PhD Position on Forest Dynamics in Permafrost Regions University of Göttingen in Germany

The Department of Conservation Biology at the University of Göttingen is offering a PhD position in the Junior Research Group Ecological Novelty on forest dynamics in permafrost regions. The project focuses on rapidly changing boreal ecosystems and the vegetation, carbon, and climate feedbacks associated with permafrost thaw and landscape transformation.

The successful candidate will join a newly established, internationally connected research group working at the intersection of process-based modelling, satellite and airborne remote sensing, field campaigns, and Earth system science. The research theme spans treeline shifts, greening and browning, shrub and deciduous expansion, and forest retreat to wetlands or steppe, with attention to drivers such as fire, insects, grazing, logging, precipitation change, thermokarst, and abrupt thaw.

The PhD project will be developed together with the supervisor and can be tailored to the candidate’s background and interests. The main goal is to combine process-based modelling, for example using CryoGrid, with field and Earth observation data across the grass-shrub-tree continuum. The project aims to produce transferable parameterizations for land-surface and Earth system models that improve projections of permafrost carbon emissions and climate feedbacks.

This position is particularly suitable for applicants with a strong remote-sensing, ecology, quantitative geography, geoscience, or scientific computing profile. Experience in deriving model-relevant variables from satellite or airborne data, or in data-model integration and assimilation, will be an advantage. The post also involves publishing peer-reviewed papers, presenting at international conferences, and possibly contributing to teaching and co-supervision of BSc and MSc students.

Eligibility requires an MSc or equivalent in Physical Geography, Environmental or Earth System Sciences, (Geo)informatics, Scientific Computing, Physics, Ecology, or a related field. Applicants should have strong quantitative skills, advanced Python or equivalent programming ability, and experience with numerical modelling and/or large geospatial or ecological datasets. Excellent English is required. Fieldwork experience in remote regions is welcome but not essential.

The appointment is for three years starting 1 February 2027, at 65% of a full position, with salary at pay grade E13 TV-L. The University of Göttingen offers a strong research environment, integration into international modelling and remote-sensing networks, and the benefits of German public service employment.

Applications must be submitted as a single PDF by email to [email protected] by 15 November 2026. The application should include a motivation letter, CV, copies of academic certificates, a short writing sample, and the contact details of two referees. For questions, contact [email protected].