PhD student (m/f/d) - project: Long-term development of greenhouse gas mitigation, yield and biodiversity of paludicultures (PaluTEB) - part-time position

Freising

Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences (HSWT)

Applied Sciences for Life – in this sense, the Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences has a unique range of subjects covering all aspects of life. Over 700 staff and 156 professors are employed at four locations (Freising, Triesdorf, Straubing, Schlachters) and work together towards a sustainable future.

The following part-time position (70%) is available at the Peatland Science Center, Campus Weihenstephan (Freising):

PhD student (m/f/d)

Reference number M837-PSC

The position is limited until December 31, 2028.

Peatlands are significant sources of greenhouse gas emissions in Germany and contributed 7.1% of total national emissions in 2022. Paludicultures are a promising nature-based solution for mitigating climate change and offer high potential for CO2 sequestration. However, the long-term sustainability and climate resilience of these systems are still poorly understood. The advertised PhD position is part of the StMELF-funded project

"Long-term development of greenhouse gas mitigation, yield and biodiversity of paludicultures (PaluTEB)".

The aim of this study is to analyse the long-term potential of various paludiculture plants for greenhouse gas reduction, carbon sequestration, sustainable biomass production and the promotion of biodiversity and to compare it with existing results from the initial establishment phase. The position serves as a scientific qualification and offers the opportunity for a doctorate within the project. A team of technical staff and volunteers will support the work.

Your area of responsibility: 

• Conducting field measurements of greenhouse gas exchange between biosphere and atmosphere using manual chamber measurements.
• Measuring soil, vegetation and meteorological control factors
• Carrying out vegetation assessments
• Preparation of input data as well as quality assurance and data processing
• Data analysis and modelling of annual greenhouse gas balances
• Writing scientific publications and contributing to project reports
• Presentation of results at national and international conferences

Your profile: 

• In-depth expertise in the fields of biogeochemistry, soil science and ecology
• Experience with peatland ecosystems and in the measurement of greenhouse gases is an advantage
• Confident handling of common IT applications and sound knowledge of the programming language R
• Experience with multivariate statistical analysis and modelling is an advantage
• Willingness to carry out physically demanding field work as part of regular field campaigns
• Team spirit, flexibility, high motivation and enjoyment of scientific work
• Willingness to learn new methods, technical skills and the ability to work independently
• A keen interest in scientific research and the intention to pursue a doctoral thesis
• excellent knowledge of German and English
• Class B driving licence

Recruitment requirements: 

You have a university degree (diploma [university] or master's degree) in geoecology, landscape ecology, meteorology, climate science, agricultural science, environmental science, forestry, soil sciences or a comparable field of study.

We offer you: 

• fair pay in accordance with the collective agreement for the public service of the federal states (TVL) with regular collectively agreed salary increases
• Allowance if you live in the Munich area, capital-forming benefits, annual special payment, company pension scheme
• Opportunities for further education and training (BayLern, language courses, individual seminars)
• Attractive fringe benefits such as canteen discount for staff, JobBike Bayern
• Free car parking and free charging of electric vehicles
• Company outings, team events, parties and events
• 30 days' holiday with a 5-day week, plus Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve off work
• Health management: mental health coaching, university sports, exercise breaks and much more
• Family-friendly working environment with flexible working hours (part-time, flexitime within the framework time) 

Further HSWT benefits for staff.

Notes: 

The position is to be filled on or after November 1, 2025. Payment will be made in accordance with the  provisions of collective bargaining law, subject to fulfilment of the personal and collective bargaining  requirements up to pay group 13 TV-L.

Severely disabled persons will be given preferential treatment if their aptitude, qualifications and professional performance are otherwise essentially equal. In this case, please enclose a copy of your severely disabled person's pass or your equal opportunities certificate. We welcome applications from all genders.

Would you like to become part of our team?

If you fulfil the requirements, we look forward to receiving your application via our online form below. 

Please apply with a cover letter, a CV in tabular form, professional or academic qualifications and qualified references. Please note that we only fill our vacancies on the basis of suitability, performance and aptitude; we can therefore only consider you in the further process if you provide us with evidence of this.

Foreign professional qualifications/foreign university degrees can only be considered if you can provide proof of equivalence/recognition. You can find the office responsible for this via the "Recognition in Germany" portal.

Please apply exclusively via the "APPLY NOW" button (Online form) by September 1, 2025 at the latest.

Applications sent by mail or email will not be considered.

For further information, please contact:

Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences (HSWT)
Am Hofgarten 4
85354 Freising 

For questions regarding the application process or recruitment: 

stellenausschreibung@hswt.de

For technical questions: 

Dr. Tim Eickenscheidt
Phone: +49 8161 71-6266
Email: tim.eickenscheidt@hswt.de

For issues relating to severely disabled persons and persons with equivalent status: 

schwerbehindertenvertetung@hswt.de