InstitutionFaculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Department of Earth System Sciences

Salary levelEGR. 13 TV-L

Start date01.05.2026, fixed for a period of three years (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).

Application deadline28.02.2026

Scope of workpart-time

Weekly hours66 % of standard work hours per week

Your responsibilities

Duties include academic services in the project named above. Research associates may also pursue further academic qualifications outside of their work responsibilities. They may also pursue doctoral studies outside of working duties.

We are looking for a highly motivated PhD student to work on the MOMENTplus project (https://www.moment-permafrost.uni-hamburg.de/en/uebermoment.html). The project aims to improve our understanding of the interaction between biogeochemical processes in permafrost-affected terrestrial ecosystems, which are affected by climate change. This knowledge will then be used to improve models that are projecting CO₂, CH₄ and N₂O fluxes in Arctic landscapes. MOMENTplus is a collaborative project involving seven German research institutions.

The PhD candidate will contribute to Subproject 1, which focuses on the influence of vegetation, microbial communities and soil properties on carbon storage and greenhouse gas fluxes in a changing Arctic. The candidate will be responsible for planning, conducting and evaluating field studies in the Arctic within this project. The focus will be on the impact of climate change on biogeochemical processes and greenhouse gas fluxes in permafrost-affected soils. Furthermore, laboratory experiments will need to be developed to gain detailed insight into the impact of environmental parameters and vegetation on the microbial turnover of CO₂, CH₄ and N₂O. During fieldwork and laboratory work, the candidate will collaborate closely with team and project members. Scientific results must be presented at project meetings and conferences, as well as in scientific publications.

This position is within the "Dynamics of Soil Processes” working group at the University of Hamburg, which is a dynamic and growing group of field scientists and modellers who focus their research on Arctic ecosystems and related climate feedbacks. PhD candidates are members of our graduate school, which aims to support young academics throughout their training. Further information can be found at this link: https://www.sicss.uni-hamburg.de.

Your profile

A university degree in a relevant field.

We seek enthusiastic applicants with

• a M.Sc. degree in soil science, biogeochemistry, geoscience or related fields
• experience and interest in biogeochemistry, plant science, geosciences or a closely related field
• experience in conducting practical work in the field and/or laboratory
• ability to conduct independent work
• willingness to participate in multi-week field expeditions to remote Arctic sites and work in diverse research teams
• strong oral and written communication skills including a proficiency in English
• experience with measurements of greenhouse gas dynamics, particularly the carbon and/or nitrogen cycle, are an asset
• German language skills, and experience working in the Arctic are an asset

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

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.