Research Associate for the Project "PeTCaT – Rapid Permafrost Thaw Carbon Trajectories: The fate of abruptly thawed permafrost carbon in terrestrial and aquatic systems"

InstitutionFaculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Department of Earth System Sciences, Institute of Soil Science

Salary levelEGR. 13 TV-L

Start date negotiable), fixed for a period of three years, with possibility of extension depending on available funds (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).

Application deadline

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 independent research and further academic qualifications. They may also pursue doctoral studies outside of working duties.

We are looking for a PhD student working in the project "PeTCaT – Rapid Permafrost Thaw Carbon Trajectories", a large, international consortium project funded by Schmidt Sciences. The position will be part of the working group "Dynamics of Soil Processes" at the University of Hamburg, as well as the junior research group "COLDSPOT", a bridge group between the Alfred-Wegener Institute (AWI) and the University of Hamburg. PeTCaT aims at closing key knowledge gaps and at reducing uncertainties in carbon cycle science. PeTCaT will quantify and project the development of abrupt thaw processes on a panarctic scale and address their impact on greenhouse gas production and release. The project aims at understanding permafrost vulnerability and carbon budgets at a global scale. The work will be conducted in close cooperation with the AWI in Potsdam, and international project partners in Canada, USA, Sweden and the Netherlands. At the University of Hamburg the PhD student will work in a team consisting of senior scientists, as well as PostDocs and a technician hired through PeTCaT.

This exciting project will explore the biogeochemical functioning of rapid thaw features (e.g., thermokarst thaw slumps and wildfire-affected areas) at field sites in the European and North American Arctic. The project will contribute to work package 4 "The fate of abruptly-thawed permafrost carbon in terrestrial and aquatic systems", and study the carbon dynamics in the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum in such permafrost disturbance features. Specific questions of the project relate to the temporal change of carbon dynamics during plant successional stages from initial rapid permafrost disturbance until surface stabilization and vegetation recovery.

The work will be carried out in close cooperation with partners from AWI, the University of Alberta (Canada) and the University of Alaska Fairbanks (USA). Methods will be a combination of field measurements and novel laboratory experiments with intact plant-soil systems in climate growth chambers.

We are looking for a highly-motivated candidate with an interest in soil greenhouse gas dynamics, and in particular an interest to explore how processes in the microbe-plant-soil-atmosphere continuum regulate greenhouse gas fluxes in abrupt thaw features. We provide the opportunity to work in a dynamic team of experts, and to use state-of-the-art laboratory facilities. The PhD student is expected to participate in field expeditions and collaborate closely with team members and project partners. Scientific results have to be presented in scientific meetings and conferences as well as through publications in scientific journals. PhD candidates are members of our graduate school which aims to help young academics thrive through all stages of their training. For more information, please check this link:

Your profile

A university degree in a relevant field.

• M.Sc. degree in a related field
• experience and interest in biogeochemistry, plant science, geosciences or a closely related field
• experience in conducting practical work in the field and/or laboratory
• ability to conduct independent work
• willingness to participate in multi-week field expeditions to remote Arctic sites and work in diverse research teams
• strong oral and written communication skills including a proficiency in English
• experience with measurements of greenhouse gas dynamics, particularly the carbon cycle, are an asset
• a driver's license class B, German language skills, and experience working in the Arctic are an asset

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.

Instructions for applying

Contact

Dr. Carolina Voigt, PhD

PD Dr. Christian Knoblauch

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Reference number

294

Location

Allende-Platz 2

20146 Hamburg

Application deadline

Use only the online application form to submit your application with the following documents:

• cover letter
• CV, including names and contact details of two references
• copies of degree certificate(s)
• list of publications (if any)

If you experience technical problems, send an email to -