Fully Funded PhD Position – Agricultural and Soil Sciences – Thünen Institute Germany
Quick Overview
Applications are open for a Fully Funded Research Associate / PhD Candidate position at the Thünen Institute for Agricultural Climate Protection in Braunschweig, Germany. This 3-year position is part of the AgRe-Lab project, investigating climate resilience through roots, soil carbon, and soil functions along land-use gradients. You’ll conduct field experiments on agricultural woody plants and climate-resilient grassland management, with the opportunity to pursue a doctorate.
Experience Level: Master’s in Agricultural Sciences, Soil Sciences, Geoecology, or related fields
Best Fit: Candidates with soil science expertise and interest in climate resilience
Deadline: August 11, 2026
Key Details
| Position | Research Associate / PhD Candidate (m/f/d) |
| Project | AgRe-Lab – Climate resilience through roots, soil carbon and soil functions along land-use gradients |
| Location | Thünen Institute, Braunschweig, Germany |
| Qualification | Master’s in Agricultural Sciences, Soil Sciences, Geoecology, or related fields |
| Salary | TVöD Bund E13 (70%) – €62,489 – €89,580 full-time equivalent |
| Working Hours | 70% (27.3 hours/week) |
| Duration | 3 years (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2029) |
| Start Date | October 1, 2026 |
| Deadline | August 11, 2026 |
| Apply Via | Thünen Institute application portal |
| Contact | Axel Don – axel.don@thuenen.de |
Fully Funded Research Associate / PhD Candidate – Opportunity Overview
The AgRe-Lab project is part of the network of climate future labs at the Centre for Climate Research Lower Saxony. The Thünen Institute for Agricultural Climate Protection conducts research at the intersection of agriculture and climate protection, developing strategies for resource-efficient, climate-friendly, and environmentally sound agriculture.
This Fully Funded Research Associate / PhD Candidate position will use field experiments to examine the effects of agricultural woody plants and climate-resilient grassland management on soil functions such as water infiltration and retention, soil carbon, and agricultural yields.
What You’ll Actually Be Doing
- Analysis of the influence of agricultural trees on soil functions, water retention, and agricultural yields
- Conducting field measurements on agricultural woody plants and agroforestry to determine soil carbon and soil water infiltration
- Field measurement campaigns on roots in grassland and agricultural landscapes using RootBox
- Participation and cooperation in the AgRe-Lab project
- Statistical evaluations and data analyses
- Writing scientific publications and project reports
Fully Funded Research Associate / PhD Candidate – Research Environment
The Thünen Institute collaborates with various universities, including the Technical University of Braunschweig, for doctoral degrees. You’ll work in a dynamic, internationally networked working group whose research investigates questions on the management of soil carbon and soil functions in agricultural soils and their climate impact.
Who Should Apply
This position is best for candidates with a Master’s in Agricultural Sciences, Soil Sciences, Geoecology, or related fields.
Strong candidates will have:
- Sound expertise in soil science
- Knowledge of Lower Saxony’s agricultural practices (desirable)
- Knowledge of statistical data analysis
- Experience with data analysis using R (advantage)
- Very good English and German skills (both spoken and written)
- Ability to travel for work and perform fieldwork regardless of weather conditions
- High motivation and interest in scientific work and willingness to pursue a doctorate
Skills That Will Help You Stand Out
| Skill | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Soil science expertise | Core requirement |
| Statistical data analysis | Data interpretation |
| R programming | Data analysis |
| Fieldwork experience | Data collection |
| German language | Required for the role |
| English language | Scientific communication |
What They Offer
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary | TVöD Bund E13 (70%) |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Location | Braunschweig, Germany |
| Doctorate | Opportunity to pursue PhD |
| Working Hours | Flexible, part-time possible |
| Holiday | 30 days vacation (5-day week) |
| Pension | Occupational pension scheme (VBL) |
| Annual Bonus | Special payment in November |
| Mobile Working | Generally possible |
| Training | Job-related training opportunities |
| Health | Workplace health management |
| Transport | Job ticket, free parking, EV charging |
Application Tips
- Highlight soil science expertise – Core requirement.
- Emphasize R programming skills – Advantage.
- Show fieldwork experience – Essential for the role.
- Demonstrate German and English proficiency – Both required.
- Include ZAB certificate evaluation – For international degrees.
- Apply before deadline – August 11, 2026.
How to Apply
Submit your application through the Thünen Institute application portal.
Required documents:
- CV
- Cover letter
- Copies of certificates
- Proof of disability (if applicable)
- ZAB certificate evaluation (for international degrees)
Deadline: August 11, 2026
Contact: Axel Don – axel.don@thuenen.de
Important for international applicants: If you have an international degree, please include a certificate evaluation from the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) with your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the working hours percentage? 70% (27.3 hours/week).
- What is the duration? 3 years (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2029).
- Is this a PhD position? Yes, this position serves the purpose of the candidate’s own academic qualification.
- What language skills are required? Very good English and German skills, both spoken and written.
- What is the salary? TVöD Bund E13 (70%) – €62,489 to €89,580 full-time equivalent.
