Research Associate (m/f/d)/Doctoral student position in Soil Chemistry

In the framework of the project “Energy Structures – Energy Sustains Dissipative Structures in Soil Systems ” (https://soilsystems.net/projects-partners/2-p1-energy-structures/), funded by the DFG, the RPTU Landau and the Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research (UFZ) offers a PhD student position in Soil chemistry, with the earliest possible starting date in January 2026 and a project duration of three years. 

Your area of ​​responsibility:

In the Energy Structures project, you will explore how the input of energy through organic substrates controls the formation and transformation of dissipative structures in the soil microbiome, and thereby their influence on matter and energy fluxes in soils. The aim is to quantify these fluxes and assess their efficiency and limitations through combined experiments and thermokinetic modeling. This work will contribute to a better understanding of the stabilization of organic matter and the carbon balance of soils.

To this end, you will apply and further develop several physicochemical analytical techniques – such as isothermal microcalorimetry (IMC), thermogravimetry-differential scanning calorimetry–quadrupole mass spectrometry (TG-DSC-QMS), bomb calorimetry, and respirometry—available at UFZ Leipzig and RPTU Landau. These measurements will be complemented by chemical analyzes of carbon fluxes using ¹³C tracers, PLFA, biomarkers, and elemental analysis.

Using the combined dataset, you will apply thermodynamic modeling approaches – both equilibrium and non-equilibrium – to characterize how energy inputs shape microbial activity, carbon cycling, and the emergence of structured dynamics in soil systems. The project will be conducted in close collaboration with project partners contributing additional expertise in microbial community analysis and ecosystem modeling.

We offer:

  • Top level interdisciplinary research at both research center and university which enjoys an excellent reputation within Germany as well as internationally
  • Excellent technical facilities
  • Work in inter-disciplinary and multinational teams
  • Excellent links to national and international research networks
  • Support and optimal training courses by our graduate school (HIGRADE) at the UFZ and ZGaPL at the RPTU

Your requirements profile:

  • Bachelor AND Master degree in soil science, physical chemistry, chemistry, biochemistry, biology, environmental sciences or equivalent field
  • Strong interest in complex and interdisciplinary relationships in soil systems
  • Openness to incorporate modeling and ecological aspects into your research
  • Prior experience (an advantage but not required) in calorimetry, thermodynamics, soil science, environmental microbiology, or isotope tracer experiments
  • Willingness to work in an interdisciplinary and international team
  • Willingness to learn new topics
  • Very good skills in English, both written and spoken

The work location is equally split between the RPTU in Landau (32.5%) and the UFZ in Leipzig (32.5%); the successful candidate will spend half of project duration at the RPTU Campus Landau and the other half at the UFZ Leipzig, collaborating closely with a second PhD student based at Trier University.

Application

We look forward to receiving your detailed application (CV, references, etc.) by September 30, 2025 at the latest. Please submit your application using the “Online Application” via our application portal https://jobs.rptu.de/jobposting/8616638a94dd6ffb1cb0b23b4d1dce553c32fd4f0