Research Associate / PhD Student (m/f/x) in Tropical tree ecophysiology and tree water relations

TUD Dresden University of Technology, as a University of Excellence, is one of the leading and most dynamic research institutions in the country. For TUD diversity is an essential feature and a quality criterion of an excellent university. Accordingly, we welcome all applicants who would like to commit themselves, their achievements and productivity to the success of the whole institution.

Within the DFG-funded interdisciplinary research unit GArua : “ Fog-dependent water relations and plant invasion in the Galápagos Archipelago under climate change ” (), the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Department of Forest Sciences, Institute of Forest Botany and Forest Zoology, Chair of Forest Botany offers a position as

Research Associate / PhD Student (m/f/x)

in Tropical tree ecophysiology and tree water relations

(subject to personal qualification, employees are remunerated according to salary group E 13 TV-L)

starting January 1, 2027 . The position is limited until July 31, 2030, with the possibility of extension up to a total employment duration of four years and entails 65% of the full-time weekly hours. The period of employment is governed by the Fixed Term Research Contracts Act (Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz - WissZeitVG). The position offers the chance to obtain further academic qualification (usually PhD).

Tasks:

Within this collaborative research project, the research associate will be responsible for the installation and maintenance of sap flow sensors and automated dendrometers for quantifying tree water use and status of native and exotic shrub and tree species, for hydraulic characterization as well as for several measurement campaigns.

Requirements:

• an excellent university degree in forest or plant ecology, ecophysiology, environmental sciences, or a related discipline with field and/or lab experience
• willingness for several long-term stays at the Charles Darwin Research Station, main island of the Galapagos Archipelago, Ecuador, as well as to familiarize oneself with technical installations and sensor networks
• capability for intensive fieldwork campaigns in harsh environmental conditions is essential while advanced understanding of tree water relations is a plus
• proven scientific writing skills is essential, while advanced knowledge in statistical analyses with R is a plus
• proven experience in working in diverse teams, team-oriented and willing to learn and work independently
• advanced command of English is essential while basic knowledge of Spanish and/or German is desirable

We offer:

• joint doctoral studies together with further PhD student in other subprojects working on Galapagos
• an inspiring, international and interdisciplinary working environment, specialized in forest and plant ecology, ecophysiology and plant hydraulics
• attractive working conditions and opportunities for further professional development at TUD

For project-related questions, please contact Prof. Dr. Bernhard Schuldt ( [email protected] ).

TUD strives to employ more women in academia and research. We therefore expressly encourage women to apply. The university is a family-friendly university. We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities. If multiple candidates prove to be equally qualified, those with disabilities or with equivalent status pursuant to the German Social Code IX (SGB IX) will receive priority for employment.

Application:

Please submit your detailed application with the usual documents (among others motivation letter, curriculum vitae, certificates and grades) by October 31, 2026 (time stamp on the email server of TUD applies) exclusively by email, preferably via the TUD SecureMail Portal , by sending it as a single pdf file to [email protected] . Expenses incurred in attending interviews cannot be reimbursed.

TUD is a founding partner in the DRESDEN-concept alliance.

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