Book a call
Book a call

Fully Funded 4 Year PhD in Forest Ecology – University of Hamburg, Germany (Drought Vulnerability of Mycorrhizal Functions, Start: October 2026)

PhD position

8/7/2026

The University of Hamburg is offering a fully funded 4‑year PhD position in Forest Ecology within the Functional Forest Ecology Laboratory (Institute of Wood Science, Department of Biology). The project, titled “Drought Vulnerability of Mycorrhizal Functions in the Forest Floor,” is part of the prestigious DFG Research Unit “Forest Floor: Functioning, Dynamics, and Vulnerability in a Changing World.”

This is a salaried Research Associate (PhD candidate) position under the German E13 TV‑L pay scale (65% of full‑time), with a planned start on 1 October 2026 and a contract running until 30 September 2030.

Position snapshot

  • Position: Research Associate (PhD Candidate) – “Drought Vulnerability of Mycorrhizal Functions in the Forest Floor”

  • Institution: University of Hamburg, Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Department of Biology, Institute of Wood Science

  • Location: Hamburg, Germany (with fieldwork in Baden‑Württemberg forests and research stays in the UK)

  • Programme: Structured PhD in Forest Ecology / Plant–Fungal Interactions / Ecosystem Resilience

  • Level: PhD / Doctorate (full research degree, 4 years)

  • Funding: Fully funded – 65% E13 TV‑L salary for 4 years (approx. €2,000–€2,200 gross/month, depending on tax class and experience)

  • Start date: 1 October 2026 (or soon thereafter)

  • Deadline (official): 15 August 2026 (online application only)

  • Application portal: https://www.uni-hamburg.de/en/stellenangebote/formular.html?jobID=c254e677620066ddf313b9f53d6b893ebc317063 (reference number 201)


About the research project

The project investigates how mycorrhizal fungi—critical symbiotic partners of forest trees—respond to recurring drought stress and changing environmental conditions, and how these responses affect nutrient cycling, soil health, and overall forest resilience.

The PhD candidate will work within the Functional Forest Ecology lab, which focuses on biogeochemical cycles of forests and other ecosystems, with a particular emphasis on belowground properties and root–microbe interactions. The position is embedded in the DFG Research Unit “Forest Floor: Functioning, Dynamics, and Vulnerability in a Changing World,” which brings together ecologists, soil scientists, and climate researchers to understand forest floor dynamics under global change.

Key research activities include:

  • Investigating drought vulnerability of mycorrhizal communities in mixed beech forests in SW Germany (Baden‑Württemberg).

  • Characterizing mycorrhizal community structure and soil exploration patterns across environmental gradients.

  • Measuring root‑tip‑specific enzyme activities to assess functional responses of mycorrhizae to drought and other stressors.

  • Collaborating in drought mesocosm and root exudation experiments to link field observations with controlled experimental data.

  • Collaborating with the Molecular Ecology lab at Imperial College London and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (UK) on molecular and functional analyses of mycorrhizal communities.

  • Publishing scientific papers in peer‑reviewed journals and presenting results at national and international conferences.

The project combines field ecology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, and climate science to answer fundamental questions about how forest ecosystems cope with increasing drought frequency and intensity.

Supervision and research environment

The PhD candidate will be supervised by Prof. Ina C. Meier (Functional Forest Ecology, University of Hamburg) and will work closely with an international team that includes researchers from Imperial College London and Kew Gardens.

The Functional Forest Ecology lab is part of a broader, interdisciplinary research environment at the University of Hamburg, with strong links to the DFG Research Unit on forest floor dynamics and to other groups working on plant–microbe interactions, biogeochemistry, and ecosystem responses to global change.

Doctoral researchers benefit from structured training, access to advanced laboratories and field sites, and opportunities for international collaboration and conference participation.

Funding and financial support

Selected candidates will receive a fully funded, salaried PhD position with the following core features:

  • Contract type: Research Associate (Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter) under § 28 Subsection 3 HmbHG, suitable for doctoral research.

  • Salary level: E13 TV‑L (German public service pay scale) at 65% of full‑time, which is standard for PhD positions in Germany and typically yields around €2,000–€2,200 gross per month (depending on tax class, experience level, and family status).

  • Duration: Fixed‑term contract from 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2030 (4 years), providing full funding for the expected duration of the PhD.

  • Benefits: Standard German employee benefits, including health insurance, pension contributions, paid leave (typically 30 days per year), and access to university facilities and training programmes.

  • Research and travel support: Access to project funds for fieldwork, laboratory analyses, conference travel, and research stays (e.g., at Imperial College London and Kew Gardens), as per DFG and university norms.

This funding model makes the position accessible to both German and international candidates, provided they meet the eligibility and enrolment requirements.

Who should apply

This position is ideal for candidates with a strong background in forest ecology, plant–fungal interactions, soil ecology, or related environmental sciences, and a clear interest in climate change impacts on ecosystem functioning.

Academic background

Applicants should hold (or be close to completing) a Master’s degree (M.Sc. or equivalent) in one of the following or closely related fields:

  • Biology

  • Environmental Sciences

  • Geosciences

  • Ecology / Plant Ecology

  • Soil Science / Biogeochemistry

  • Forestry / Forest Sciences


Skills and attributes

Ideal candidates will demonstrate:

  • Strong foundation in mycorrhizal ecology, root ecology, and/or plant physiology.

  • Experience with fieldwork in forest or terrestrial ecosystems (e.g., soil sampling, root measurements, vegetation surveys).

  • Familiarity with laboratory methods in soil/plant analysis (e.g., enzyme assays, biogeochemical analyses) and/or molecular techniques (e.g., DNA extraction, sequencing, bioinformatics).

  • Interest in drought experiments, mesocosm studies, and/or root exudation research is highly desirable.

  • Good written and spoken English and/or German (the working language of the lab and DFG unit is primarily English, but German is an asset for fieldwork and local collaboration).

  • Ability to work independently, manage long‑term field and lab projects, and collaborate effectively in an interdisciplinary, international team.

Prior research experience (e.g., Master’s thesis on mycorrhizae, forest ecology, soil–plant interactions, or related topics) is strongly recommended.

Application materials

Applications must be submitted online only via the University of Hamburg’s official application form. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

Required documents are:

  • Cover letter explaining your motivation, relevant background, and fit with the project and lab.

  • Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing education, research experience, technical skills, and any publications or relevant projects.

  • Copies of degree certificates (Bachelor’s and Master’s, or current Master’s progress if not yet completed).

  • Summary of the M.Sc. thesis (or a short description of your Master’s research if the thesis is not yet finalized).

No reference letters are explicitly required at the application stage according to the official posting, but you may optionally mention referees in your CV or cover letter if you wish.

How to apply (step‑by‑step)

  1. Review the official job posting and project description

    • Read the full vacancy on the University of Hamburg website and the Functional Forest Ecology lab page to understand the research theme, requirements, and application instructions.

    • Note the position title: “Research Associate for the Project ‘Drought Vulnerability of Mycorrhizal Functions in the Forest Floor’” and reference number 201.

  2. Prepare your application documents

    • Update your CV to highlight relevant coursework, projects, and skills in forest ecology, mycorrhizal research, fieldwork, and data analysis.

    • Draft a targeted cover letter that connects your background to the specific project (drought vulnerability of mycorrhizal functions), mentions any relevant field/lab experience, and explains your motivation for pursuing a PhD in this area.

    • Prepare scanned copies of your degree certificates and a concise summary of your Master’s thesis (1–2 pages is usually sufficient).

  3. Access the online application portal

  4. Complete the online form and upload documents

    • Fill in all required personal and academic details.

    • Upload your cover letter, CV, degree certificates, and Master’s thesis summary in the specified formats (usually PDF).

    • Double‑check that all files are correctly attached and readable before final submission.

  5. Submit before the deadline

    • Ensure your application is submitted no later than 15 August 2026.

    • The system will not accept applications after the closing date; late submissions are not considered.


Selection process and timeline

The recruitment process typically involves:

  • Initial evaluation: A committee reviews all submitted applications based on academic profile, research fit, field/lab experience, and motivation.

  • Shortlisting and interviews: Shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews (usually online) to discuss their background, research interests, and fit with the project and team.

  • Final selection and offer: Successful candidates receive formal offers and instructions for contract signing and onboarding at the University of Hamburg.


Key dates from the official call and summaries are:

  • Application deadline: 15 August 2026

  • Employment start: 1 October 2026

  • Contract end: 30 September 2030 (4‑year position)


Why this opportunity stands out

This PhD position offers a rare combination of:

  • Fully funded, salaried doctoral contract with competitive pay (E13 TV‑L, 65%, ~€2,000–€2,200 gross/month) and standard German employee benefits for 4 years.

  • A clearly defined, high‑impact research project on drought vulnerability of mycorrhizal communities, with direct relevance to forest resilience, climate change adaptation, and ecosystem functioning.

  • International collaboration with leading groups in molecular ecology at Imperial College London and Kew Gardens, offering exposure to cutting‑edge methods and a strong publication record.

  • A vibrant research environment in Hamburg, with access to excellent field sites, modern laboratories, and a strong network of ecologists, soil scientists, and climate researchers.

For candidates passionate about forest ecology, plant–fungal interactions, and the impacts of climate change on terrestrial ecosystems, this is an excellent opportunity to pursue a high‑impact PhD in one of Europe’s leading environmental research settings.

For more personalized tips or templates contact our team.

www.applywithmentors.com