PhD Position in Vegetation Ecology and Coastal Plant Dynamics at Leibniz University Hannover Leibniz University Hannover in Germany

PhD Position in Vegetation Ecology at Leibniz University Hannover

The Department of Vegetation Ecology, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics at Leibniz University Hannover is offering a fully funded PhD position focused on the long-term dynamics of coastal vegetation in response to sea-level rise, climate change, and land-use change. The successful candidate will join a vibrant research team led by Professor Sergey Rosbakh, working at the intersection of plant ecology, environmental science, and spatial analysis.

Research Focus: The PhD project aims to analyze long-term changes in coastal vegetation in Germany and neighboring European regions. The research will investigate the impacts of sea-level rise, climate, and land-use changes using repeated historical vegetation mapping, current field surveys, and advanced spatial analyses. The project will also employ plant functional traits, modern statistical methods (e.g., R), and drone-based remote sensing to understand vegetation changes from local to landscape scales.

Key Activities:

• Independent dissertation project on coastal vegetation dynamics
• Fieldwork including vegetation mapping and drone-based data collection
• Application of plant trait analysis, spatial statistics, and GIS
• Publication and presentation of research findings
• Teaching involvement (3 LVS) and student supervision support

Eligibility: Applicants must hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Biology, Plant Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field. Required skills include experience in vegetation mapping, plant identification, statistical data analysis (preferably in R), and strong English proficiency. A class B driving license is mandatory. Additional assets include experience with scientific publishing, spatial analysis, GIS, remote sensing, experimental plant ecology, and willingness for intensive fieldwork. Basic Danish language skills are a plus.

Funding & Benefits: The position is funded at 65% of Entgeltgruppe 13 TV-L for 36 months, with possible extension. The university offers a supportive, interdisciplinary, and international environment, professional development opportunities, flexible work arrangements, and comprehensive health and family support programs.

Application Process: Applications (motivation letter, CV, certificates) should be submitted as a single PDF named with your surname and reference 'Coast26' to [email protected] by April 15, 2026. For further information, contact Prof. Dr. Sergey Rosbakh at [email protected].

Keywords: Vegetation Ecology, Coastal Vegetation, Plant Ecology, Climate Change, Sea-level Rise, Land-use Change, Spatial Analysis, Drones, Plant Traits, Biodiversity, Ecosystem Dynamics.