Research Associate / PhD Candidate (m/f/d)

The University of Bayreuth is a research-oriented university with internationally competitive and interdisciplinary profile fields in research and teaching.

At the University of Bayreuth, at the Chair of Fungal Ecology, a position is expected to be filled as of 01.05.2026 (part-time, 65%). The position is limited to 4 years.

Your tasks:

The largest part of plant and animal biomass produced in forests enters the soil compartment, and returns into nutrient cycles as dead organic matter, which is decomposed by bacteria, fungi, arthropods and other soil organisms. The structure of the forest canopy affects light, temperature and moisture conditions at ground level, and the quantity and quality of litter and dead wood produced, which thus determines decomposer biodiversity, rates of decomposition and nutrient cycling. Therefore, changes in forest management practices that alter the forest canopy can largely affect decomposers, decomposition processes and nutrient fluxes. This project aims to quantify the direct environmental (microclimate, resource availability) and indirect microbial diversity effects of Enhancement of Structural Complexity treatments on necromass decomposition at the patch (alpha), between-patch (beta) and forest district (gamma) level. A broad set of diversity measures, encompassing taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional diversity, will be employed to enhance our mechanistic understanding of microbial diversity’s relationship to decomposition processes. The project includes assessing the temporal aspects of decomposition through continuous monitoring of (i) crucial decomposer groups, specifically bacteria and fungi found in deadwood, and of (ii) decomposition rates of various necromass types, including often overlooked fungal mycelia. Finally, to evaluate the functional implications of different decomposition rates resulting from ESC treatments, we will use a tracer experiment to measure nutrient release from decomposing substrates and their subsequent uptake by plants.
We are looking for candidates (m/f/d) with a deep interest for molecular ecology and ecosystem functioning research, who appreciate intensive field work in the forest as well as lab work, and who have a good understanding of statistics. We offer a four-year TV-L 65 % contract, excellent working conditions, and an inspiring atmosphere at the Universities of Bayreuth and Freiburg.

Your Profile:

• Excellent M.Sc. degree in a project-related field (e.g. ecology, forest science, remote sensing, environmental sciences)
• Very good ecological knowledge and great interest with regard to forest biodiversity/functioning research
• Good quantitative and statistical skills in R
• Excellent communication skills in English - writing and speaking.
• Motivated to be a proactive team player in an international, interdisciplinary research consortium
• Field work experience in forests would be advantageous
• Driving license is a must; partly also a private car, if the company car is not available. (Reimbursements for private KM costs will be paid based on a flat rate per kilometer.)

What you can expect:

• Cutting-edge research projects in a real-world forest diversity experiment
• Outstanding, interdisciplinary and integrative research environment, offering many networking opportunities
• Individual supervision by internationally recognized scientists in BEF and forest biodiversity research
• Extensive data on biodiversity, forest structure, climate and ecosystem functions collected in a unique landscape experiment
• A secure position at a modern university
•  An interesting and varied role within the university environment
• Flexible working hours and the possibility of working from home within the framework of the applicable service agreement
• A constructive working atmosphere in a friendly, open-minded team
• Good compatibility of family and career
• Opportunities for personal and professional development through various training programs
• Additional advantages of public service employment, such as JobRad, attractive supplementary pension benefits with the VBL, and a wide range of health promotion offerings (e.g., health days, workshops, Active Break), as well as the opportunity to participate in a large number of different sports activities through the university sports program
• In addition to regular vacation days and the option of flexible working hours, days off on December 24 and December 31 each year

Compensation is based on TV-L.

The University of Bayreuth values the diversity of its employees and explicitly commits to the goal of gender equality. Applications from women are strongly encouraged. Applicants with children are very welcome. The University of Bayreuth is a member of the Best Practice Club “Familie in der Hochschule e.V.” and has successfully participated in the HRK audit “Internationalization of Universities.” Persons with disabilities will be given preference if equally qualified.

Please apply online with meaningful application documents by 25.02.2026, indicating the reference code “SP7” via the University of Bayreuth’s application portal. All documents will be deleted following the filling of the position in accordance with data protection regulations.

For further questions, please contact: Prof. Dr. Claus Bässler (claus.baessler@uni-bayreuth.de)