Research Fellow (Pre/Post-Doc) - Institute of Botany and Landscape Ecology 25/Wi36

University of Greifswald; Deutschland; Vor Ort; EUR 60.000 - 80.000; Teilzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading research university in Germany is seeking a part-time Research Associate in the Institute of Botany and Landscape Ecology. The position involves measuring greenhouse gas exchanges in peatland systems with an option to complete a doctorate. Candidates should have a postgraduate degree in a related field, proficient in both German and English, and a strong interest in applied peatland research. This role starts on 1 February 2026 and offers a flexible and cooperative work environment.

Qualifikationen

• Completed postgraduate university degree in landscape ecology, biology, agricultural sciences or equivalent.
• Comprehensive understanding of the ecology of peatlands.
• Very good German and English language skills.
• Driving licence and willingness to travel to study sites.

Aufgaben

• Measure and analyze greenhouse gas exchange in peatland PV.
• Organize and oversee GHG exchange measurements in the field.
• Estimate GHG fluxes and analyze collected data.
• Publish results in scientific journals.
• Possibility of completing a doctorate.

Kenntnisse

German language proficiency

English language proficiency

Understanding of peatland ecology

Experience in GHG exchange measurements

Independent and team-oriented work

Ausbildung

Postgraduate university degree in landscape ecology or similar

Jobbeschreibung

Organisation/Company University of Greifswald Department Human Resources Research Field Biological sciences Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions Master Positions Country Germany Application Deadline 15 Jan 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Berlin) Type of Contract Permanent Job Status Part‑time Hours Per Week 26 Offer Starting Date 1 Feb 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

At the University of Greifswald’s Institute of Botany and Landscape Ecology, Peatland Science Group in the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, there is a job vacancy for a part‑time position (65%), starting from 1 February 2026, as

Research Associate (Pre/Post‑Doc).

The fixed‑term contract is limited until 30 November 2026 (with the option of extension to 30 June 2028). Payment shall be made in accordance with pay group 13 TV‑L Wissenschaft.

The Peatland Science Group works broadly on many key topics of peatland research. In addition to basic palaeo‑ecological research, we conduct studies and projects on the sustainable use of peatlands (paludiculture), the recording of carbon turnover and greenhouse gas exchange in wetlands as well as the synthesis of available data on the role of peatlands and wetlands (including coastal ecosystems) in the Earth's climate system. Landscape‑ecological peatland and wetland research is based on collaboration and interdisciplinary exchange. We combine basic research with possible applications and practical relevance. Our strength lies in the combination of the breadth and integration of research with the implementation of rewetting and peatland renaturation measures.

In the MoorPower research project, we aim to analyse the technical, ecological and socio‑economic effects and legal aspects of combining peatland rewetting and photovoltaics (peatland PV) for the first time to derive recommendations for the specific implementation of peatland/Paludi PV in Germany. The University of Greifswald is coordinating the research project at the Institute of Botany and Landscape Ecology; the Institute of Microbiology, the Institute of Geography and Geology, the Zoological Institute and Museum, and the Institute for Energy, Environmental and Maritime Law (IfEUS) are also involved. Collaborating partners are the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, the University of Hohenheim, the Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute, and practice partners.

The position advertised here will investigate the greenhouse gas exchange of rewetted fens with and without ground‑mounted photovoltaic systems. Peatlands emit large amounts of CO₂ when drained. With good vegetation development, rewetted peatlands absorb CO₂ and release CH₄. The effects are strongly dependent on the water level and vegetation. The effects of photovoltaic systems on peatlands are currently unknown. Methodologically, the position holder will combine measurements of GHG exchange using the canopy method with surveys of additional data (partly also from cooperation partners), such as water levels, soil moisture, soil and air temperatures, DOC and nutrients in pore water, etc. The position is suitable for the completion of a doctorate.

Tasks

• Measurement and analysis of greenhouse gas exchange on sites with peatland PV in comparison to the drained reference state and (to enable the assessment of potential) to near‑natural control sites of the respective type of peatland
• Planning, implementation and overseeing of GHG exchange measurements in the field and, if necessary, in experimental approaches
• Organisation and implementation of the recording of additional parameters such as water level, temperatures, radiation, water chemical parameters, etc.
• Regular estimation of GHG fluxes, determination of annual and seasonal balances and analysis of all the collected data to improve the understanding of the process linked to GHG fluxes in peatland PV systems
• Publication of the results in relevant, established, scientific journals
• Possibility of completing a doctorate

Requirements

• Completed postgraduate university degree in landscape ecology, biology, agricultural sciences or equivalent
• Comprehensive understanding of the ecology of peatlands
• Very good German and English language skills
• Driving licence and willingness to travel regularly to the study sites in northern Germany
• Great interest in applied research on the topic of peatlands/peatland protection
• Experience in carrying out, organising and/or analysing GHG exchange measurements
• Ability to work independently with hands‑on mentality, team spirit, helpfulness and reliability

The position is open to all persons, irrespective of gender. Severely disabled applicants with the same qualifications will be considered with preference.

According to § 68(3) PersVG M‑V, the Staff Council will only be involved in staff matters of the academic or artistic staff on request.

Please only submit copies of your application documents as they cannot be returned. Unfortunately, application costs (e.g. travel expenses for interviews) will not be reimbursed by the State of Mecklenburg‑Vorpommern.

Please note that by submitting your application, you provide your consent pursuant to data protection law for our processing of your application data. Further information about the legal bases and the use of your data can be found here.

Please send your application with the usual documents via email (one PDF file), with reference to job advertisement number 25/Wi36 by 15 January 2026 to:

Number of offers available 1
Company/Institute: Institute of Botany and Landscape Ecology
Country: Germany
City: Greifswald
Postal Code: 17489
Street: Soldmannstraße 15 Geofield