Open PhD positions in Biogeochemistry and related Earth System Science
International Max Planck Research School for Global Biogeochemical Cycles
The IMPRS-gBGC offers fully-funded PhD positions to highly motivated and qualified students who wish to study the components essential to life and climate from the atomic to global scales. At the intersections of biosphere, atmosphere, lithosphere, land, and ocean, research at the school focuses on how biogeochemical cycles function, how they are interconnected, and how they can be influenced by climate change or human activity.
Over 100 scientists and PhDs explore the different facets of biogeochemical processes using diverse methods such as field observations, advanced laboratory methods, manipulative experiments, data mining and numerical modeling. Taking advantage of this diverse assortment of specialties, we hope to improve our ability to gauge future developments of Earth systems.
Doctoral researchers are offered access to an array of workshops and courses in order to develop a broad understanding of Earth system science. Young scientists benefit from a three-month international research visit at a top institution, as well as courses aimed at enhancing interdisciplinary knowledge (e.g. statistics, remote sensing, modeling, and analytical techniques). In addition to scientific skills, the research program offers a breadth of transferable skills (e.g. presentation skills, scientific writing, project management) to ensure both a successful PhD and career.
Homepage: https://www.bgc-jena.mpg.de/en/imprs
Biogeosciences (BG)
Soil System Sciences (SSS)
In cooperation with the Friedrich Schiller University Jena, the Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry houses a unique and flexible research program that grants German and foreign students a broad selection of learning opportunities while still maintaining a research focus. The IMPRS-gBGC offers a PhD program specializing in global biogeochemistry and related Earth system sciences. The overall research and teaching focuses on:
- Improved understanding of biogeochemical processes with an emphasis on terrestrial ecosystems
- Development of observational techniques to monitor and assess biogeochemical feedbacks in the Earth system
- Theory and model development for improving the representa- tion of biogeochemical processes in comprehensive Earth system models
The PhD projects listed below are offered in the 32nd call for applications:
- Constraining Terrestrial Biosphere Models Using Atmospheric CO2, Stable Carbon Isotope (13C), and Radiocarbon (14C) Observations
- Explore the potential of microorganisms to restore disturbed environment
- Climate change and metal mobility: linking Amazon forests with blackwater river systems
- Exploring the role of landscape diversity in modulating ecosystem resilience to extreme events
- Water use strategies of global tree-grass savannas during drying and rewetting soils
- Hybrid modeling of root zone water storage and ecosystem responses to water availability
- All shapes and sizes? Investigating tree morphological adjustments to a changing climate
- Molecular Fingerprints of Ecosystems as Early Warning Systems for Climate-Induced Changes
- From Andes to Amazon: Synthesizing Ecohydrological Controls on Carbon–Water–Energy Fluxes Across South America
- Groundwater under pressure – exploring climate change impacts on groundwater recharge and quality and drinking water safety
- From Genomes to Gas Fluxes: Microbial and Viral Functions in Arctic Permafrost Environments
- Reaching deeper – exploring optimal root water uptake strategies at the individual and ecosystem scale
Requirements
We welcome applications from well motivated and qualified students from all countries. Applicants hold (or are about to receive) a Master of Science or equivalent degree in natural sciences. Proficiency in English is required since English is the official language of the program.
The Max Planck Society (MPS) strives for gender equality and diversity. The MPS aims to increase the proportion of women in areas where they are underrepresented. Women are therefore explicitly encouraged to apply. The MPS has set itself the goal of employing more disabled people. Applications from severely disabled persons are expressly encouraged.
Application deadline for the fully funded PhD positions is January 7, 2026. Pre-interviews via web conference will be carried out and promising candidates will be invited to take part in our selection symposium (March 10-11, 2026).
Find out more and apply online: https://www.bgc-jena.mpg.de/en/imprs/career-application