Research Associate for the Project “PeTCaT – Rapid Permafrost Thaw Carbon Trajectories : The fa[...]

Universität Hamburg; Hamburg; Vor Ort; EUR 40.000 - 60.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading research institution in Hamburg is seeking a PostDoctoral researcher to work on the project 'PeTCaT - Rapid Permafrost Thaw Carbon Trajectories'. The role involves field observations, laboratory investigations, and collaboration with an international team. Candidates should hold a PhD in a relevant field and possess expertise in biogeochemical cycles and greenhouse-gas measurements.

Leistungen

Competitive remuneration based on German wage agreements

Flexible working hours

University pension scheme

Continuing education opportunities

Health management (EGYM Wellpass)

30 days of vacation per annum

Qualifikationen

• Applicants must hold a PhD in Soil Science, Biogeochemistry, Biology, Geoscience, Agronomy or a closely related field.
• Experience in Arctic field campaigns is required.
• Driving licence B and German language skills are beneficial.

Aufgaben

• Design and conduct field observations for CH4 and CO2 flux measurements.
• Coordinate land expeditions to the Arctic.
• Perform laboratory investigations on carbon decomposability.
• Process data to improve the soil model ICON-ESM.
• Present scientific results and publish in peer-reviewed journals.
• Participate in student supervision and collaborate with project partners.

Kenntnisse

Biogeochemical cycles of high-latitude soils

Field measurements of greenhouse-gas fluxes

Soil microbial processes

Soil chemical analysis

Stable-isotope analysis of soil carbon fluxes

Organizational experience with Arctic field campaigns

Very good English communication skills

Ausbildung

PhD in Soil Science or related field

Jobbeschreibung

Project Overview

The PostDoc will work in the international consortium “PeTCaT – Rapid Permafrost Thaw Carbon Trajectories”, a large project funded by Schmidt Sciences and part of the Virtual Institute for the Carbon Cycle (VICC). The position is held at the University of Hamburg in the working group “Dynamics of Soil Processes” and in close collaboration with the junior research group “COLDSPOT”. PeTCaT aims to quantify and project abrupt thaw processes on a pan‑arctic scale, reduce uncertainties in the carbon cycle, and assess permafrost vulnerability and carbon budgets at a global scale.

Employment will be carried out in close cooperation with the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI) in Potsdam and with international partners in Canada, the USA, Sweden and the Netherlands. The PostDoc works in a team that includes senior scientists, other PostDocs, a PhD student and a technician.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will contribute to work package 4, “The fate of abruptly‑thawed permafrost carbon in terrestrial and aquatic systems”. Specific tasks include:

• Designing and conducting field observations: plot‑scale in‑situ CH4 and CO2 flux measurements in Canada and Finland.
• Coordinating land expeditions to the Arctic, lasting several weeks.
• Laboratory investigations on carbon decomposability and stabilization using samples from field sites and existing collections.
• Processing data to improve the soil model ICON‑ESM.
• Presenting scientific results at conferences and publishing in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Participating in student supervision and collaborating closely with project partners.
• Independently designing and performing scientific experiments.

Qualifications

Applicants should hold a PhD in Soil Science, Biogeochemistry, Biology, Geoscience, Agronomy or a closely related field and have:

• Expertise in biogeochemical cycles of high‑latitude soils.
• Experience in field measurements of greenhouse‑gas fluxes.
• Lab skills in soil microbial processes and soil chemical analysis.
• Proficiency with stable‑isotope analysis of soil carbon fluxes.
• Organizational experience with Arctic field campaigns.
• Very good English communication skills (speaking & writing).
• Working experience in the Arctic (required).
• Driving licence B and German language skills are an asset.

A university degree in a relevant field, plus the doctorate, is mandatory.

Benefits

• Competitive remuneration based on German wage agreements.
• Flexible working hours and work‑life balance.
• University pension scheme.
• Continuing education opportunities.
• Attractive location in Hamburg.
• Health management (EGYM Wellpass).
• Educational leave.
• 30 days of vacation per annum.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

The University of Hamburg is committed to equity and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. Disability‑conscious recruitment processes are in place and severely disabled applicants receive preference where qualifications are equal.