PhD Opportunity in Soil Science and Root Decomposition at TU Berlin Technische Universität Berlin in Germany

PhD opportunity in soil science at Technische Universität Berlin within the DFG-funded ROOT-DECAY project.

The project asks what happens to carbon stored in plant roots as they decompose, and how soil structure and soil organisms influence carbon cycling and stabilization. The research sits at the interface of soil physics, biology, and biogeochemistry, with a strong focus on root–soil interactions, microbial habitats, and the fate of carbon in structured soils.

You will work on controlled laboratory, greenhouse, and field experiments, using methods such as X-ray computed tomography (CT), 13C stable isotope tracing, soil structure analysis, and soil mesofauna assessments. The position is embedded in an interdisciplinary network with collaborators from the University of Nottingham, UFZ, University of Göttingen, University of Hannover, and Anhalt University of Applied Sciences.

The post is advertised by TU Berlin’s Institute of Ecology / Department of Soil Science, with supervision linked to Prof. Dr. Carsten Müller. It is a research assistant position for a PhD project, funded by the DFG, at 0.65 working time and paid at salary grade 13 TV-L Berliner Hochschulen. The contract runs until 31/08/2029.

Eligibility highlights include a completed Master, Diplom, or equivalent in soil science, geoecology, agricultural sciences, or a related field; a research profile aligned with the project; and experience in data analysis/statistics. Strong lab skills are desirable, as are interests in CT/image processing, isotope work, soil fauna ecology, programming in R or Python, experimental design, fieldwork, and scientific writing. Good German and/or English is required, with willingness to learn the missing language skills.

Deadline: 2026-07-17. How to apply: send a single PDF by email to [email protected] including cover letter, CV, degree certificates, and references, and mention reference number VI-251/26.