Doctoral researchers in the DFG Graduate Program “Biota-Mediated Effects of Carbon Cycling in Estuaries (RTG2530) – Spatial variability in C exchange and SOC stabilisation at the aquatic-terrestrial interface” § 28 Subsection 3 HmbHG

Institution: Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Department of Earth System Sciences, Institute of Soil Science

Salary level: EGR. 13 TV-L

Start date: 01.04.2026, fixed until 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 https://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 the RTG and the lab of Soil Protection and Technology and will investigate spatio-temporal interactions of sediment and soil processes in tidal marshes of the Elbe estuary. The project will build on current research on carbon stabilization and fluxes in these marsh soils and aims to quantify sediment inputs and characteristics in hotspots of organic matter accumulation and microbial activity within relief features (e.g. tidal creeks, hummocks, depressions) and analyse related small-scale changes in organo-mineral carbon fixation. Furthermore, field-manipulation and lab experiments will be used to study incorporation of sediment-derived carbon into soil organic carbon pools.

Your profile

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

The successful candidate should have knowledge and experience in soil science, ecology and/or environmental sciences. Experience with field work in wetlands, sediment analyses, and soil ecology would be beneficial. Skills in experimental design and/or the use of isotopic tracer methods are an advantage. Team spirit, scientific writing, and proficiency in statistical data analysis are required. Good oral and written English skills are necessary. A European Class B driver's license would be beneficial but not mandatory.

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.