Doctoral Position – Drought Vulnerability of Mycorrhiza

About the role

The Functional Forest Ecology lab at the University of Hamburg invites applications for a fully funded four‑year PhD position. The research focuses on the vulnerability of mycorrhizal functions in beech forests of southwestern Germany under drought conditions.

Key responsibilities

• Investigate mycorrhizal community structure, soil exploration patterns, and root‑tip specific enzyme activities.
• Conduct drought mesocosm and root exudation experiments in collaboration with Imperial College London and Kew Gardens.
• Perform fieldwork in Baden‑Württemberg forests and coordinate international research stays.
• Publish findings in peer‑reviewed journals and present results at national and international conferences.

Required profile

• Excellent university degree (Master) in a relevant biological or environmental science.
• Strong background in mycorrhizal ecology, root ecology, or plant physiology.
• Experience with bioinformatics, biogeochemical analyses, or drought experiments is advantageous.
• Team‑oriented, proactive, and comfortable with interdisciplinary research.
• Fluent written and spoken German and/or English.

Required skills

• Mycorrhizal ecology
• Root ecology
• Plant physiology
• Bioinformatics tools
• Biogeochemical analysis techniques
• Drought mesocosm experimental methods
• Enzyme activity assays
• Soil exploration methods

What we offer

• Fully funded four‑year doctoral contract with benefits.
• Opportunities for international collaboration and research stays in the UK.
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art laboratory facilities and field sites.
• Support for publishing and conference participation.