Location: Luxembourg

Start Date: Between September and December 2025
Program Duration: 4 years
Funding: Fully funded with competitive benefits

Why This PhD Research Matters

Forests play a critical role as carbon sinks, but their carbon storage capacity is under increasing threat due to droughts, tree mortality, and ecosystem degradation. While carbon uptake by forests is widely researched, carbon export via runoff—especially in the form of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and CO₂—remains less understood.

This PhD project aims to:

• Quantify and trace carbon fluxes under drought conditions in forest ecosystems
• Improve the accuracy of carbon budgeting models
• Contribute essential data to global climate models and climate adaptation strategies

What You’ll Do as a PhD Researcher

As part of an international, interdisciplinary research team, your core responsibilities will include:

Investigating biogeochemical carbon fluxes in headwater forest catchments
Using radiocarbon (¹⁴C) dating and isotopic tracing (δ¹³C, δ¹⁸O) to identify carbon sources
Working on a live drought simulation at the Weierbach experimental catchment
Managing field sensors for DOC and dissolved CO₂ monitoring
Conducting water sampling and laboratory analyses
Modeling carbon transport and turnover using field and lab data
Collaborating with international partners in Sweden (SWE), France (INRAE), and the University of Luxembourg

This project is ideal for candidates who enjoy a mix of fieldwork, lab analysis, and computational modeling.

Who Should Apply?

This opportunity is perfect for candidates who are motivated to solve real-world environmental challenges and work on climate change mitigation strategies.

Minimum Qualifications:

• MSc in Hydrology, Environmental Science, Soil Science, or related fields
• Strong interest in carbon and water cycles
• Experience in field research and laboratory work
• Basic programming skills (preferably in R or Python)
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities
• Valid B driving license
• C1 English proficiency (written and spoken)
• Willingness to work in an international, multidisciplinary research environment

Why Choose LIST?

The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology is a world-class Research and Technology Organization (RTO). It provides a dynamic and inclusive environment with state-of-the-art research facilities and international collaboration opportunities.

Benefits Include:

• Competitive fully funded PhD package
• 32 days annual leave
• 13-month salary structure
• Public healthcare coverage
• Meal vouchers
• Flexible working hours and hybrid work options
• Diversity-friendly workplace (over 50 nationalities represented)
• Mentorship and professional development programs
• Family- and female-friendly work environment

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online. Email applications will not be accepted.

Required Documents:

• A tailored motivation letter for this PhD position
• Scientific CV with up-to-date contact details
• List of publications and/or patents (if applicable)
• Contact details of two academic referees

Submit Your Application Here (Insert the official application link)

Note: Admission to the University of Luxembourg requires official diploma recognition and a small semester fee (~€200).

About the FORFUS Doctoral Training Unit

This PhD is one of 13 prestigious positions within the FORFUS DTU, which focuses on:

• Below-ground carbon and nutrient processes
• Tree and canopy physiological responses
• Remote sensing and ecosystem monitoring
• Predicting forest function under climate stress

As a PhD researcher, you’ll collaborate closely with postdocs, senior scientists, and fellow doctoral candidates tackling the urgent environmental issues affecting European forests.

Be Part of Climate Solutions

If you’re ready to tackle one of the most pressing challenges of our time—climate change and forest ecosystem sustainability—this PhD opportunity is for you.

Join a world-class research team and make a lasting impact on carbon modeling, hydrology, and environmental policy.

Apply now and start your journey toward scientific excellence and global sustainability.