Research Associate for the Project “C-SCALE” Functional plant traits in Nordic salt marshes § 28 Subsection 3 HmbHG

Institution: Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Department of Biology, Applied Plant Ecology

Salary level: EGR. 13 TV-L

Start date: 01.12.2026 pending approval of external funding, fixed until 30.11.2029 (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).

Application deadline: 2026-08-30

Scope of work: part-time

Weekly hours: 65 % of standard work hours per week

Your responsibilities

Duties include academic services in the project named above. Research associates may also pursue further academic qualifications outside of their work responsibilities. They may also pursue doctoral studies outside of working duties.

General information about C-SCALE:

Salt marshes are globally important carbon sinks, yet their climate change mitigation potential remains uncertain. This is especially true in northern and high-latitude regions, where data on carbon stocks, sequestration rates, and non-CO₂ greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes are scarce. C-SCALE addresses these gaps through a coordinated assessment of carbon and GHG dynamics across a continental-scale European latitudinal gradient, spanning from the temperate Wadden Sea (54°N) to arctic Svalbard (78°N). Comprehensive field measurements of abiotic, vegetation, and microbial parameters will be used to develop standardized, easily measurable proxy indicators to constrain predictions of carbon stocks, sequestration rates, and GHG fluxes across remote high-latitude regions.

Complementary ex situ experiments will quantify the responses of soil carbon stock stability and plant productivity to global change. The subproject of the University of Hamburg (“Functional Plant Ecology”) conducts field studies to investigate the vegetation composition of salt marshes along the environmental gradients under consideration and records specific plant traits of characteristic plant species in the field. Furthermore, controlled climate change experiments are being conducted with plant species collected from the study areas in climate chambers, greenhouses, and/or tidal basins to quantify the influence of changing temperatures and flooding regimes on functional plant traits and carbon release via root exudation.

Specific information on the research idea of the position:

The doctoral researcher will be a member of the lab of Applied Plant Ecology at the University of Hamburg and investigate vegetation communities and plant traits in salt marshes. The research includes field-based research along the latitudinal gradients from the Wadden Sea in Germany to Svalbard in Norway. In addition, laboratory and/or mesocosm experiments should be conducted to analyse single and interactive effects of hydrology and on climate functional plant trait plasticity. The research carried out is thought to be the basis of a doctorate.

Your profile

A university degree in a relevant field.

A university (MSc) degree in a relevant field, i.e., Biology, Geosciences, or Environmental Sciences. The successful candidate should have knowledge and experience in plant and vegetation ecology, wetland ecology and/or coastal ecology.

We offer

Reliable remuneration based on wage agreements

Continuing education opportunities

University pensions

Attractive location

Flexible working hours

Work-life balance opportunities

Health management, EGYM Wellpass

Educational leave

30 days of vacation per annum

Universität Hamburg—University of Excellence is one of the strongest research educational institutions in Germany. Our work in research, teaching, educational and knowledge exchange activities is fostering the next generation of responsible global citizens ready to tackle the global challenges facing us. Our guiding principle “Innovating and Cooperating for a Sustainable Future in a digital age” drives collaboration with academic and nonacademic partner institutions in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region and around the world. We would like to invite you to be part of our community to work with us in creating sustainable and digital change for a dynamic and pluralist society.

The University of Hamburg is committed to equity. Diversity enriches our university life, whether in our studies, research, teaching, education, or workplace. We therefore welcome all applications, regardless of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic or social background, age, religion or belief, disability, or chronic illness.

Severely disabled and disabled applicants with the same status will receive preference over equally qualified non-disabled applicants.

Notice regarding the background check under Section 34a of the Hamburg security clearance act (Gesetz zur Regelung der Sicherheitsüberprüfungen, HmbSÜG): On behalf of the person chosen in the selection procedure, this office submits an inquiry to the state office for the protection of the constitution (Landesamt für Verfassungsschutz) regarding any available findings/information which meet the statutory requirements ( and ).

Instructions for applying

Contact

Kai Jensen

Claudia Mählmann

Location

Ohnhorststraße 18
22609 Hamburg

Reference number

224

Application deadline

2026-08-30

Use only the online application form to submit your application with the following documents:

• cover letter
• CV
• copies of degree certificate(s)

If you experience technical problems, send an email to .

More information on in selection procedures.