The newly funded Cluster of Excellence TERRA “Terrestrial Geo-Biosphere Interactions in a Changing World” is an interdisciplinary research initiative of geoscientists, biologists, and computer scientists at the Universities of Tübingen and Hohenheim and the Senckenberg Society for Nature Research in Frankfurt, investigating how the interactions between the living and non-living worlds shape global change from single microorganisms to the globe, in the geological past, at present, and in the future. It starts on January 1, 2026. We seek for 15 doctoral researchers (for complete list see https://uni-tuebingen.de/en/285483) in five coordinated Focus Unit Projects (FUNs) starting on April 1, 2026, lasting for 3.5 years. The positions are located either at the University of Tübingen, the University of Hohenheim, or at Senckenberg in Frankfurt.
The Focus Unit “Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Alpine Peatlands - GAP” comprises three TERRA-funded PhD positions in different fields (hydrology/geophysics, soil-plant interactions, geomicrobiology) working collaboratively at a field site in the Austrian Alpes and performing a joint lab experiment to understand the mechanism controlling the methane release of alpine peatlands. In this context, the Hydrogeology and Geophysics groups at the University of Tübingen and the Biogeophysics group at the University of Hohenheim seek for a
Doctoral Researcher (m/f/d; E 13 TV-L, 75%) on Hydrology and Geophysics of Alpine Peatlands (FUN02_1)
starting 1.4.2026 until 31.9.2029
The workplace is at the Geo- and Environmental Research Center (GUZ) at the University of Tübingen. The project entails fieldwork (geophysical surveying, installation and operation of a hydro(geo)logical and soil-physical monitoring network, sampling), lab work (hydraulic characterization of the soil, design and operation of joint column experiments with the other doctoral researchers), quantitative data analysis (e.g., geophysical inversion) and modeling of coupled subsurface-surface flow. Candidates should have expertise in hydrogeological, soil-physical, or geophysical field methods for characterizing the near sub-surface and be open to collaborate with fellow PhD researchers from biology. They should have completed an MSc in geosciences, environmental science, soil science, geophysics, environmental engineering or in an equivalent program. They also should have a pro-active attitude, work effectively in interdisciplinary teams, and communicate fluently in English (at least B1). German language skills are welcome.
Joining TERRA, you will be member of a pioneering team exploring a new research domain with impact on addressing the multiple crises of global change (www.terra-cluster.org). You will be part of the new Graduate School of Terrestrial Geo-Biosphere Interactions, profiting from the supervision by an interdisciplinary Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC), and receiving tailored training.
For questions concerning the posts contact Olaf Cirpka (olaf.cirpka@uni-tuebingen.de). The Universities of Tübingen and Hohenheim as well as Senckenberg are committed to equity and diversity and actively promote equal opportunities. Equally qualified candidates with disabilities will be given preference in the hiring process. Your application should comprise a letter of motivation, CV, contact details of two references, and certificates. Please submit a single pdf (max 10 MB) to bewerbung@geo.uni-tuebingen.de under the heading “Application: Your Name [FUN02_1]”. Multiple applications to other positions (see https://uni-tuebingen.de/en/285483) are possible and encouraged but require separate submission for each application. Only complete applications will be considered. The deadline for applications is January 26, 2026, or until position is filled. With the application you agree that your personal data will be shared among the participating institutions (University of Tübingen, University of Hohenheim, Senckenberg) for the purpose and over the duration of the recruiting procedure.