports
• Presentation of results and project updates internally and externally
• Research of relevant scientific literature to follow developments in the eDNA field
• Supervision and training of Research Specialists
• Organisation, planning and preparation of grant applications to relevant funding agencies

• PhD (or equivalent research experience), in Life Sciences molecular Biology, cell biology, genetics, Biochemistry or related fields
• Background in molecular biology and experience in laboratory techniques for molecular and cell biology (DNA extraction, PCR, NGS sequencing)
• Experience with next generation sequencing
• Familiarity with processing next generation sequencing data and performing sequence analysis
• Previous experience with environmental DNA is highly advantageous
• Knowledge of bioinformatics pipelines for the analysis of NGS data (Illumina, Nanopore) is highly advantageous
• strong data analysis skills, ability to manage, interpret and analyse large datasets
• Excellent organisational skills, the ability to prioritise different tasks and to manage your own workload
• A high level of independent working and initiative
• high degree of analytical reasoning
• Ability to manage multiple projects
• Flexibility
• Ability to fluently speak and write in English

• An attractive working environment including indefinite contract and multifaceted tasks
• Friendly and open working atmosphere
• To work as part of a dedicated international team of scientists and staff
• Possibility of professional development and occupational education
• An opportunity to expand your personal network in industry, science and regulatory bodies
• High degree of project and self-responsibility
• Home office and mobile work opportunities
• Flexible working hours and part-time models
• Employer-funded pension, capital forming payments (Vermögenswirksame Leistungen)
• Company health insurance (bKV)
• Meal allowance (Essenszuschuss)
• Support of Deutschland Ticket, employee parking spaces, Company bike leasing (Jobbike)
• Employer childcare allowance
• Individual ergonomic advices, Yoga and sports
• Team events