Doctoral researchers in the DFG Graduate Program “Biota-Mediated Effects on Carbon Cycling in Estuaries (RTG2530)– subproject “Upscaling of fish mediated C cycling in estuaries” § 28 Subsection 3 HmbHG

Institution: Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Department of Biology, Institute of Marine Ecosystem and Fishery Science

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 join RTG 2530 and the Ecology of Living Marine Resources group at the Institute of Marine Ecosystem and Fisheries Science (IMF). The project spans fish ecophysiology, biogeochemistry, and macroecology, integrating experiments with literature-based synthesis to quantify fish-mediated carbon cycling in estuaries and coastal waters. Core tasks include: (i) laboratory experiments testing how biotic and abiotic drivers influence metabolic rates across species and life stages; (ii) compilation and synthesis of published datasets to reconstruct seasonal to long-term dynamics in fish diversity, biomass, and metabolism; and (iii) scaling analyses that translate organism-level processes into ecosystem-level carbon and nutrient budgets. The precise focus will be refined with the successful candidate to ensure feasibility and fit with skills and emerging opportunities.

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 fish ecology/physiology, marine biogeochemistry, and/or environmental sciences. Experience with aquatic respirometry and/or biogeochemical measurements (e.g., oxygen/CO₂ fluxes) is beneficial. We expect strong team spirit, field and laboratory experience, solid scientific writing, and proficiency in biostatistics and data analysis (e.g., R or Python). Good oral and written English skills are required.

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.