Research Assistant (Postdoc) Position in Soil and Water Ecosystems – University of Marburg – Germany

Summary

The University of Marburg seeks a part‑time, fixed‑term postdoctoral researcher (75% workload) for three years to join the Soil and Water Ecosystems group in the Department of Geography. The role focuses on biogeochemical processes in alpine and mountain ecosystems, emphasizing organic carbon dynamics, field sampling, laboratory analysis, and data‑driven modeling. Funding is provided by the German Research Foundation (DFG). The candidate must hold a PhD in a relevant environmental or earth science discipline, possess extensive field and laboratory experience, and be proficient in R and Python for statistical and machine learning analyses. The position offers integration into an international research consortium and opportunities to contribute to high‑impact publications and conferences.

Key Facts

Department	Department of Geography
Position Type	Part-time Fixed-term Postdoctoral Research Position
Discipline	Environmental Sciences
Research Area	Soil and Water Ecosystems
Degree Required	PhD
Salary	TV-H E 13 (75%)
Funding	DFG (German Research Foundation)
Contract Duration	3 years

About the Project

The project investigates biogeochemical processes in alpine and mountain watersheds, focusing on organic carbon sources, cycling, and transport. It combines intensive field sampling, high‑resolution hydrochemical measurements, advanced spectroscopic analyses, and data‑driven modeling, including machine‑learning approaches, to understand climate change impacts on carbon dynamics across hillslope‑riparian‑stream continua.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct field sampling campaigns in alpine regions
• Coordinate and quality‑assure laboratory hydrochemical analyses
• Perform statistical analysis and machine‑learning modeling of biogeochemical data
• Manage research datasets following FAIR principles
• Prepare and submit peer‑reviewed manuscripts and conference presentations
• Participate in international consortium meetings and collaborations
• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to grant proposals
• Support laboratory and field logistics and health‑safety compliance

Required Skills

• Field sampling and equipment operation in challenging terrain
• Hydrochemical measurement and spectroscopic analysis (UV‑VIS, fluorescence)
• R programming for statistical analysis and visualization
• Python programming for modeling tools
• Machine‑learning methods applied to environmental data
• Data management and FAIR‑compliant archiving
• Project coordination and logistics planning
• Strong scientific writing and publication record

Who Should Apply

Applicants with a PhD in environmental sciences, geography, biogeochemistry, soil science, hydrology, or related fields, who have strong field‑work experience in mountainous terrain, laboratory analytical skills, and proficiency in R and Python for data analysis.

About the Employer

The University of Marburg, founded in 1527, is one of Germany's oldest universities with about 22,000 students. Its Department of Geography conducts research in physical, environmental, and human geography, emphasizing fieldwork, laboratory capabilities, and international collaborations. The Soil and Water Ecosystems group focuses on biogeochemistry, organic carbon cycling, and mountain ecosystem processes, offering mentorship and integration into European research networks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the contract duration?

The contract is for 3 years.

What is the employment type?

Part‑time Fixed‑term Postdoctoral Research Position (75% workload).

What is the source of funding?

The position is funded by the DFG (German Research Foundation).