Research Associate (Postdoc) in soil protection with a focus on water fluxes and soil organic carbon storage in drylands § 28 Subsection 2 HmbHG
InstitutionFaculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Department of Earth System Sciences, Soil Science
Salary level
Start date01.04.2026, fixed for a period of three years (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).The contract provides for a maximum extension of up to three years depending on the associate’s achievements during the first stage. Providing that a position is available and that requirements have been fulfilled, the associate may apply for temporary civil servant status in accordance with Section 28 subsection 2 HmbHG.
Application deadline26.02.2026
Scope of workfull-time position suitable for part-time
Your responsibilities
Duties include teaching and research in the respective department or institute. Research associates may also pursue independent research and further academic qualifications as well as acquire teaching experience. These duties are intended to promote academic achievement. Therefore, at least one-third of set working hours will be made available for the associate’s own academic work.
The postdoc should complement research activities of the Soil Protection working group in the Department Earth System Sciences and is expected to develop a research concept tailored for activities with a short-term (up to three years) and a long-term (up to six years) perspective. The concept should address current and future impacts of global change on soil water fluxes and carbon dynamics in Drylands. The working group is part of the Cluster of Excellence “Climate, Climate Change and Society II,” where we focus on the dynamics of soil functions in Southern African drylands and in (semi)arid regions.
The successful candidate will be responsible for
1. conducting research in soil science and soil protection with a strong focus on soil hydrology, soil organic carbon dynamics, and soil-water-carbon interactions,
2. designing and implementing field, lab, and/or modeling studies, including long-term monitoring of carbon stocks and water fluxes in semi-arid southern Africa, as well as SOM effects on small-scale hydrological processes,
3. analysing interactions between hydrological processes, vegetation dynamics, and SOC storage under natural and managed land-use systems,
4. publication of research results in international peer-reviewed journals and presentation of findings at international conferences,
5. participation in the acquisition and coordination of third-party funded research projects, as well as academic self-administration
6. strengthening and expanding international research collaborations, particularly in southern Africa,
7. teaching and conducting courses, e.g. seminars or field and laboratory practicals (4 LVS teaching hours per week during the lecture period of a semester). Support and supervision of bachelor's and master's students.
The position offers the opportunity to contribute to the Cluster of Excellence CLICCS II in the role of an Associate Researcher.
Your profile
A university degree in a relevant field, plus doctorate.
Successful completion of a degree and a doctorate in geoecology, (bio-)geosciences, agricultural sciences or a comparable degree program with a strong focus on soil science.
Sound research experience in soil carbon storage and/or soil water balances, as well as in the statistical analysis of spatial soil data.
Proficiency in relevant research methods and techniques. In-depth knowledge of the design and implementation of field campaigns. Ability to develop lab experiments and analyses of carbon and soil hydrological processes. Experience with simulations in soil water balance models is an advantage.
A genuine interest and commitment to teaching and training in this field as well as the willingness to support and (co)supervise BSc, MSc students and doctoral researchers are a prerequisite.
The postdoc should be active and open-minded, willing to contribute to the group's activities, interested in interdisciplinary teamwork, and be proficient in English.
We offer
8. Reliable remuneration based on wage agreements
9. Continuing education opportunities
10. University pensions
11. Attractive location
12. Flexible working hours
13. Work-life balance opportunities
14. Health management, EGYM Wellpass
15. Educational leave
16. 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.
The University of Hamburg strives to increase the number of women in academia, and encourages qualified female academics to apply.
Severely disabled and disabled applicants with the same status will receive preference over equally qualified non-disabled applicants.