Research Associate for the Project “Drought Vulnerability of Mycorrhizal Functions in the Forest

Research Associate for the Project “Drought Vulnerability of Mycorrhizal Functions in the Forest Floor” § 28 Subsection 3 HmbHG

InstitutionFaculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Department of Biology, Institute of Wood Science

Salary level

Start date01.10.2026, fixed until 30.09.2030 (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).

Application deadline15.08.2026

Scope of workpart-time

Weekly hours65 % of standard work hours per week

Your responsibilities

Duties include academic services in the project named above. Research associates may also pursue further academic qualifications outside of their work responsibilities. They may also pursue doctoral studies outside of working duties.

Doctoral candidates are members of the structured doctoral program of the School of Integrated Climate and Earth System Sciences (SICSS), which provides high-quality, interdisciplinary, and internationally oriented training.

The doctoral researcher will join the DFG research unit ‘Forest Floor: Functioning, Dynamics, and Vulnerability in a Changing World’ at the University of Hamburg and will collaborate closely with the Molecular Ecology lab at Imperial College London and Kew Gardens (UK). They will

• investigate the vulnerability of mycorrhizal communities in the forest floor of mixed beech forests across temperature and P availability gradients
• study the mycorrhizal community structure by Sanger and next generation sequencing
• identify mycorrhizal functions (inter alia soil exploration and root-tip specific enzyme activities)
• collaborate in drought mesocosm and root exudation experiments
• evaluate the resilience of the mycorrhizal community to recurring drought
• write and publish scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals
• present results at national and international conferences

Your profile

A university degree in a relevant field.

This should be in Biology, Geosciences, or Environmental Sciences.

Strong skills in mycorrhizal ecology, root ecology, and/or plant physiology are advantageous. Experience in bioinformatics, biogeochemical analyses, and/or drought experiments would be beneficial. The doctoral candidate will be jointly supervised in a cooperative effort by Prof. Ina Meier and Dr. Li Yan (both Functional Forest Ecology UHH), Prof. Martin Bidartondo (Imperial College London), and Dr. Laura Suz (Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew). The ideal candidate will be team-oriented, interested in interdisciplinary research, proactive, and willing to conduct fieldwork in Baden-Württemberg forests and undertake stays at Imperial College London and Kew Gardens, UK. Excellent written and oral German and/or English language skills are required.

We offer

• Reliable remuneration based on wage agreements
• Continuing education opportunities
• University pensions
• Attractive location
• Flexible working hours
• Work-life balance opportunities
• Health management, EGYM Wellpass
• Educational leave
• 30 days of vacation per annum

Universität Hamburg—University of Excellence is one of the strongest research educational institutions in Germany. Our work in research, teaching, educational and knowledge exchange activities is fostering the next generation of responsible global citizens ready to tackle the global challenges facing us. Our guiding principle “Innovating and Cooperating for a Sustainable Future in a digital age” drives collaboration with academic and nonacademic partner institutions in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region and around the world. We would like to invite you to be part of our community to work with us in creating sustainable and digital change for a dynamic and pluralist society.

The University of Hamburg is committed to equity. Diversity enriches our university life, whether in our studies, research, teaching, education, or workplace. We therefore welcome all applications, regardless of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic or social background, age, religion or belief, disability, or chronic illness.

Severely disabled and disabled applicants with the same status will receive preference over equally qualified non-disabled applicants.

Notice regarding the background check under Section 34a of the Hamburg security clearance act (Gesetz zur Regelung der Sicherheitsüberprüfungen, HmbSÜG): On behalf of the person chosen in the selection procedure, this office submits an inquiry to the state office for the protection of the constitution (Landesamt für Verfassungsschutz) regarding any available findings/information which meet the statutory requirements ( and ).