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Position

4-year Doctoral Position: Drought Vulnerability of Mycorrhiza in the Forest Floor

Employer

University of Hamburg

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.

Homepage:

Location

Hamburg, Germany

Sector

Academic

Relevant divisions

Biogeosciences (BG)
Climate: Past, Present & Future (CL)
Soil System Sciences (SSS)

Type

Part time

Level

Entry level

Salary

Fully funded with benefits

Required education

Master

Application deadline

15 August 2026

Posted

27 July 2026

Job Description

University of Hamburg: The 'Functional Forest Ecology' lab is recruiting a PhD student (fully funded for 4 years) to start in October 2026 or soon thereafter and join the DFG research unit 'Forest Floor: Functioning, Dynamics, and Vulnerability in a Changing World'. The student will collaborate closely with the Molecular Ecology lab at Imperial College London and Kew Gardens (UK). They will investigate the vulnerability of mycorrhizal functions in beech forests in SW Germany. To this end, the student will study the mycorrhizal community structure, soil exploration, and root-tip-specific enzyme activities, and collaborate in drought mesocosm and root exudation experiments. They will publish scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals and present the results at national and international conferences. A very good university degree in a relevant field and strong skills in mycorrhizal ecology, root ecology and/or plant physiology are required. Experience in bioinformatics, biogeochemical analyses, and/or drought experiments is beneficial. The ideal candidate is team-oriented, interested in interdisciplinary research, proactive, and willing to conduct fieldwork in Baden-Württemberg forests and undertake stays at Imperial College London and Kew Gardens, UK. Excellent written and oral German and/or English language skills are required. For further information, please visit or contact Prof. Ina Meier ( ).

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EGU Solar-Terrestrial Sciences Division