PhD position on ecohydrological processes of urban blue-green infrastructures (m / f / x)

Leibniz-Institut für Gewässerökologie und Binnenfischerei; Berlin; Vor Ort; EUR 40.000 - 50.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

Eine führende Forschungseinrichtung in Berlin sucht eine/n Doktoranden/in für eine Position in der urbanen Wasserökologie. Diese Position fokussiert sich auf die Untersuchung der dynamischen Prozesse in städtischen Süßwasserökosystemen. Ideal für Bewerber mit einem MSc in relevanten Disziplinen und praktischer Erfahrung in der Feld- und Laborforschung. Geboten wird eine 3-jährige Vollzeitstelle.

Leistungen

Karriereentwicklung durch Qualifizierung und Schulungsmöglichkeiten

Unterstützung der Work-Life-Balance

Diversity und Chancengleichheit

Qualifikationen

• Praktische Erfahrung mit Feld- und Laborarbeit.
• Sehr gute Englischkenntnisse in Wort und Schrift, einschließlich wissenschaftlichem Schreiben.
• Führerschein und Fahrpraxis sind von großem Vorteil.

Aufgaben

• Feldarbeit und Probenahme von urbaner blauer und grüner Infrastruktur.
• Laborprobenvorbereitung (stabile Isotope, Hydrochemie, eDNA).
• Bearbeitung bestehender Daten.

Kenntnisse

Statistische Analyse

Programmieren (z.B. R, Python)

Labordatenanalyse

Feldarbeit

Kommunikationsfähigkeiten

Ausbildung

MSc in Umweltchemie, Hydrologie, Umweltwissenschaften, Geoökologie, Geochemie oder verwandten Bereichen

Tools

QGIS

Jobbeschreibung

PhD Position – Junior Research Group on Urban Ecohydrology

The Junior research group (starting 1.1.2026 led by Dr. Maria Magdalena Warter) in the department of Ecohydrology and Biogeochemistry of IGB in Berlin (Friedrichshagen) is inviting applications for a PhD position (65% 3 yrs) starting from 1.1.2026. This position is part of a new Junior research group funded by the Kurt‑Eberhard‑Bode Stiftung on Water Conscious Cities. The project aims to understand urban ecohydrological processes through integrative tracer approaches for improved climate resilience and resource management.

Research Focus

The focus of this PhD position is to study the spatio‑temporal dynamics of ecohydrological processes in urban freshwater ecosystems (e.g. streams, ponds) and vegetation. An integrated tracer approach combining stable water isotopes, hydrochemistry and environmental DNA (eDNA) will be used to quantify ecohydrological interactions and assess the effects of climate and urbanization on water quality, availability, aquatic diversity and climate resilience. The research will also include hydroclimate and ecological data analysis, ecohydrological modelling, and stakeholder‑engaged research design.

Your Role

• Field work and sampling of urban blue‑green infrastructure (water bodies, green spaces)
• Laboratory sample preparation (stable isotopes, hydrochemistry, eDNA)
• Processing of existing data
• Statistical analyses including end‑member mixing analyses, PCA, ecological statistics (e.g. NMDS, diversity indices)
• Preparation of at least three manuscripts as first author for submission to peer‑reviewed journals
• Further result dissemination through presentations at national and international conferences
• Participation and support with stakeholder workshops

Your Profile

• MSc degree in environmental chemistry, hydrology, environmental sciences, geo‑ecology, geochemistry, or a related field
• Practical experience with field and laboratory work
• Very good skills in statistical analysis and programming (e.g. R, Python)
• Experience with chemical or ecological analytics
• Very good oral and written English skills including scientific writing
• Collaborative team‑spirit and excellent communication skills
• Drivers licence and driving practice is highly desirable

Other Advantaged Attributes

• Experience with stable isotope tracer techniques
• Experience in numerical analysis or ecohydrological models
• Experience with environmental DNA
• Experience with geographic information systems (GIS) (e.g. QGIS)

Our Offer

We offer an interesting position in an international and dynamic scientific environment. The position is for doctoral research full time for 3 years and is paid according to the German salary scheme for the public sector (TVD Bund E13) as a 65% position. We foster flat hierarchies, active participation, career development through qualification and training opportunities, and support work–family life balance.

We are committed to diversity. We welcome every qualified application regardless of sex, gender origin, nationality, religion, belief, health, disability, age or sexual orientation. Applications from women are particularly welcome. Severely disabled applicants with equal qualification and aptitude will be given preferential consideration.

Application Instructions

We look forward to receiving your application by 19.09.2025 including a 1‑page motivation letter, CV, publication list (optional), master and other relevant certificates, and contact information of 2–3 referees. Please state the job reference number 22/2025 and apply exclusively via our recruitment platform or by contacting Dr. Maria Magdalena Warter by e‑mail.