Doctoral researchers in the DFG Graduate Program “Biota-mediated effects on carbon cycling in estuaries (RTG2530) – Upscaling root traits and rhizosphere interactions to continental scales” § 28 Subsection 3 HmbHG

Institution: Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Department of Biology, Institute of Plant Science and Microbiology

Salary level: EGR. 13 TV-L

Start date: 01.04.2026, fixed till 31.03.2029 (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).

Application deadline: 2025-11-30

Scope of work: part-time

Weekly hours: 65 % of standard work hours per week

The overall mission of the Research Training Group 2530 (RTG 2530) is to fill existing knowledge gaps on biota-mediated effects on estuarine C cycling under current conditions and with respect to global change scenarios. Embedded into the inspiring academic environment of the University of Hamburg, RTG 2530 provides Doctoral and Postdoctoral Researchers an outstanding platform for their career development. The RTG has been established by an interdisciplinary group of 17 Principal Researchers with scientific backgrounds ranging from terrestrial and marine ecology, via geoscience to microbiology and molecular animal biology. The RTG is funded by the German Research Foundation (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, DFG).

Currently, we have 14 open positions (TVL E13, 65%) for doctoral researchers (see www.biologie.uni-hamburg.de/en/forschung/grk2530/openpositions.html).

Your responsibilities

Active participation in a structured graduate program.

The doctoral researcher will be a member of RTG 2530 and the lab of Applied Plant Ecology and investigate plant-soil interactions in marshes of different estuaries along the temperate Atlantic coastlines. Field studies will be combined with laboratory and/or mesocosm experiments. The project aims to test if results regarding vegetation and trait distribution in estuarine marshes gained in the Elbe estuary can be spatially extrapolated to other comparable estuaries. One focus will be the variation of root traits of along estuarine gradients.

Your profile

A university degree in the field(s) of i.e., Biology, Geosciences, or Environmental Sciences

The successful candidate should have knowledge and experience in plant ecology, biogeochemistry and/or environmental sciences. Experience in working on plant traits and on wetland ecology would be beneficial. Team spirit, experience with field work and scientific writing and knowledge on biostatistics are required. Good oral and written English skills are necessary.

We offer

Reliable remuneration based on wage agreements

Continuing education opportunities

University pensions

Attractive location

Flexible working hours

Work-life balance opportunities

Health management, EGYM Wellpass

Educational leave

30 days of vacation per annum

a structured and interdisciplinary program with colloquia and workshops
an inspiring university environment with international visiting scholars
funding for international research stays for members of the Research Training Group
excellent research infrastructure with administrative offices, shared workspaces and an attractive working environment
a wide range of support services during the doctoral phase and national and international continuing education and training opportunities
participation in cultural and scientific university events

Universität Hamburg—University of Excellence is one of the strongest research educational institutions in Germany. Our work in research, teaching, educational and knowledge exchange activities is fostering the next generation of responsible global citizens ready to tackle the global challenges facing us. Our guiding principle “Innovating and Cooperating for a Sustainable Future in a digital age” drives collaboration with academic and nonacademic partner institutions in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region and around the world. We would like to invite you to be part of our community to work with us in creating sustainable and digital change for a dynamic and pluralist society.

The University of Hamburg is committed to equity. Diversity enriches our university life, whether in our studies, research, teaching, education, or workplace. We therefore welcome all applications, regardless of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic or social background, age, religion or belief, disability, or chronic illness.

Severely disabled and disabled applicants with the same status will receive preference over equally qualified non-disabled applicants.