At the Institute of Botany and Landscape Ecology, Peatland Science Group, which belongs to the University of Greifswald’s Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, we have a job vacancy, subject to the allocation of funds, expected to be available beginning 01 April 2025, for a part-time position (65 %) as
Research Assistant.
The fixed-term position is limited to a period of 45 months. Payment will be made in accordance with pay group 13 TV-L Wissenschaft.
We are seeking highly motivated candidates for the establishment of the new Collaborative Research Centre “WETSCAPES2.0,” funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). WETSCAPES2.0 combines expertise from the Universities of Greifswald and Rostock, the IGB Berlin, GFZ Potsdam, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, the MPI for Biogeochemistry Jena, and the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. WETSCAPES2.0 focuses on the functional understanding of rewetted fens, including coastal peatlands. The rewetting of previously drained and often agriculturally used fens results in the development of novel ecosystems that differ from natural peatlands and are largely unexplored. In our research, we will address biogeochemical, hydrological and biological processes, focusing on water and matter fluxes within and beyond the peat body and their associated microbiological and biological drivers. In addition to site-level studies, researchers will investigate the role of rewetted fens in the landscape on the whole. For more details about the overarching research questions, specific information on this advertised position in the project B1, training programme and contact details, please visit http://www.uni-greifswald.de/wetscapes2.
You will investigate drivers of GHG exchange in rewetted fens by combining closed chamber measurements at selected sites (short intensive campaigns) with lab incubations of sampled topsoil peat and mesocosm experiments (automated chamber measurements of CO2, CH4, N2O) with a wealth of additionally recorded variables provided by the interdisciplinary collaboration. In addition, you may contribute to the analysis of GHG exchange measurements (CO2 and CH4) at core sites with eddy covariance (EC). The results shall be published in internationally renowned scientific journals and be bundled into a cumulative doctoral thesis. Doctoral researchers will gain insights into multiple aspects of this interdisciplinary project, building comprehensive knowledge of WETSCAPES2.0's research themes and specialised expertise in their chosen topic. The integrated research training group “WETSKILLS” provides structured doctoral training, preparing participants for excellent career opportunities in academia and the industry.
The Peatland Science Group works broadly on many key topics of peatland research. In addition to basic palaeo-ecological research, we conduct studies and projects on the sustainable use of peatlands (paludiculture), the recording of carbon turnover and greenhouse gas exchange in wetlands, as well as the synthesis of available data on the role of peatlands and wetlands (including coastal ecosystems) in the Earth's climate system. We combine basic research with possible applications and practical relevance. We foster flat hierarchies and active participation. We allow maximum individual freedom, enabling everyone to develop and use their creativity to achieve their best.
Tasks:
- Measure greenhouse gas exchange (CO2 and CH4) with closed chambers in the field and in the lab (incubation experiment)
- Analyse greenhouse gas exchange data measured at the mesocosm facility (CO2, CH4, N2O) and contribute to analysis of eddy covariance data gathered at core sites
- Analyse greenhouse gas data together with ancillary data measured by you and by colleagues from other projects within WETSCAPES2.0 to gain a better understanding of the drivers of greenhouse gas exchange in rewetted fen peatlands
- Publish results in internationally renowned scientific journals and achieve a doctorate
Required:
- Successfully completed M.Sc. or equivalent (or close to completion) in peatland science, soil science, landscape ecology, geography, hydrology or a comparable field
- Comprehensive understanding of the ecology of peatlands
- Very good German and English language skills
- Driving licence and willingness to travel regularly to study sites in northern Germany
Desired:
- Great interest in basic research on the topic of peatland/peatland protection
- Experience in carrying out, organising and/or analysing GHG exchange measurements
- Independent working style with hands-on mentality, team spirit, helpfulness and reliability
This vacancy is open to all persons, irrespective of gender. Severely disabled applicants with the same qualifications will be considered with preference.
In accordance with § 68(3) PersVG M-V, the Staff Council will only be involved in staff matters of the academic or artistic staff on request.
Unfortunately, application costs (e.g. travel expenses for interviews) will not be reimbursed by the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
Please note that by submitting your application, you provide your consent pursuant to data protection law for our processing of your application data. Further information about the legal bases and the use of your data can be found here.
Applications comprising all usual documents must be sent with reference to the job advertisement number 24/Wi43 by 15 January 2025, preferably via email (one PDF file), to:
Universität Greifswald
Institut für Botanik und Landschaftsökologie
Herrn Prof. Dr. Gerald Jurasinski
Soldmannstr. 15
17489 Greifswald
gerald.jurasinski@uni-greifswald.de