Olaf Cirpka

The Cluster of Excellence TERRA, hosted by the University of Tübingen in collaboration with the University of Hohenheim and the Senckenberg Society for Nature Research, is offering 15 doctoral positions and select postdoctoral opportunities in the field of environmental sciences. The TERRA initiative focuses on 'Terrestrial Geo-Biosphere Interactions in a Changing World,' integrating research across geosciences, biology, computer science, and environmental chemistry. Projects span topics such as geosphere-biosphere interactions, plant genetic diversity, hydrology, soil nutrients, greenhouse gas emissions, alpine peatlands, hydroclimate, biodiversity dynamics, paleontology, and the impact of invasive species on riverbank erosion. Each position is supervised by leading academics from the participating institutions, with research themes including evolutionary biology, population genetics, biogeochemistry, hydrology, microbiology, environmental chemistry, geology, mineralogy, paleontology, and environmental modeling. Candidates are expected to have a relevant MSc degree, strong interest in biodiversity and environmental research, and skills in fieldwork, bioinformatics, statistics, GIS, or modeling. The positions are fully funded according to German public sector salary scales (E 13 TV-L, 65–75% for doctoral researchers, up to 100% for postdocs), with contracts running from April 2026 to September 2029. Applicants should review the full project descriptions and application instructions on the official TERRA Cluster website (uni-tuebingen.de/en/285483) and contact the listed supervisors for project-specific queries. The research environment offers interdisciplinary collaboration, access to advanced facilities, and opportunities for fieldwork in locations such as South Africa and Germany. English proficiency and a strong academic record are required. The application deadline is April 1, 2026.

The University of Tübingen, in collaboration with the University of Hohenheim and Senckenberg Society for Nature Research, announces a 3.5-year PhD position in the Cluster of Excellence TERRA, focusing on 'Hydrology and Geophysics of Alpine Peatlands.' This interdisciplinary initiative investigates terrestrial geo-biosphere interactions, with a particular emphasis on greenhouse gas emissions from alpine peatlands. The successful candidate will join the Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Alpine Peatlands (GAP) project, working collaboratively at a field site in the Austrian Alps and participating in a joint lab experiment to understand methane release mechanisms. The position is based at the Geo- and Environmental Research Center (GUZ) at the University of Tübingen. Research activities include geophysical surveying, installation and operation of hydro(geo)logical and soil-physical monitoring networks, sampling, hydraulic characterization of soils, and quantitative data analysis. Candidates should have expertise in hydrogeology, soil-physical, or geophysical field methods and hold an MSc in geosciences, environmental science, soil science, geophysics, environmental engineering, or a related field. The role requires strong teamwork skills, proactivity, and fluency in English (B1 or higher); German language skills are advantageous. Funding is provided at 75% E13 TV-L for 3.5 years, with access to the Graduate School of Terrestrial Geo-Biosphere Interactions and tailored training. The application deadline is January 26, 2026, or until the position is filled. Applicants should submit a single PDF (max 10 MB) including a letter of motivation, CV, contact details of two references, and certificates to [email protected], referencing 'Application: Your Name [FUN02_1]'. For further details, visit the project page or contact Prof. Olaf Cirpka at [email protected]. Key academic keywords: hydrology, geophysics, alpine peatlands, greenhouse gas emissions, environmental science, geosciences, soil science, geomicrobiology. This opportunity is ideal for candidates interested in interdisciplinary research addressing global environmental challenges.