PhD Student (all genders welcome)

At the University of Göttingen -Public Law Foundation-, Albrecht-von-Haller-Institut für Pflanzenwissensch. - Palynologie/Klimadynamik, there are 2 positions as
PhD Student (all genders welcome)
Entgeltgruppe 13 TV-L/65%
to be filled. Starting date is 9/1/2026. The position is limited to 3 years.

Our newly established Wetland Ecosystem Research Group investigates the dynamics of wetland ecosystems and their functions, with major focus currently placed on tropical coastal forested wetlands such as peatlands and mangroves.

The successful candidates are expected to carry out original research on one of the following topics within the frame of ERC-funded SaLtedPeat and DFG-funded TealBlue projects:

1. Historical impacts of sea level changes on coastal wetlands in Southeast Asia
2. Southeast Asian coastal wetlands dynamics and ecosystem interconnectivity

The successful candidates are also expected to:

• Lead the dissemination of research findings through high-quality publications and presentation at international conferences
• Conduct and manage fieldwork in challenging environment
• Collaborate with international researchers with various backgrounds
• Contribute in project administration and budget management
• Participate in teaching and student supervision

Your Profile
Candidates for topic 1 must have obtained, or expected to complete, their Master's in paleoecology, (tropical)ecology, biogeochemistry, or a closely related discipline, before commencing the position. Preferred skills and experience will include GIS, R programming, and data management. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in tropical palynology or tropical palaeoecology.
Candidates for topic 2 must have obtained, or expected to complete, their Master's in (tropical)ecology, biogeochemistry, coastal wetland research, environmental science, or a closely related discipline, before commencing the position. Preferred skills and experience will include GIS, R programming, and data management. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in tropical peatlands or mangrove research.

Both candidates must be able to demonstrate their excellent command of English, both written and spoken. Candidates must also demonstrate their ability in fieldwork and/or laboratory work, commitment to learn new methods and analytical techniques, and adaptability to new task and research environment. Additionally, candidates must have strong scientific curiosity, self-motivation, and a proactive mindset, with excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills, and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary collaboration. Experiences in carrying out fieldwork in the tropics, especially on peatland or mangrove ecosystems, and proficiency in Bahasa Indonesia are advantageous. Candidates must be eligible for enrollment within the GAUSS program (Biological Diversity and Ecology).

We Offer

• Integration to highly interdisciplinary research project and engagement in a wide international collaboration network.
• Flexible working hours and paid leave.
• Access to research facilities and core technologies.
• A dynamic, diverse and inclusive academic environment.
• A vibrant scientific community and broad range of training opportunities.
• Historic workplace surrounded by lush greenery in the heart of Göttingen city.

Your application must include (in the following order, compiled in a single .pdf file): motivation letter referring to the topic you are interested of applying for, curriculum vitae, university degree, transcript of records, abstracts of your master/doctoral thesis, or relevant publications (max. 1 page), contact details of up to two references.

Please get in touch with Jörg Christiansen ([email protected]) for any specific questions you may have.

The University of Göttingen is an equal opportunities employer and places particular emphasis on fostering career opportunities for women. Qualified women are therefore strongly encouraged to apply in fields in which they are underrepresented. The university has committed itself to being a family-friendly institution and supports their employees in balancing work and family life. The University is particularly committed to the professional participation of severely disabled employees and therefore welcomes applications from severely disabled people. In the case of equal qualifications, applications from people with severe disabilities will be given preference. A disability or equality is to be included in the application in order to protect the interests of the applicant.

Please upload your application in one pdf file including the usual documents until 6/19/2026 on the application portal of the university using this link: http://obp.uni-goettingen.de/de-de/OBF/Index/76482. For more information get in touch with Jörg Christiansen directly via E-Mail: [email protected], Tel. 05513925733 .

Please note:
With submission of your application, you accept the processing of your applicant data in terms of data-protection law. Further information on the legal basis and data usage is provided in the Information General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)