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The University of Rostock offers a diverse, varied and challenging position in a tradition-conscious, yet innovative, modern and family-friendly university in a lively city by the sea.

At the Faculty of Agriculture, Civil Engineering and Environment, Chair of Soil Sciences, subject to allocation of funds, we are filling the following position as of 01.07.2026 on a temporary basis for the duration of the project "WETSCAPES 2.0" ending on 31.12.2028:

Research Assistant (m/f/d) - Soil Sciences

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Start date
as of 01.07.2026
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Working hours
 full-time with 40 hours
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Remuneration pay group 13 TV-L
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Location Rostock
Tender number
 P 67/2026
Limitation limited until 31.12.2028
Application time 2026-06-17

Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information:

HR department:

Anja Kunert
Phone number: 0381/498-1296
E-mail: anja.kunert@uni-rostock.de

Department:

Prof. Dr. Sara Bauke
Phone number: 0381/498-3120
E-mail: sara.bauke@uni-rostock.de

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher with a strong interest in biogeochemical processes in peat soils. Our goal is to characterize phosphorus and sulfur dynamics in rewetted percolation and coastal fens and, through microcosm studies, to investigate nutrient release from old peat layers under carbon priming as well as nutrient sequestration in new peat layers. To this end, we will combine analyses of enzyme activity and stable isotope tracers—as indicators of phosphorus and sulfur dynamics—with hydrophysical data to estimate nutrient fluxes within peat profiles and rewetted peatland landscapes.

THESE ARE YOUR TASKS:

  • research on nutrient storage and release in rewetted peat soils as part of the WETSCAPES 2.0 consortium, with the aim of advancing one’s academic qualifications (preparing a scientific publication, preparing for a postdoctoral qualification)
  • collecting soil samples in field experiments
  • setting up and maintaining microcosm experiments
  • analyzing concentrations of nutrients and dissolved organic matter, as well as the release potential through enzymatic activity
  • developing methods for analyzing oxygen stable isotopes in soil and water samples as tracers for nutrient cycling in peatlands
  • analyzing data and performing isotope modeling
  • presenting results at international conferences and publishing in relevant peer-reviewed journals
  • collaborative experimental work with other doctoral and postdoctoral researchers within the framework of WETSCAPES 2.0

THIS MAKES YOU A GOOD FIT:

  • a completed university degree (state examination, diploma, master’s degree, or equivalent) in soil science, biogeochemistry, biogeosciences, environmental sciences, or a related field, with at least a good grade
  • a completed doctoral degree in the above-mentioned fields
  • excellent knowledge of biogeochemical nutrient cycles, preferably in peatland ecosystems
  • experience in the application of stable isotope analysis as a tracer for nutrient cycling in soil
  • ability to design and conduct laboratory and field experiments, including sampling campaigns
  • very good self-management skills as well as the ability to document and communicate results
  • very good written and spoken English skills, basic knowledge of the German language or the willingness to acquire it quickly
  • minimum physical fitness required for laboratory work and for conducting field experiments
  • strong willingness to collaborate in an international and interdisciplinary team
  • a Class B driver’s license is desirable

WE AS AN EMPLOYER:

Equal opportunities are important to us. We welcome applications from suitable severely disabled people or people from traditionally underrepresented groups. We aim to increase the proportion of women in research and teaching and therefore encourage suitably qualified women to apply. We welcome applications from people of other nationalities or with a migration background.

WE OFFER YOU:

FURTHER INFORMATION:

We will determine the experience level individually, taking into account your previous professional experience.

If you would like to work part-time in this position, this is possible subject to the requirements of the position.

The temporal limitation of the employment relationship is based on § 2 (1) Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz.

Please note that an (extended) certificate of good conduct must be submitted upon recruitment.

We look forward to receiving your application (cover letter, CV, degree certificate stating your final grade) by 17.06.2026 at the latest. We can only consider applications received via our homepage. Please send us your documents via the ‘Online application’ button at the end of a job offer. Unfortunately, we cannot accept e-mail applications.

Incomplete application documents may not be considered in the further course of the selection process.

Unfortunately, we can not cover application and travel costs.

Become part of the team

The Collaborative Research Center “WETSCAPES 2.0,” funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), brings together the expertise of the University of Greifswald, the University of Rostock, the IGB Berlin, the GFZ Potsdam, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, the MPI for Biogeochemistry in Jena, and Humboldt University of Berlin. The focus of WETSCAPES 2.0 is on the functional understanding of rewetted fens, including coastal fens, in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The rewetting of formerly drained and often agriculturally used lowland fens leads to the development of novel ecosystems that differ from natural bogs and have remained largely unexplored to date. For more information on the overarching research questions, the individual topics, and the contact persons, please visit https://wetscapes2.uni-greifswald.de

We look forward to receiving your application!