Tätigkeit im wissenschaftlichen Bereich

PhD position on EcoFuture KAP4- Developing a multi-component fertilizer for future ecological farming

The Department of Soil Biology (Institute of Soil Science and Land Evaluation) at the University of Hohenheim in Stuttgart (Germany) invites applications for a

The candidate will work within the Soil Biology Group and in collaboration with the University of Tübingen (Geo-Biosphere Interactions, Hydrogeochemistry) and the Steinbeis-Innovation gGmbH. The successful applicant will investigate the effects of a newly developed multi-component fertilizer on nutrient and carbon dynamics in agricultural soils. The fertilizer consists of nutrient-rich labile components in combination with more stable components and nutrient mobilizing fungal strains. It aims at closing nutrient cycles and sequestering C while improving soil biodiversity and keeping the yield gap of ecological farming as small as possible. The fertilizer will be characterized and tested in a controlled lab-experiment as well as in field experiments at three farms covering a broad range of agricultural landscapes in Baden-Württemberg, southern Germany. The applicant will apply biochemical as well as isotopic methods for the assessment of nutrient and C fluxes and pools in the soil-plant system.

Position requirements

• A very good Master's degree (or equivalent) in biology, ecology, agricultural sciences or a related field.
• A strong interest in developing innovative and sustainable agricultural food production systems.
• Experience of independently organising ecological experiments and/or field studies
• Good knowledge of statistical data analysis (preferably using R software).
• A driving licence (class B, passenger car) for field work
• Good written and oral communication skills in English. Basic German language skills are required for communication with local landowners and stakeholders.
• Ambition to publish in international scientific journals

Benefits

We offer a PhD opportunity in a topical research area of high societal relevance. Using a broad methodological spectrum and interdisciplinary approaches, the soil biology group aims to better understand matter fluxes and functional diversity of soil organisms in a changing environment. The University of Hohenheim is located on a beautiful campus in the southern German city of Stuttgart, which offers a rich cultural life and attractive surroundings.

The preferred starting date for the position is 1st April 2026. Funding is guaranteed for 36 months. Salary and benefits are based on a German public service position (TV-L E13, 65%, for further information see http://oeffentlicher-dienst.info/tv-l/west). Given equal qualifications, preference will be given to candidates with disabilities. The place of employment is Stuttgart/ Germany.

Bewerbungsfrist : 27.02.2026

Bitte fügen Sie Ihrer Bewerbung folgende Unterlagen bei:

Applications and inquiries should be sent before 27th February 2026 via e-mail to Christian Poll: Christian.poll@uni-hohenheim.de

Please submit your application as a single PDF file. This file should contain a cover letter describing your motivation to apply, a CV including relevant certificates and contact details of two potential referees.