PhD position in Biogeochemistry/Soil Biology (f/m/x) Soil microbial nutrient stoichiometry and soil-atmosphere exchange in river floodplains Wiss2611-05

Soil microbial nutrient stoichiometry and soil-atmosphere exchange in river floodplains

We are one of the largest and oldest universities in Europe and one of the most important employers in our region. Our broad range of subjects, the dynamic development of our main research areas and our central location in Cologne make us attractive for students and researchers from around the world. We offer a wide range of career opportunities in science, technology, and administration.

Floodplains are dynamic, valuable ecosystems increasingly threatened by river WE OFFER

regulation, land use, and climate change. The University of Cologne’s project » Exciting research in an interdisciplinary project with 2 other PhD students “The Rhine Floodplain – a Biogeochemically Coupled System under Stress” and a postdoc

investigates how altered hydrology affects sediment dynamics, biodiversity, » A diverse working environment with equal opportunities

food webs, microbial processes, and greenhouse gas emissions. The position » Support in balancing work and family life

is co-supervised between the University of Cologne and Forschungszentrum

» Flexible working time models

Jülich.

» Extensive advanced training opportunities

» Occupational health management offers

Your Tasks

» Conduct field measurements of greenhouse gas and VOC (volatile orga- The University of Cologne promotes equal opportunities and diversity. Women nic compounds) emissions along hydrological gradients in the floodplain will be considered preferentially in accordance with the Equal Opportunities » Perform laboratory measurements of VOC samples using thermal de- Act of North Rhine-Westphalia (Landesgleichstellungsgesetz – LGG NRW). We also expressly welcome applications from all suitable candidates regardless of sorption gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (TD-GC-

their gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, disability, age, sexual MS)

orientation and identity.

» Carry out nutrient addition experiments (C, N, P) to assess microbial

nutrient limitation and its effects on microbial biomass, respiration, car-The position is available from 1 February 2027 on a part time basis with bon-use efficiency, and enzyme allocation

25,89 hours per week. The position is to be filled for a fixed term until » Integrate microbial stoichiometric responses with gas flux data to identify 31 January 2030. If the applicant meets the relevant wage requirements how nutrient constraints regulate carbon partitioning and climate-re- and has the appropriate personal qualifications, the salary is based on levant emissions

remuneration group 13 TV-L of the pay scale for the German public sector. » Collaborate within an interdisciplinary team spanning biology, geosciences and atmospheric science.

Please apply online with proof of the required qualifications (without a photo) » Present your research results at international conferences and publish under https://jobportal.uni-koeln.de. The reference number is Wiss2611-05. them in peer-reviewed journals

The application deadline is 15 December 2026.

For further inquiries, please contact Professor Dr Eva Pfannerstill

Your Profile

( epfanner@uni-koeln.de) or Professor Michael Bonkowski

» Master‘s degree in Environmental Sciences, Biogeochemistry or a related (m.bonkowski@uni-koeln.de) and take a look at our FAQs. field; experience with using analytical chemistry instrumentation (GC-MS) is desired

» Excellent experimental skills

» Knowledge of statistics and programming

» Excellent written and oral presentation and communication skills in English (C1 equivalent)

» Driving experience and driving licence for cars

» Ability to work independently in the field

» Self-motivated and structured working style

» Working and living at the field station, work at the University of Cologne and forschungszentrum Jülich requires a high amount of flexibility