The University of Hamburg, Germany, invites applications for a full-time Postdoctoral Fellowship (Research Associate) in Ecological Network Analysis and Carbon Cycling. This position is embedded within the DFG-funded Research Training Group “Biota-Mediated Effects on Carbon Cycling in Estuaries” (RTG2530), beginning on April 1, 2026, and running through March 31, 2029.
The postdoctoral researcher will lead the project “Ecological Network Synthesis across Ecosystem Boundaries” (PP1), focusing on synthesizing interaction data from terrestrial and aquatic subsystems in the Elbe Estuary. Using ecological network theory, the researcher will develop metanetwork and multilayer network models to capture cross-boundary biota-mediated effects on carbon cycling.
Key Position Details
- Institution: University of Hamburg, Germany
- Duration: Fixed-term until March 31, 2029
- Compensation: E13 TV-L scale (German public service wage agreement, full-time)
- Start Date: April 1, 2026
- Application Deadline: March 6, 2026
- Reference Number: 48
Candidate Qualifications & Skills
Required:
- A PhD in Ecology, Environmental Modeling, Systems Biology, or a related quantitative natural science discipline.
- Strong quantitative background, including advanced statistics, ecological modeling, and experience handling diverse biological datasets.
- Familiarity with network analysis methods or graph theory.
- A proven record of peer-reviewed scientific publications (including first-author papers).
Desirable:
- Experience integrating both aquatic and terrestrial ecological data.
- Knowledge of estuarine biology and carbon cycle processes.
- Experience in programming languages (such as R or Python) and reproducible workflows.
What the University of Hamburg Offers
- Opportunities for funded international research stays and visits with global scholars.
- Excellent academic infrastructure and support for interdisciplinary science.
- 30 days of annual leave, flexible hours, and comprehensive work-life balance programs.
- University pension scheme, health management, and continuing education.
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted by March 6, 2026, referencing Reference Number 48. Candidates should check the University of Hamburg official recruitment portal or submit their documents directly via email to the contact persons.
For inquiries and application coordination, contact the supervisors: Prof. Jochen Fründ or Prof. Nicole Aberle-Malzahn. Detailed contact information and official application instructions can be found on the University of Hamburg jobs portal.