Are you passionate about climate change research and ecological sustainability? Here’s an exciting opportunity to join one of Germany’s leading research institutions. The Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute is hiring a Research Associate (f/m/d) for a federally funded project in peatland vegetation monitoring—a key area in global climate protection.
🔍 Job Overview
- Position: Research Associate – Peatland Vegetation Monitoring
- Institute: Thünen Institute for Climate Change and Agricultural Policy
- Location: Braunschweig, Germany
- Workload: 65% (approx. 25.35 hours/week)
- Contract Duration: 48 months (fixed-term)
- Application Deadline: August 11, 2025
- Reference Number: 2025-140-CLIMATE-RA
🌿 About the Project: Peatland Monitoring – Vegetation
This role is part of the “Peatland Monitoring – Vegetation” initiative funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Home Affairs (BMLEH). The focus is on assessing carbon emissions from organic soils like peatlands, which are both valuable carbon sinks and at risk due to drainage-based land use.
You will work alongside a multidisciplinary research team to monitor vegetation, land management practices, and hydrology to improve national greenhouse gas inventories and support Germany’s long-term climate mitigation goals.
🧪 Key Responsibilities
As a Research Associate, you will contribute to ecological data collection, fieldwork, and analysis that informs policy and climate strategies:
- Field Surveys: Identify and catalog plant species and habitat types in multiple monitoring sites.
- Observation Plot Management: Establish and maintain permanent research plots across Germany.
- Data Collection & Analysis:
- Use software tools such as TurboVeg, R, and GIS to manage and analyze ecological data.
- Integrate vegetation data with hydrological and soil parameters.
- Research Dissemination:
- Co-author scientific papers
- Present at national and international conferences
- Support technical reporting to stakeholders and policymakers
✅ Eligibility & Required Qualifications
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Education: M.Sc. or equivalent in Biology, Vegetation Ecology, Landscape Ecology, or a related field
- Skills:
- Strong plant species identification (especially grassland and moor species)
- Experience with vegetation mapping tools (TurboVeg preferred)
- Proficiency in data analytics using R, Python, or equivalent tools
- Basic to advanced knowledge of Geoinformation Systems (GIS)
- Other Requirements:
- Physically fit and able to work independently in field conditions
- Excellent communication skills in both German and English (C1 level)
- Valid Class B driving license
- Willingness to travel extensively for multi-day field campaigns across Germany
- Interest in pursuing a PhD in a related area (strongly encouraged)
🎓 Why Work at the Thünen Institute?
The Thünen Institute is a prestigious federal research organization committed to sustainability, equality, and innovation in rural, forestry, and fisheries research.
Benefits Include:
- ✅ Meaningful Research: Direct impact on national climate policy
- ⏰ Work-Life Balance: Flexible hours, remote work options, and a family-friendly culture (certified by berufundfamilie)
- 📚 Career Development: Opportunities to publish, attend conferences, and collaborate across disciplines
- 💰 Competitive Salary: Based on TVöD E13 scale with social benefits, annual bonuses, and pension plans
- 🚗 Mobility & Wellness: JobTicket, free parking, e-charging stations, and a health and fitness program
🌍 Diversity & Inclusion Commitment
The Thünen Institute values diversity and promotes an inclusive work environment. Women and underrepresented candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants with severe disabilities will receive preferential consideration if equally qualified.
📩 How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online via the official Thünen careers portal. Deadline: August 11, 2025
Required Documents:
- CV (curriculum vitae)
- Cover letter
- Educational certificates and transcripts
- Proof of disability (if applicable)
- ZAB certificate evaluation for international degrees (or willingness to provide one)
For more info on the ZAB certificate: ZAB Evaluation Info
📬 Contact for Questions
- Dr. Stefan Frank – stefan.frank@thuenen.de
- Bärbel Tiemeyer – baerbel.tiemeyer@thuenen.de
🌎 Be Part of Germany’s Green Future
Join a leading climate research team and help shape Germany’s sustainable land-use strategies—one peatland at a time. If you’re ready to advance your research career while making a real environmental impact, don’t miss this opportunity at the Thünen Institute.