Oliver Bossdorf

The Cluster of Excellence TERRA, focused on 'Terrestrial Geo-Biosphere Interactions in a Changing World,' is offering 15 PhD positions and select postdoctoral opportunities across five Focus Unit (FUN) projects. This interdisciplinary initiative brings together geoscientists, biologists, and computer scientists from the University of Tübingen, University of Hohenheim, and the Senckenberg Society for Nature Research in Frankfurt, Germany. The research spans interactions between living and non-living worlds, including plant genetic diversity, hydrology, soil nutrients, geochemistry, paleontology, and the dynamics of invasive species in riverbank erosion. Projects include: geosphere-biosphere interactions in biodiversity hotspots, greenhouse gas emissions from alpine peatlands, hydroclimate and biodiversity dynamics over various timescales, and the impact of invasive species on riverbank erosion. Supervisors are leading academics in their fields, and each project has specific requirements, such as expertise in evolutionary biology, population genetics, plant/soil science, biogeochemistry, geosciences, hydrology, geochemistry, mineralogy, paleontology, bioinformatics, statistics, molecular lab work, and programming. Field work, especially in South Africa, and greenhouse gas analysis are highlighted for some projects. Funding is provided at 65–75% TV-L E13 salary level, with contracts running from April 1, 2026 to September 31, 2029. Applicants should hold relevant degrees (MSc preferred for some projects), demonstrate good English proficiency, and be able to work in interdisciplinary teams. The application deadline is April 1, 2026. Interested candidates should review the full post via the provided link, contact supervisors for project-specific questions, and prepare their CV and supporting documents for application through the respective university or research group.

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 Institute of Evolution and Ecology at the University of Tübingen is seeking a postdoctoral researcher in genetic diversity. The position is available as soon as possible and is limited to two years, with a possible extension depending on funding availability. The successful candidate will develop and test cross-species metrics of genetic diversity using both empirical and simulated genetic data, applied to a unique large-scale dataset on plant genetic diversity in grasslands and forests. This project is part of the collaborative BEGenDiv initiative, involving partners at the Universities of Freiburg and Marburg and the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) in Halle, within the DFG-funded Biodiversity Exploratories. The postdoc project is jointly supervised by Oliver Bossdorf and Henri Thomassen. Applicants should have a strong background in population genetics/genomics, molecular ecology, biodiversity informatics, or a related field. Experience with large-scale data analysis is essential, and additional expertise in macrogenetics, population genetic simulations, or data synthesis is advantageous. The research environment is highly supportive and collaborative, with access to internationally recognized networks and newly funded Clusters of Excellence GreenRobust and TERRA, including the TERRA Molecular Biodiversity Lab. The University of Tübingen is committed to equity and diversity, actively promoting equal opportunities and welcoming applications from women and individuals with disabilities. To apply, submit a motivation letter, CV, and contact details of at least two referees as a single PDF to [email protected]. For informal inquiries, contact [email protected] or [email protected]. The application deadline is 30 April 2026.