PhD Position in Plant Ecology

University of Tubingen

Date: 12.09.2025
Position: PhD student / doctoral candidate in Plant Ecology (m/f/d, E13 TV-L, 65%)
Faculty: Faculty of Science, Plant Ecology Group
Employment Level: E13 TV-L, 65%
Duration: Limited to 36 months
Application Deadline: 20.10.2025

Position Description

The Plant Ecology Group at the University of Tübingen is searching for a PhD student / doctoral candidate in Plant Ecology.

Terrestrial ecosystems are facing unprecedented rates of change due to prevailing ecological stressors such as climate change-induced droughts, as well as novel stressors and pollutants like microplastic contamination in soil. Growing evidence suggests that microplastic fragments affect soil water content and soil microbial communities, which may mitigate or exacerbate the effects of drought on soil and plants. However, the potential interactions between microplastic and drought, their long-term effects, and underlying mechanisms are largely unknown.

In this three-year project, the candidate will:

  • Investigate the effects of microplastic and drought on soil properties, soil microbial communities, and plant performance

  • Assess the legacy of these effects on plant performance across subsequent generations (plant-soil feedback)

  • Support the development of a conceptual framework for predicting the role of microplastic as a catalyst or antagonist of drought

The candidate will be part of the international and interdisciplinary Plant Ecology group at the University of Tübingen and join the EVEREST research school. The project promotes scientific independence, supports scientific qualification and career planning, and offers networking opportunities within and beyond Tübingen.

Requirements

  • MSc in Ecology, Evolution, or a related field

  • Excellent knowledge in plant and soil ecology and global change ecology

  • Experience in planning and conducting ecological experiments

  • Excellent English communication skills (spoken and written)

  • Good programming skills (e.g., in R)

  • Keen interest in plant and soil ecology, plant-soil feedback, and global change ecology

  • Ability to work independently and integrate well into a team

Application Procedure

Please send your application as a single PDF file to Dr. Sara Tomiolo at sara.tomiolo@uni-tuebingen.de. The application should include:

  • CV

  • Letter of interest (max. 1 page, including previous experience and why you are a suitable candidate)

  • Two recommendation letters (to be sent independently)

The University of Tübingen is committed to equal opportunities and diversity. Women with adequate qualifications are particularly encouraged to apply. Disabled persons with equal aptitude will be given preferential consideration. The employment process will be carried out by the central administration of the university.

Application Deadline: 20.10.2025

For questions or further discussion about the position, please contact Dr. Sara Tomiolo.

Bewerben