Are you an aspiring researcher eager to explore the mysteries of the ocean floor? The University of Bremen, in collaboration with MARUM – Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, invites applications for 15 fully funded PhD positions starting as early as January 1, 2026, pending final funding approval. These prestigious doctoral positions are part of the internationally recognized Cluster of Excellence: “The Ocean Floor – Earth’s Uncharted Interface.”
🌊 About the PhD Program
This competitive PhD program is designed for highly motivated early-career scientists aiming to contribute to cutting-edge research on ocean floor processes and their impact on Earth’s climate, ecosystems, and carbon cycles. The initiative is a collaboration between:
- University of Bremen
- University of Oldenburg
- Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research
- Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology
- Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research
- Constructor University
- Hanse-Wissenschaftskolleg – Institute for Advanced Study
🔬 Research Areas: Choose from Innovative Marine Science Topics
Applicants can apply for up to three project areas, selecting and ranking their priorities. Key research themes include:
- Carbon sequestration at the molecular level
- Iron cycling and organic matter dynamics
- Cold-water coral ecosystems
- Arctic hydrothermal systems
- Lateral carbon transport and fluxes
- Deep-sea petroleum seeps
- Pelagic ecosystem forecasting under climate change
Each project contributes to a deeper understanding of the ocean floor’s role in Earth’s systems and future climate scenarios.
🎓 Structured PhD Training & Support
Each successful candidate will receive a 4-year employment contract (75% TV-L/TVöD salary scale) with the expectation of completing a PhD. Benefits of the program include:
- Interdisciplinary training in geosciences, biogeochemistry, marine biology, and climatology
- Professional and transferable skill development workshops
- Research exchange visits to partner institutions
- Mentorship from globally recognized experts
- Access to a vibrant, international academic network
💼 Key Benefits
- Competitive salary based on German TV-L/TVöD 13 scale
- Full health, social insurance, and retirement benefits
- 30 days of paid vacation per year
- Flexible work hours and remote work options
- Access to wellness and mental health support programs
- Inclusive environment welcoming international and female researchers
Applicants with disabilities and equal qualifications will be given preference as part of Germany’s commitment to equal opportunity.
📅 Application Details
- Deadline to Apply: July 25, 2025
- Reference Number: A179-25
- Start Date: January 1, 2026 (subject to final funding confirmation)
🗂️ Required Documents
- Motivation letter
- Updated CV with academic certificates
- List of publications (if applicable)
- Contact details of two referees
📧 Apply via email: office-exc-oceanfloor@uni-bremen.de
📮 Or by post to:
MARUM – Center for Marine Environmental Sciences
University of Bremen
Prof. Dr. Heiko Pälike
Leobener Straße 8,
28359 Bremen, Germany
📌 Note: Do not include personal photographs. Submit only copies of documents; originals will not be returned.
🔗 Useful Links
- 🔍 Explore PhD Projects (EXC1-01 to EXC1-15)
- 🌐 Cluster of Excellence Website
- 📧 For scientific queries: Prof. Heiko Pälike – speaker-exc-oceanfloor@uni-bremen.de
- 🎓 Learn more about the Early Career Researcher Program
Boost your career in marine sciences and become part of a globally recognized research cluster tackling some of Earth’s most pressing scientific challenges. Apply today and contribute to unveiling the secrets of the ocean floor – our planet’s last uncharted frontier.