Research Focus: Microbial Communities, Surfactants, and Ecosystem Health

Hosted by the Department of Environmental Microbiology within the Institute for Sanitary Engineering, Water Quality and Solid Waste Management (ISWA), this ERC-backed research project investigates the ecological impacts of glyphosate-based surfactants on microbial communities essential to carbon and nitrogen cycling.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct large-scale microcosm experiments under oxic and anoxic conditions
• Analyze microbial communities using advanced statistical and bioinformatics tools
• Lead a field validation study in real-world environments
• Apply molecular techniques such as 16S rRNA sequencing, qPCR, multi-omics, gas analysis, and surfactant quantification

Who Should Apply? Ideal Postdoc Candidate Profile

This fully funded postdoctoral research position in environmental microbiology is ideal for researchers with a solid scientific background and a commitment to environmental sustainability.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Microbiology, Environmental Sciences, or a closely related discipline
• Expertise in molecular biology, microbial ecology, and field research
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams
• Strong data analysis and scientific communication skills
• Proficiency in English (spoken and written)

Preferred Skills:

• Prior publications in peer-reviewed international journals
• Experience with environmental DNA/RNA analysis workflows
• Leadership, mentoring, and organizational abilities

Position Overview

• Job Title: Postdoctoral Researcher in Environmental Microbiology
• Location: University of Stuttgart, Campus Stuttgart-Büsnau, Germany
• Employment Type: Full-time (100%)
• Salary: TV-L E13 pay scale (German public research sector)
• Start Date: October 1, 2025 (or earlier)
• Duration: 18 months
• Teaching: Not required
• Application Deadline: July 31, 2025

Why Choose the University of Stuttgart and ISWA?

The University of Stuttgart is internationally recognized for excellence in engineering, environmental research, and interdisciplinary collaboration. At ISWA, you’ll benefit from:

• A dynamic, international research environment
• State-of-the-art laboratories and experimental infrastructure
• A family-friendly and inclusive workplace with flexible work models
• Support for newcomers via the Welcome Center and Dual Career Program

Stuttgart is also a leading hub for science, technology, and innovation — offering an ideal environment for early-career researchers.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

To apply for this postdoc position in environmental microbiology, submit the following documents via the JoinUs Portal of the University of Stuttgart before July 31, 2025:

Required Documents:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Motivation Letter
• Research and Teaching Summary
• List of Publications
• Methods Overview (from previous projects)
• Contact details of academic referees

Apply Now: JoinUs Portal – University of Stuttgart

Join a Research Project That Matters

By joining this project, you’ll contribute to cutting-edge research that has real-world implications for environmental protection, microbiome resilience, and climate-relevant nutrient cycling. If you’re a motivated scientist seeking to make a lasting impact, don’t miss this chance to elevate your academic career in one of Europe’s most vibrant research ecosystems.

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.