In the framework of the project "Energy Structures – Energy Sustains Dissipative Structures in Soil Systems" (https://soilsystems.net/projects-partners/2-p1-energy-structures/), funded by the DFG, the RPTU Landau and the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) offer a PhD student position, with the earliest possible starting date in January 2026 and a project duration of three years. The work location is equally split between the RPTU in Landau (32,5%) an d dhe UFZ in Leipzig (32,5%); the successful candidate will spend half of project duration at the RPTU Campus Landau and the other half at the UFZ Leipzig, collaborating closely with a second PhD student based at Trier University. As the project is part of the DFG Priority Program SPP 2322 “_SoilSystems_” (https://soilsystems.net/), close cooperation with other projects of this SPP will be essential.
Your area of responsibility:
In the Energy Structures project, you will explore how the input of energy through organic substrates controls the formation and transformation of dissipative structures in the soil microbiome, and thereby their influence on matter and energy fluxes in soils. The aim is to quantify these fluxes and assess their efficiency and limitations through combined experiments and thermokinetic modeling. This work will contribute to a better understanding of the stabilization of organic matter and the carbon balance of soils.
To this end, you will apply and further develop several physicochemical analytical techniques - such as isothermal microcalorimetry (IMC), thermogravimetry-differential scanning calorimetry–quadrupole mass spectrometry (TG-DSC-QMS), bomb calorimetry, and respirometry—available at UFZ Leipzig and RPTU Landau. These measurements will be complemented by chemical analyses of carbon fluxes using ¹³C tracers, PLFA, biomarkers, and elemental analysis.
Using the combined dataset, you will apply thermodynamic modeling approaches - both equilibrium and non-equilibrium - to characterize how energy inputs shape microbial activity, carbon cycling, and the emergence of structured dynamics in soil systems. The project will be conducted in close collaboration with project partners contributing additional expertise in microbial community analysis and ecosystem modeling.
We offer:
1. Top level interdisciplinary research at both research centre and university which enjoys an excellent reputation within Germany as well as internationally
2. Excellent technical facilities
3. Work in inter-disciplinary and multinational teams
4. Excellent links to national and international research networks
5. Support and optimal training courses by our graduate school (HIGRADE) at the UFZ and ZGaPL at the RPTU
Your requirements profile:
6. Bachelor AND Master degree in soil science, physical chemistry, chemistry, biochemistry, biology, environmental sciences or equivalent field
7. Strong interest in complex and interdisciplinary relationships in soil systems
8. Openness to incorporating modeling and ecological aspects into your research
9. Prior experience (an advantage but not required) in calorimetry, thermodynamics, soil science, environmental microbiology, or isotope tracer experiments
10. Willingness to work in an interdisciplinary and international team
11. Willingness to learn new topics
12. Very good skills in English, both written and spoken
We offer:
Health promotion
Family Service Center
Vocational Training
Flexible working hour
Jobticket
Retirement provision
Sport & Fitness programms
Culture & Leisure offers
Local recreation in the Palatinate Forest
RPTU stands for diversity among all employees. We welcome applications from all interested parties, regardless of their ethnic and social origin, age, religion, gender, disability and sexual orientation or identity. Preference will be given to severely disabled persons and persons equivalent to them if they have the appropriate qualifications and suitability.
The RPTU aims to increase the proportion of women in areas where women are underrepresented. Applications from researchers from abroad are expressly encouraged. The appointment will be subject to the German law on fixed-term contracts in science (WissZeitVG).