4-Year PhD Position in Forest Ecology at the University of Hamburg, Germany
The University of Hamburg, one of Germany’s leading research universities, is inviting applications for a 4-year fully funded PhD position in the project “Drought Vulnerability of Mycorrhizal Functions in the Forest Floor.” Hosted by the Functional Forest Ecology Laboratory within the Institute of Wood Science, this doctoral opportunity forms part of the prestigious German Research Foundation (DFG) Research Unit Forest Floor: Functioning, Dynamics, and Vulnerability in a Changing World. The position is ideal for graduates interested in forest ecology, climate change, plant–fungus interactions, and ecosystem resilience. Application Deadline: 15 August 2026
Position Overview
| Position | Research Associate (PhD Candidate) |
|---|---|
| Institution | University of Hamburg |
| Department | Institute of Wood Science, Department of Biology |
| Faculty | Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences |
| Country | Germany |
| Project Duration | 4 Years |
| Employment Period | 1 October 2026 – 30 September 2030 |
| Workload | 65% of full-time hours |
| Salary | E13 TV-L (German Public Service Pay Scale) |
| Application Deadline | 15 August 2026 |
About the Research Project
Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of drought events worldwide, threatening forest ecosystems and their biodiversity. This doctoral project investigates how mycorrhizal fungi—critical partners of forest trees—respond to recurring drought stress and changing environmental conditions.
The successful PhD researcher will examine how fungal communities influence nutrient cycling, soil health, and forest resilience across environmental gradients. The project combines field ecology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, and climate science to answer fundamental ecological questions.
International Research Collaboration
One of the major strengths of this PhD opportunity is its extensive international collaboration. The doctoral researcher will work closely with leading scientists from:
- University of Hamburg (Germany)
- Imperial College London (United Kingdom)
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (United Kingdom)
The project includes research visits to both Imperial College London and Kew Gardens, providing valuable international research experience and networking opportunities.
Research Responsibilities
The selected doctoral researcher will contribute to several cutting-edge research activities, including:
- Investigating drought vulnerability of mycorrhizal communities in mixed beech forests
- Studying forest ecosystems across temperature and phosphorus availability gradients
- Analyzing fungal community composition using Sanger sequencing and next-generation sequencing technologies
- Identifying key mycorrhizal functions, including soil exploration and root-tip enzyme activities
- Participating in drought mesocosm experiments
- Conducting root exudation studies
- Assessing ecosystem resilience to repeated drought events
- Publishing research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals
- Presenting research at national and international conferences
Structured Doctoral Training
Doctoral candidates will become members of the School of Integrated Climate and Earth System Sciences (SICSS).
The structured doctoral program offers:
- Interdisciplinary scientific training
- International research environment
- Professional development workshops
- Networking opportunities
- Career support
- Collaboration across multiple scientific disciplines
This provides an excellent foundation for careers in academia, environmental research, or governmental research institutions.
Who Should Apply?
Applicants should hold a university degree in a relevant discipline, including:
- Biology
- Environmental Sciences
- Geosciences
- Related natural science fields
Candidates with interdisciplinary backgrounds are also encouraged to apply if their experience aligns with the project objectives.
Preferred Qualifications
Although not mandatory, the University particularly values applicants with experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Mycorrhizal ecology
- Root ecology
- Plant physiology
- Bioinformatics
- Biogeochemical analyses
- Drought or climate change experiments
- Molecular ecology
- DNA sequencing technologies
Strong teamwork skills, scientific curiosity, and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research will strengthen an application.
Fieldwork and International Mobility
This PhD project involves both laboratory and field-based research.
Successful applicants should be willing to:
- Conduct ecological fieldwork in forests located in Baden-Württemberg, Germany
- Participate in laboratory research
- Travel for research stays at Imperial College London
- Conduct collaborative work at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
International mobility is considered an important component of the doctoral training.
Language Requirements
Applicants should possess excellent written and oral communication skills in:
- English, and/or
- German
Since the project includes international collaborations, strong English communication skills are particularly valuable.
Salary and Benefits
The University of Hamburg offers an attractive employment package under the German public sector salary system.
Benefits include:
- Salary according to E13 TV-L
- University pension scheme
- 30 days of annual paid vacation
- Flexible working hours
- Continuing education opportunities
- Work-life balance initiatives
- Health management programs, including EGYM Wellpass
- Educational leave
- Modern research infrastructure
- International scientific collaborations
Why Study at the University of Hamburg?
The University of Hamburg is recognized as a University of Excellence and ranks among Germany’s leading research institutions.
Researchers benefit from:
- Excellent research facilities
- International collaborations
- Strong climate and environmental science programs
- Supportive doctoral training
- Diverse academic community
- Access to leading European research networks
Its mission emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and interdisciplinary collaboration to address global environmental challenges.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit the following documents through the University’s online application portal:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Copies of degree certificates
- Summary of the M.Sc. thesis
- Only online applications will be accepted.
- Apply
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | 15 August 2026 |
| Employment Start | 1 October 2026 |
| Contract End | 30 September 2030 |
Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The University of Hamburg is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse academic community. Applications are welcomed regardless of:
- Gender
- Gender identity
- Sexual orientation
- Ethnic or social background
- Religion or belief
- Age
- Disability
- Chronic illness
Qualified applicants with severe disabilities will receive preference where legally applicable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is this a fully funded PhD position?
Yes. The position is a paid Research Associate appointment under the German E13 TV-L salary scale, funded for four years.
How long is the PhD contract?
The contract runs from 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2030, providing four years of funded doctoral research.
What is the weekly workload?
The appointment is 65% of standard full-time working hours, which is common for funded PhD positions in Germany.
Which academic backgrounds are eligible?
Applicants with degrees in Biology, Environmental Sciences, Geosciences, or closely related fields are encouraged to apply.
What research techniques will be used?
The project involves molecular ecology, Sanger sequencing, next-generation sequencing (NGS), bioinformatics, drought experiments, enzyme activity analyses, and field ecology.
Will there be opportunities for international collaboration?
Yes. The PhD includes collaboration and research visits with Imperial College London and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, providing valuable international experience.
Is fieldwork required?
Yes. The project includes ecological fieldwork in mixed beech forests in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, as well as laboratory-based research.
What documents are required for the application?
Applicants must submit a cover letter, CV, copies of degree certificates, and a summary of their M.Sc. thesis through the online application portal.
What is the application deadline?
The final date to submit applications is 15 August 2026.
Who is supervising the PhD project?
The doctoral researcher will be jointly supervised by scientists from the University of Hamburg, Imperial College London, and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, offering access to a highly interdisciplinary and internationally recognized research network.
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