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 are seeking applications for the position of a
Research Fellow
starting from 1 April 2025 for a period of 45 months. Payment will be made in accordance with pay group 13 TV-L Wissenschaft. The position is also suitable for part-time employment.
We are seeking highly motivated candidates for the newly established 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 topics, training programme and contact details, please visit www.uni-greifswald.de/wetscapes2.
You will address the quantification of four key ecosystem functions of peatlands, i.e. the storage of C, nutrients, water and information, all of which provide services to humans. You will develop a conceptual model of fen peat formation, describing peat growth after rewetting, explicitly considering that rewetted peatlands are novel ecosystems. To that end, you will characterise and quantify multiple functions, including hydro-physical and geochemical processes that control the storage functions of peat in close interdisciplinary collaboration with many of the WETSCAPES2.0 colleagues. Your task will be to integrate data and findings from several doctoral research projects.
Early career researchers holding a doctoral degree in one of the project’s research fields will find excellent opportunities to further develop their professional competencies and research record. Postdoctoral researchers will have responsibilities in leading and advancing the research topics through interdisciplinary collaboration within the cluster, including joint supervision of doctoral researchers. They will have full access to all training activities of the integrated research training group “WETSKILLS”.
The Peatland Science Group works broadly on many key topics of peatland research. In addition to palaeoecological 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 the best of their abilities.
Tasks:
- Develop a conceptual model of fen peat formation after rewetting
- Characterise and quantify multiple processes that control the storage functions of the peat in close interdisciplinary collaboration within the WETSCAPES2.0 consortium
- Foster interdisciplinary collaboration, including joint supervision of doctoral researchers, with a key focus on integrating data and findings from multiple doctoral research projects
Required:
- A doctorate or equivalent (or being close to completing a doctorate) in peatland science, soil science, landscape ecology, geography, hydrology or comparable
- Experience in interdisciplinary research and conceptual and systemic approaches to ecology
- A strong publication record in leading international journals (that correspond to the career stage)
- Excellent English language skills both in oral and written communication
- Ability to work in a team environment
Desired:
- Experience with and profound knowledge of peatland ecology, palaeoecology, soil science and/or ecosystem ecology
- Affinity with the development and application of quantitative modelling approaches
- Experience in the acquisition of research funding
- Evidence of successful research collaboration with national and international researchers and stakeholders
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/Wi44 by 15 January 2025, preferably via email (one PDF file), to:
Universität Greifswald
Institut für Botanik und Landschaftsökologie
Dr. John Couwenberg
Soldmannstr. 15
17489 Greifswald