Research Associate for the Project “Root carbon dynamics, soil carbon sequestration and climate change in savannas of Southern Africa (CLICCS II #46)” § 28 Subsection 3 HmbHG
InstitutionFaculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Department of Biology, Institute of Wood Science
Salary level
Start date01.09.2026, fixed until 31.08.2029 (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).
Application deadline14.04.2026
Scope of workpart-time
Weekly hours65 % of standard work hours per week
The Cluster of Excellence “Climate, Climatic Change, and Society” (CLICCS) investigates climate dynamics and climate-related social dynamics, as well as the interactions between the two. To this end, we are looking for colleagues from a wide range of disciplines, including the natural sciences as well as the social sciences. We are proud to work together in a truly integrating manner. Our partners, e.g., the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology, Helmholtz Centre Hereon or the German Climate Computing Centre are also hiring. All jobs:
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.
Doctoral candidates are members of the structured doctoral program of the School of Integrated Climate and Earth System Sciences (SICSS), which provides high-quality, interdisciplinary, and internationally oriented training.
The doctoral researcher will be member of the labs of Functional Forest Ecology and Soil Technology and Soil Protection and will
1. investigate fine root depth distribution and organic carbon pools in the soil of savanna trees in southern Africa
2. analyze fine root and hyphal productivity and turnover
3. conduct soil incubation experiments
4. relate soil greenhouse-gas fluxes to carbon-use efficiency and soil organic carbon stabilization
5. write and publish scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals
6. present results at national and international conferences
Your profile
A university degree in a relevant field.
This should be in Biology, Geosciences, or Environmental Sciences.
Strong skills in root physiology, mycorrhizal or rhizosphere ecology, and/or soil biogeochemistry are a plus. Experience in mini-rhizotron imaging, soil incubation, soil organic matter fractionation, and/or gas flux measurements is beneficial.
This position belongs to a cooperative effort within the Cluster of Excellence, subproject M3, and will be jointly supervised by Prof. Dr. Ina Meier (Functional Forest Ecology) and Dr. Joscha Becker (Soil Technology and Soil Protection). Therefore, team-orientation, interest in conducting interdisciplinary research, and being proactive are essential. Willingness to conduct fieldwork under adverse conditions in the Namibian savanna is required. Excellent German and/or English communication skills (spoken and written) are necessary.
We offer
7. Reliable remuneration based on wage agreements
8. Continuing education opportunities
9. University pensions
10. Attractive location
11. Flexible working hours
12. Work-life balance opportunities
13. Health management, EGYM Wellpass
14. Educational leave
15. 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.