At the Institute of Botany and Landscape Ecology, Peatland Science Group of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at the University of Greifswald, there is a job vacancy that is available, subject to budgetary regulations, for next possible appointment for a 55% position as
Research Fellow (Pre/Post-Doc).
The contract is limited until 31 July 2029. Payment shall be made in accordance with pay group 13 TV-L Wissenschaft. An increase of 25% (i.e. providing an 80% position in total) is currently secured until June 30, 2026. Depending on the achievement of milestones and a positive interim evaluation of the MOOReturn project (see below), the increase may also be granted beyond this date.
The Peatland Science Group works broadly on many key topics of peatland research. In addition to basic palaeo-ecological research, studies and projects on the sustainable use of peatlands (paludiculture), the recording of carbon turnover and greenhouse gas exchange as well as the synthesis of available data on the role of peatlands and peatland sites in the Earth's climate system play an important role. Landscape-ecological peatland research is fundamentally co-operative and interdisciplinary. We combine basic research with possible applications and practical relevance. Its strength lies in the breadth and integration of research with the implementation of rewetting and peatland restoration.
The position advertised here will bundle and process expertise and knowledge on paludiculture across two research projects and expand it in dialogue with cooperation partners and stakeholders. The larger part of the position is located in the PaluWise project. This EU project aims to pool experience in demonstration areas with the participation of various interest groups to produce recommendations and thus promote implementation at an EU level. The MOOReturn project, which is based in MV, aims in particular to further develop and expand the value chain for wet meadow biomass. The implementation and study areas involved, as well as other paludiculture areas in MV, are also experience areas in the sense of the PaluWise project.
We are looking for a person with a profound peatland background and experience in the development and implementation of paludicultures.
Tasks:
- Research into possible peatland plants, preparation of relevant literature including analysis of various plant cultures, suppliers of seeds, seedlings or other propagation material, ideal methods for harvesting, stock establishment and maintenance and biomass utilization
- Development of a concept for a peatland- and climate-friendly paludiculture and a regional technology concept including investigations of the accompanying harvest and biomass parameters
- Technical support and evaluation of the demonstration phase (implementation) including advice to the farmers, technical support for the optimization of management
- Evaluation of the development of paludicultures (biomass properties, etc.) including concepts for documentation to ensure comparable data
- Communication of results in dialogue with stakeholders and the public as well as acting as an interface between national and European projects
- Development of a standardized data collection method for monitoring the most important performance variables of paludicultures
- Contribution to the development of guidelines for the initiation of paludiculture including value chains to improve sustainability
- Publication of results in relevant scientific journals
Requirements:
- Completed scientific university degree in landscape ecology, biology, agricultural sciences or equivalent
- Comprehensive understanding of peatland ecology and rewetting and paludiculture
- Very good knowledge of German and English
- Driving license and willingness to travel regularly to the study sites in northern Germany and to travel in Europe to network with European partners
Desirable are
- Strong interest in applied research on peatland/peatland protection
- Experience with the investigation and/or development of paludiculture approaches including considerations along value chains
- Independent working style with hands-on mentality, team spirit, helpfulness and reliability
The position is open to all persons, irrespective of gender. Severely disabled applicants with the same qualifications will be considered with preference. According to § 68(3) PersVG M-V, the Staff Council will only be involved in staff matters of the academic or artistic staff on request.
Please only submit copies of your application documents as they cannot be returned. 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.
Please send your application with the usual documents via email (one PDF file), with reference to job advertisement number 25/Wi15 by 15.05.2025 to:
Universität Greifswald
Institut für Botanik und Landschaftsökologie
Prof. Dr. Gerald Jurasinski
Soldmannstr. 15
17489 Greifswald
gerald.jurasinski@uni-greifswald.de