Doctoral Student / Research Associate in Riparian Ecosystem Ecology (m/f/d)
Reference number: L 55 32 07 25
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With about 17,000 students, more than 300 professorships and around 160 degree programs, the University of Kaiserslautern-Landau (RPTU) is the technical university of the state of Rhineland-Palatinate. As a place of top international research, it offers excellent working conditions and career opportunities. Those who study, research or work at RPTU experience a cosmopolitan environment and shape the future.
We are offering a fixed-term, part-time PhD position (50% FTE) within the Plant Ecology Group led by Dr. Peter Müller at the Institute for Environmental Sciences, RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau. The position is available for 3.5 years, starting on 1 January 2026. The main objective of the PhD project is to investigate the mechanisms through which biotic interactions among plants, animals, and soil microbial communities regulate carbon cycling in riparian and wetland soils.
Your area of responsibility:
The position involves scientific services primarily in research and teaching. It also offers the opportunity for academic qualification, in particular the completion of a doctoral dissertation.
We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with a strong interest in plant ecology, food web interactions, and ecosystem carbon cycling. Key responsibilities include (but are not limited to):
- Collection and chemical analysis of plant, animal, and soil samples
- Measurement of greenhouse-gas fluxes
- Stable isotope labeling and tracing experiments
- Participation in national and international field campaigns
- Possible extended research stays at partner institutions
Your requirements profile:
- a Master of Science degree in Ecology, Environmental Sciences, Biology, or another related field
- extensive knowledge in ecosystem ecology and ecosystem carbon cycling
- interest in planning field or lab-based mesocosm experiments
- advanced computer programming and statistical skills
- fluency in English and German
- a valid driving license for traveling to field sites is desirable
We offer:
Health promotion
Family Service Center
Vocational Training
Flexible working hour and
home office
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).
Your application:
We look forward to receiving your detailed application (CV, references, etc.) by 28.08.2025 at the latest.
Please submit your application using the "Online Bewerbung" button below or via our application portal (https://jobs.rptu.de).
For technical questions, please contact Jun.-Prof. Dr. Peter Müller (Tel.: 06341 280 31376, e-mail: peter.mueller@rptu.de).
