Research Position in Biodiversity Exploratories

Research position (f/m/d, E13 TV-L, 65%)

Faculty of Science, Institute of Geography

Bewerbungsfrist: 16.01.2026

The Institute of Geography, Chair of Geoecology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen offers a

Research position (f/m/d, E13 TV-L, 65%) in the DFG SPP 1374 Biodiversity Exploratories

Research Field: Land-use and biodiversity effects on phosphorus in soils and plants 
Duration: 3 years 
Payment according to TV-L 13, 65%
Starting date: 01.03.2026
Application submission deadline: 16.01.2026.

The Chair of Geoecology is seeking a highly motivated, enthusiastic junior scientist to study soil-plant- interactions in the Priority Programme Biodiversity Exploratories funded by the German Science Foundation (DFG). The Biodiversity Exploratories was established 2006-2009 and builds on a long history of biodiversity-ecosystem functioning (BEF) research (SPP 1374).

The position is integrated in Project “P-Niche” lead by Yvonne Oelmann on “Parent material and land-use intensity as driver for niche complementarity in phosphorus mobilisation between plants and microbes” with the aim to gain a doctoral degree in Geoecology. The PhD candidate will analyze phosphorus (P) in soil, microorganisms and plants. Furthermore, radioisotope approaches will be used to trace the fate of P in the plant-soil-microorganism system. This research is embedded in the overarching project aims comprising another part on P-related functional genes lead by Stefanie Schulz (Helmholtz Munich), Michael Schloter and Nadia Kamal (TU Munich). 

We are looking for a dynamic, serious, and motivated researcher with a Master degree in Geoecology, Geoscience, Physical Geography, Landscape Ecology, Environmental Sciences, Forestry, Agricultural Sciences, Biology, Geochemistry, Environmental Chemistry or related disciplines. The successful candidate should have extended knowledge of biogeochemical processes in ecosystems with a particular focus on radioisotopes or stable isotopes in the environment and laboratory experience in wet chemistry. Good communication skills and commitment to interdisciplinary research particularly focusing on environmental issues are required. Fluency in English and German is required. The successful candidate should have profound knowledge of statistics (using R) and experimental design, good writing and communication skills. 

Contact and application procedure:

Applicants should send a letter of motivation, a complete curriculum vitae including a list of publications, copies of qualifications as well as names of two references via email to yvonne.oelmannspam prevention@uni-tuebingen.de . The documents must be submitted as a single pdf.

We particularly encourage female applicants to apply for this position. It is the policy of the University of Tübingen to increase the percentage of female employees. If equally qualified, preference will be given to female applicants. Disabled persons will be preferred in case of equal qualification. International candidates are highly encouraged to apply but German language skills are recommended to interact with students, stakeholders and non-scientific staff.

If you have questions, please contact Prof. Dr. Yvonne Oelmann via email.