Research Assistant (m/f/d)

Agraroecology Group

Application deadline:

The University of Bayreuth is a research-oriented university with internationally competitive, interdisciplinary focus areas in research and teaching. The Agroecology Group at the University is currently seeking a

Research Assistant (m/f/d)

to lead the DFG-Project “How mycorrhizal types and tree diversity drive soil carbon stabilization (Myco-Div)“, to commence on 15.05.2023.

The position is available for a period of three years with the aim of enabling the incumbent to complete a doctoral degree. The salary will be in accordance with pay grade 13 TV-L (65%).

The project deals with the interactions between plants and fungi (mycorrhiza) and their importance for carbon input and turnover in the soil. The focus is on the role of tree and fungal diversity for the storage of carbon in the soil.

Your responsibilities: 

  • Independent research
  • Independently plan and conduct laboratory and field studies
  • Responsibility for soil sampling and processing and chemical analyses
  • Conduct 13C labeling experiments
  • Detailed investigation of soil organic matter fractions
  • Method development and analysis of biomarker molecules
  • Statistical data analysis
  • Prepare and contribute to scientific publications
  • Presentation of research results at (inter)national conferences


Your profile: 

  • Master’s degree in biology, geoecology or a comparable field of environmental sciences
  • Expertise in soil science, mycorrhizal research, rhizosphere, and/or isotope application is desirable
  • Solid understanding of statistics
  • Excellent English language skills are required, German language skills are an asset
  • Commitment, reliability and flexibility
  • Ability to work in a team and interest in interdisciplinary research
  • Willingness to do field work in the MyDiv experiment in Bad Lauchstädt, Saxony-Anhalt

The studies take place on the MyDiv plots ("Mycorrhiza in tree diversity effects on ecosystem functioning") and are part of a collaborative project conducted and supervised together with Prof. Dr. Ina Meier (Functional Forest Ecology, University of Hamburg).

 What we offer: 

  • Constructive working atmosphere in an open-minded, interdisciplinary and international team
  • Independent research activity for a doctorate in basic research on a society-relevant topic
  • Opportunity to pursue a doctorate in the structured doctoral programme "Bayreuth Graduate School for Mathematics and Natural Sciences (BayNAT)" with subject-specific and interdisciplinary qualification opportunities
  • Networking with leading national and international scientists
  • Participation in national and international conferences
  • Flexible working hours
  • Occupational health management
  • Compatibility of family and career


The University of Bayreuth views the diversity of its staff as an asset and is expressly committed to the goal of gender equality. Female scholars and any persons who can help make the research and teaching profile of the university more diverse are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants with children are highly welcome. The University of Bayreuth is a member of the best practice club Family at University. In addition, an extended audit conducted by the German Rectors' Conference (HRK) returned a favourable review for the University of Bayreuth's commitment to internationalization. All qualifications being equal, applicants with disabilities will be given priority.

Please apply online with a motivation letter (max. 1 page), your CV, and copies of any certificates. Applications can be submitted until 15.04.2023 stating the keyword "Myco-Div" via the University of Bayreuth's application platform. Application documents will be deleted in line with data protection law once the position has been filled.

If you have any questions, please contact Prof. Dr. Johanna Pausch:

johanna.pausch@uni-bayreuth.de, phone: 0921/55-2292