PhD Student in Carbon Cycles at Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon 2026

The Institute for Carbon Cycles seeks a PhD student with interest in coastal carbon cycling, marine Carbon Dioxide Removal (mCDR), and its Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV). Within the Horizon Europe project MAR-CO2, the successful applicant will investigate vertical and lateral carbon and GHG exchange in the context of pilot-scale coastal mCDR, and use a suite of isotopic tools to trace internal turnover and determine sources.

Table of Content

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

Summary

• Application DeadlineApril 21, 2026
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorHelmholtz-Zentrum Hereon
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• an exciting and varied job in a research centre with around 1,000 employees from more than 60 nations
• a well-connected research campus (public transport) and best networking opportunities, subsidy for the Deutschlandticket if certain conditions are met (job ticket)
• individual opportunities for further training
• social benefits according to the collective agreement of the public service and remuneration up to pay group 13 according to TV EntgO Bund
• an excellent technical infrastructure and modern workplace equipment
• 6 weeks holiday per year; company holidays between Christmas and New Year's Day
• very good compatibility of private and professional life; offers of mobile and flexible work
• PhD Buddy Program
• family-friendly company policy with childcare facilities, e.g. nursery close to the company
• free assistance program for employees (EAP)

Requirements

• MSc or comparable degree in Environmental Science, Chemistry, Oceanography, or related field (required)
• experience with laboratory analysis and field expeditions (desired)
• basic knowledge of the marine carbonate system, including TA, DIC, pH, and pCO2 observations (required)
• quantitative skills in time-series analysis, biogeochemical data processing, and uncertainty assessment (R, Matlab, Python, or similar) (desired)
• excellent English communication skills and the ability to work in interdisciplinary international teams (required)

Application Documents

• Cover letter
• CV
• Transcripts
• Certificates

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

Application Deadline

How To Apply

• Applications are made via the Application Portal indicating the reference number 2026/KC 2.

For more information, kindly visit the Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon webpage.