Tätigkeit im wissenschaftlichen Bereich

PhD position on Effects of land-use management on the soil methane sink microbiome biodiversity in grasslands and arable land (MetGrass2)

The Soil Biology department (Institute of Soil Science and Land Evaluation) at the University of Hohenheim in Stuttgart (Germany) invites applications for a PhD position on Effects of land-use management on the soil methane sink microbiome biodiversity in grasslands and arable land (MetGrass2)

Methane is the second most important greenhouse gas and a key driver of global warming. Two distinct groups of microbes play a crucial role in methane cycling: Methanotrophic bacteria act as a biological sink by oxidising atmospheric methane, while methanogens produce it. The successful applicant will investigate how land use management affects the biodiversity of the soil methane sink microbiome in grasslands and arable land. This research project is part of the German Biodiversity Exploratories initiative (https://www.biodiversity-exploratories.de). The candidate will work within the Soil Biology Group at the University of Hohenheim, particularly collaborating with partners on the MetGrass2 project at ZALF (Müncheberg) and the University of Greifswald. Fieldwork will be conducted in three regions (Exploratory Schwäbische Alb, Hainich and Schorfheide-Chrorin), each consisting of 50 grassland sites and 15 arable sites, forming a gradient of land use/management intensity. Soil samples and greenhouse gas measurements will be collected in the field. Additional microcosm and pot experiments investigating the impact of grassland management on soil methane fluxes will be set up at the University of Hohenheim. Analysis of microbial activity, abundance, and diversity will be conducted in laboratories at the University of Hohenheim, as well as during short-term stays at project partner sites in Müncheberg and Greifswald.

Position requirements

• A strong interest in microbial soil ecology.
• A very good Master's degree in Biology, Ecology, Agricultural Sciences or a related field.
• Willingness and enthusiasm for field and laboratory work. Experience in organising ecological experiments and/or field studies is desirable. - Good knowledge of statistical data analysis (preferably using R software).
• A driving licence (class B, passenger car) for fieldwork.
• Good written and oral communication skills in English. Basic German language skills are an advantage.
• Ambition to work scientifically and publish in international scientific journals.

Benefits

We are offering a PhD opportunity in a topical research area of high societal relevance. The successful candidate will get in touch and will collaborate with many research groups within the German Biodiversity Exploratories project. The soil biology group uses a broad methodological spectrum and interdisciplinary approaches to better understand the functional diversity of soil microorganisms in a changing environment. The University of Hohenheim is located on a beautiful campus in Stuttgart, a city in southern Germany offering 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 : 04.03.2026

Bitte fügen Sie Ihrer Bewerbung folgende Unterlagen bei:

Applications and inquiries should be sent before 4th March 2026 via e-mail to Sven Marhan: sven.marhan@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.