Research Associate (PhD candidate) for the Project “Root carbon dynamics, soil carbon sequestra[...]

Stellenbeschreibung:

Position

Research Associate (PhD candidate) for the Project “Root carbon dynamics, soil carbon sequestration and climate change in savannas of Southern Africa”

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.

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.

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Job Details

Location: Hamburg, Germany

Sector: Academic

Relevant divisions: Biogeosciences (BG), Soil System Sciences (SSS)

Type: Part time

Level: Entry level

Salary: German TV-L E13, 65%

Required education: Master

Application deadline: 14 April 2026

Posted: 17 March 2026

Job Description

We are seeking a PhD candidate/Research Associate for the project “Root carbon dynamics, soil carbon sequestration and climate change in savannas of Southern Africa (CLICCS II #46)” within the Cluster of Excellence “Climate, Climatic Change, and Society” (CLICCS), which investigates the interactions between climate dynamics and societal processes through interdisciplinary collaboration across the natural and social sciences.

Your Responsibilities

Investigate fine root depth distribution and organic carbon pools in the soil of savanna trees in southern Africa
Analyze fine root and hyphal productivity and turnover
Conduct soil incubation experiments
Relate soil greenhouse-gas fluxes to carbon-use efficiency and soil organic carbon stabilization
Write and publish scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals
Present results at national and international conferences

Your profile

A university degree in a relevant field. This should be in Biology, Geosciences, or Environmental Sciences.

Strong skills in root physiology, mycorrhizal or rhizosphere ecology, and/or soil biogeochemistry are a plus. Experience in mini-rhizotron imaging, soil incubation, soil organic matter fractionation, and/or gas flux measurements is beneficial.

This position belongs to a cooperative effort within the Cluster of Excellence, subproject M3, and will be jointly supervised by Prof. Dr. Ina Meier (Functional Forest Ecology) and Dr. Joscha Becker (Soil Technology and Soil Protection). Therefore, team-orientation, interest in conducting interdisciplinary research, and being proactive are essential. Willingness to conduct fieldwork under adverse conditions in the Namibian savanna is required. Excellent German and/or English communication skills (spoken and written) are necessary.