The UFZ
The Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) with its 1,100 employees has gained an excellent reputation as an international competence centre for environmental sciences. We are part of the largest scientific organisation in Germany, the Helmholtz association. Our mission: Our research seeks to find a balance between social development and the long-term protection of our natural resources.
The job
This fully funded PhD position is available under the recently launched Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action (MSCA) Doctoral Networks (DN) project “BEYOND” Beyond the current: Improving European flowing waters in an era of global change. BEYOND will train the next generation of water professionals who will deliver scientific and technological innovations across disciplines, institutions and countries needed to solve European water quality problems in an era of global change.
Your tasks
The main objective of this PhD position is target phosphorus and nitrogen removal in European streams based on the coupling of bio-chemical and hydrological methods for assessing the effectiveness of anthropogenically impacted streams and streams with natural morphology in retaining nutrients. The objectives of the PhD project include: 1) Quantify seasonal variability of nutrient retention in headwater streams with deviating hydro-morphological characteristics including stable isotope approaches; 2) Quantify assimilatory nutrient uptake and removal in streams and sorption to stream sediments using high frequency measurements; and 3) Analyze in-stream nutrient removal at the river network scale.
As part of this PhD position, the Doctoral Candidate will have an opportunity to take part in short visits and secondments to BEYOND partners (Uppsala University, Sweden; James Hutton Institute, UK; National Research Institute for Agriculture/IARA, Food and Environment, France; TRIOS and LHW, Germany) for additional training and knowledge exchange.
The project will be supervised by Professor Dr. Michael Rode (UFZ, Germany), Professor Dr. Roland Bol (FZJ, Germany) and Dr. Zahra Thomas (IARA, France).
We offer
1. Excellent supervision and optimal professional and interdisciplinary qualification through our HIGRADE graduate programme
2. The freedom to master even the most demanding challenges between basic research and practical application
3. The opportunity to work in interdisciplinary, international teams and benefit from a wide range of perspectives
4. Firstclass integration into national and international research networks to work together on global challenges
5. Excellent research infrastructure and research data management to optimally support your work
6. A wide range of options for balancing care responsibilities and work through our family office
7. Competent support and advice for international colleagues arriving at the UFZ from the ‘International Office’
8. Special annual payment, capital-forming benefits and subsidised Deutschland-Job-Ticket
9. A workplace in a vibrant region with a high life quality and social and cultural diversity
Your profile
10. The candidates must have an MSc (or an equivalent) degree in environmental sciences, hydrology, biogeochemistry, stream ecology or a related discipline. A solid background in computer science and statistical data analysis is an important asset.
11. Have potential for conducting outstanding research, as demonstrated by scientific accomplishments (in particular quality of MSc thesis, but also e.g. code repositories, conference presentations, outreach activities, or publications).
12. Be interested in working in a multidisciplinary and international research environment.
13. Have excellent communication skills in English, verbally as well as in scientific writing.
14. Be willing to undertake international travel for training and research activities of BEYOND and project-specific short-visits and secondments at partner institutions.
Eligibility criteria
15. Candidates must also meet the following criteria:
1) be of any nationality, but must not have resided or carried out main activity in Germany for more than 12 months in the last 36 months.
2) have not yet been awarded a PhD degree. All interested candidates irrespective of age, nationality, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. The work language will be English.
The applications must be received by 15th of March 2025 including the following documents (all strictly in PDF format):
16. Curriculum vitae,
17. Master [alternatively, the expected graduation date of Master degree] and Bachelor diplomas (in a single PDF file),
18. Master and Bachelor grades’ transcripts (in a single PDF file),
19. Motivation letter stating your specific interest, motivation and qualifications for the project in question (max 1 A4 page),
20. A research statement describing how your expertise and previous experience align with the PhD project objectives (200 words),
21. The names of at least two reference persons (provide names and contact details) who can provide information on your research performance.
The applicants must fill the BEYOND application form following the URL below
The applicants are encouraged to apply for up to three different BEYOND PhD positions but please note that you have to apply for them separately via relevant institutional websites. Please check the details at
The monthly gross salary consists of a country-dependent living allowance (EUR 3340), a mobility allowance (EUR 600), and, if applicable, a family allowance (EUR 495). Long-term leave allowance (EUR 4000) and special needs allowance are offered if applicable.