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.

This opportunity is ideal for graduates passionate about sustainable agriculture, climate change, food innovation, and environmental science, with the added advantage of substantial research funding and global mobility support.

About the PhD Programme in Agrifood and Environmental Sciences

This prestigious doctoral programme aims to train future researchers and innovators who can address complex challenges in the agricultural, food, and environmental sectors. Through multidisciplinary research and access to cutting-edge technologies, students will gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in areas such as:

• Smart agriculture and food production
• Environmental modeling and climate resilience
• AI and machine learning in natural systems
• Sustainable land use and urban planning

The programme is designed to meet the growing global demand for scientists who can translate advanced scientific knowledge into practical solutions for commercial agrifood enterprises and policy-making bodies.

Key Benefits of This Funded PhD Opportunity

• Total Positions: 20 PhD seats available
• Scholarships: 18 positions with full funding
• Global Exposure: Up to 50% increase in grant for international research (12–18 months abroad)
• Research Grant: €4,887+ allocated to each PhD student for project expenses
• Research Fields: 12+ specialized topics in agrifood systems, climate science, entomology, artificial intelligence, and environmental management
• Application Deadline: June 12, 2025 at 4:00 PM CET

Who Is Eligible?

Candidates from any nationality with a relevant Master’s degree (or equivalent qualification) are encouraged to apply. Final-year Master’s students expecting to graduate by October 31, 2025 are also eligible.

Featured Research Topics for 2025

Applicants can choose from a wide range of research areas, including:

• Sustainable agriculture using Black Soldier Fly (BSF)
• Advanced wine analysis and sensory evolution
• Smart irrigation through Physics-Informed Machine Learning
• Urban forestry and climate-resilient landscape planning
• Modeling temperature extremes in a warming planet
• AI-driven environmental simulations
• Financial and risk modeling for climate adaptation in agriculture

Note: Candidates must select specific scholarship topics and submit tailored research proposals during the application process.

Selection Criteria and Evaluation

Applicants will be evaluated based on:

• Academic Background: Max 40 points
• Oral Interview (in English): Max 60 points
• Qualification Threshold: Minimum of 60/100 required to be considered

How to Apply – Step-by-Step Guide

1. Apply Online via the official Doctoral Application Portal at UniTrento
2. Application Fee: €30 (payable via PagoPA system)
3. Required Documents:
   • Passport or national ID
   • Academic transcripts
   • Curriculum Vitae (Europass format recommended)
   • Summary of Master’s thesis
   • Statement of Purpose
   • Detailed research proposal(s)

Why Choose the University of Trento for Your PhD?

• Top-ranked university in Italy with global academic partnerships
• Collaborations with FEM, FBK, Laimburg Research Centre, and private industry leaders
• Campus located in Trentino, a picturesque region surrounded by the Italian Alps and vineyards
• Strong career prospects in academia, research institutions, NGOs, and agri-tech industries

Application Summary

Criteria	Details
Application Deadline	June 12, 2025 (4:00 PM CET)
Eligibility	Master’s degree or equivalent
Language Requirement	English proficiency required
Number of Positions	20 (18 fully funded scholarships)
International Research Stay	Up to 12–18 months
Research Funding	€4,887+ per student

Final Thoughts

If you’re driven by goals like food security, climate adaptation, or AI for sustainable development, this fully funded PhD in Italy is a remarkable opportunity to advance your research career in one of Europe’s top universities. With strong institutional support, an international environment, and hands-on fieldwork, the University of Trento PhD programme in Agrifood and Environmental Sciences offers a gateway to impactful global careers.

Apply before June 12, 2025, and join a diverse academic community committed to solving real-world environmental and agricultural challenges.

Useful Links & Contact

• University of Trento – PhD Portal
• For questions, contact the doctoral office via the official website