4-year Doctoral Position: Drought Vulnerability of Mycorrhiza in the Forest Floor

About the role

The Functional Forest Ecology lab at the University of Hamburg invites applications for a fully funded four‑year PhD position starting in October 2026. The project investigates how drought affects mycorrhizal functions in beech forests of southwestern Germany, in collaboration with Imperial College London and Kew Gardens.

Key responsibilities

• Analyse mycorrhizal community structure and root‑tip specific enzyme activities.
• Conduct soil exploration and drought mesocosm experiments.
• Perform root exudation studies and biogeochemical analyses.
• Publish findings in peer‑reviewed journals and present at international conferences.
• Undertake fieldwork in Baden‑Württemberg forests and research stays in the UK.

Required profile

• Excellent university degree (M.Sc. or equivalent) in ecology, plant science, soil science or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of mycorrhizal ecology, root ecology or plant physiology.
• Proactive, team‑oriented attitude and interest in interdisciplinary research.
• Fluent written and spoken German and/or English.

Required skills

• Bioinformatics
• Biogeochemical analysis
• Drought experiment design
• Mycorrhizal community analysis
• Root ecology methods
• Plant physiology techniques
• Soil exploration methods
• Enzyme activity assays

What we offer

• Fully funded doctoral contract with benefits for four years.
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art laboratory facilities.
• Opportunities for international collaboration and fieldwork.
• Support for publishing and conference participation.