PhD candidate in soil science / agroforestry (all genders welcome) - project: Climate impact of agroforestry systems of different complexity in the humid tropics of Java, Indonesia

Göttingen

Georg-August-Universität Göttingen

• Stellen-ID: 76504
• Facility: Abt. Ökopedologie der Tropen und Subtropen
• Contact person: 
  Edzo Veldkamp
  eveldka@gwdg.de
  +49(0)551397339
• Date of filling: As soon as possible
• Application deadline: 26.06.2026
• Application: APPLY NOW
• PDF-Download: Click here

At the University of Göttingen - Public Law Foundation - Abt. Ökopedologie der Tropen und Subtropen, there is a position as

PhD candidate in soil science / agroforestry (all genders welcome)

Entgeltgruppe 13 TV-L / 65%

to be filled. Starting date is as soon as possible. The position is limited to 3 years.

The Soil Science of Tropical and Subtropical Ecosystems (PTS) group at the Georg-August-Universität Göttingen is offering the position of a

PhD candidate in soil science / agroforestry (all genders welcome)

in the DFG funded research project

‘Climate impact of agroforestry systems of different complexity in the humid tropics of Java, Indonesia’.

Background

Currently, there are almost no studies conducted on the climate impact of tropical agroforestry systems where measurements of carbon sequestration and non-CO2 greenhouse gas fluxes are combined. In this project, we will investigate whether the complexity of agroforestry can be used to explain variations in climate impact of different agroforestry systems in East Java, Indonesia. Along replicated gradients of agroforest systems with increasing complexity, soil greenhouse gas fluxes (using chamber method) and carbon inventories will be measured and compared to the reference (treeless) land use.

This project is in collaboration with Indonesian counterparts and includes a stay in Indonesia of approximately 15 months. The incumbent will closely collaborate with an Indonesian PhD student who will assess agroforest complexity by assessing parameters reflecting differences in stand structure, species richness and management practices. For more information see: 

https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/81309.html.

Your tasks

• Research works on assessing soil greenhouse gas fluxes in agroforestry systems of different complexity in the landscape surrounding Malang, Indonesia.
• Ordering and shipping research materials to Indonesia
• Preparation of sites in Indonesia used in the research project.
• Bi-weekly quantification of soil greenhouse gas emissions of the agroforestry and reference systems over the course of one year.
• Organisation and implementation of field works on the participating farms and laboratory works to prepare samples for analyses.
• Statistical analysis of collected data.
• Publication of the scientific results in peer-reviewed journals as well as presentation at national and international scientific conferences and practical seminars
• Collaboration (i.e. sharing data and synchronizing field works) with other participants in the project, especially with our Indonesia counterparts.

 Your Profile 

• Master’s degree in soil science, geo-ecology, forestry, agriculture or related discipline with excellent grades from an international recognized University.
• Research focus on soil greenhouse gas fluxes, soil organic carbon and/or soil nutrient cycling.
• Good knowledge of ecological statistics (using R).
• Interest to collaborate with other researchers in this interdisciplinary project; willingness to learn Bahasa Indonesia.
• Enthusiasm for research in the field of integrative and interdisciplinary land use sciences.
• Proficiency in English; knowledge of German and/or Bahasa Indonesia will be an advantage.
• Driving license (Class B).

 The position should serve the qualification of young academics and offers the possibility of PhD.

Please submit a letter of motivation, CV with copies of certificates and contacts of references. 

Information about the Soil Science (PTS) group can be found at http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/67070.html.

The University of Göttingen is an equal opportunities employer and places particular emphasis on fostering career opportunities for women. Qualified women are therefore strongly encouraged to apply in fields in which they are underrepresented. The university has committed itself to being a family-friendly institution and supports their employees in balancing work and family life.

The University is particularly committed to the professional participation of severely disabled employees and therefore welcomes applications from severely disabled people. In the case of equal qualifications, applications from people with severe disabilities will be given preference. A disability or equality is to be included in the application in order to protect the interests of the applicant.

Please upload your application in one pdf file including the usual documents until 6/26/2026 on the application portal of the university using this link: 

APPLY NOW.

For more information get in touch with Edzo Veldkamp directly via E-Mail: eveldka@gwdg.de, Tel. 0551397339.

Please note:

With submission of your application, you accept the processing of your applicant data in terms of data-protection law. Further information on the legal basis and data usage is provided in the Information General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)