2026 Research Associate / PhD Candidate (Fungal Ecology) at the University of Bayreuth

At the University of Bayreuth, Chair of Fungal Ecology is seeking a Research Associate / PhD Candidate.

This project aims to quantify the direct environmental (microclimate, resource availability) and indirect microbial diversity effects of Enhancement of Structural Complexity treatments on necromass decomposition at the patch (alpha), between-patch (beta) and forest district (gamma) level. A broad set of diversity measures, encompassing taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional diversity, will be employed to enhance our mechanistic understanding of microbial diversity’s relationship to decomposition processes.

The project includes assessing the temporal aspects of decomposition through continuous monitoring of (i) crucial decomposer groups, specifically bacteria and fungi found in deadwood, and of (ii) decomposition rates of various necromass types, including often overlooked fungal mycelia.
 

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineFebruary 25, 2026
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorUniversity of Bayreuth
• City to studyBavaria
• School to studyUniversity of Bayreuth
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• Cutting-edge research projects in a real-world forest diversity experiment
• Outstanding, interdisciplinary and integrative research environment, offering many networking opportunities
• Individual supervision by internationally recognized scientists in BEF and forest biodiversity research
• Extensive data on biodiversity, forest structure, climate and ecosystem functions collected in a unique landscape experiment
• A secure position at a modern university
•  An interesting and varied role within the university environment
• Flexible working hours and the possibility of working from home within the framework of the applicable service agreement
• A constructive working atmosphere in a friendly, open-minded team
• Good compatibility of family and career
• Opportunities for personal and professional development through various training programs
• Additional advantages of public service employment, such as JobRad, attractive supplementary pension benefits with the VBL, and a wide range of health promotion offerings (e.g., health days, workshops, Active Break), as well as the opportunity to participate in a large number of different sports activities through the university sports program
• In addition to regular vacation days and the option of flexible working hours, days off on December 24 and December 31 each year

Requirements

• Excellent M.Sc. degree in a project-related field (e.g. ecology, forest science, remote sensing, environmental sciences)
• Very good ecological knowledge and great interest with regard to forest biodiversity/functioning research
• Good quantitative and statistical skills in R
• Excellent communication skills in English - writing and speaking.
• Motivated to be a proactive team player in an international, interdisciplinary research consortium
• Field work experience in forests would be advantageous
• Driving license is a must; partly also a private car, if the company car is not available. (Reimbursements for private KM costs will be paid based on a flat rate per kilometer.)

Check also:
2026 Fully Funded Humboldt Research Fellowship
2026 Konrad Adenauer Foundation Scholarship

Application Deadline

How To Apply

• Please apply online, indicating the reference code “SP7” via the University of Bayreuth’s application portal.

For more information, kindly visit the University of Bayreuth website.