RPTU Doctoral Student / Research Associate in Riparian Ecosystem Ecology 2025

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.

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

Table of Content

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

Summary

• Application DeadlineNot Specified
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorRPTU University of Kaiserslautern-Landau
• City to studyRhineland-Palatinate
• School to studyRPTU University of Kaiserslautern-Landau
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• 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

Requirements

• 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

Application Deadline

Not Specified

How To Apply

Are you qualified and interested in this opportunity? Kindly go to RPTU University of Kaiserslautern-Landau on jobs.rptu.de to apply

For more information, kindly visit RPTU scholarship webpage.