The Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute for Agricultural Climate Protection in Braunschweig is offering a part-time research assistant position (f/m/d) to support the UnFluP II project, focusing on peatland water management and greenhouse gas emissions.
About the UnFluP II Project
Subsurface irrigation in agricultural peatlands holds great potential for raising groundwater levels while preserving grassland use. Building on earlier research, UnFluP II evaluates the long-term impact of high water levels on:
- Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
- Water quality in rewetting systems
At the study site and a deep-drained reference site, carbon dioxide exchange is monitored via eddy covariance, while methane and nitrous oxide emissions are measured using manual hood methods. A comprehensive suite of hydrological and hydrochemical parameters is also recorded.
🔬 Position Details
- Role: Research Assistant (f/m/d)
- Fields: Hydrology, Water Management, Environmental Engineering, Geoecology, or related disciplines
- Location: Braunschweig, Germany
- Institute: Thünen Institute of Agricultural Climate Protection
- Workload: Part-time (80% – 31.2 hrs/week)
- Project Duration: Until March 2025 (with possibility of extension)
Key Responsibilities
Ensure quality control and scientific evaluation of hydrological and hydrochemical data
- Conduct field campaigns to collect water level measurements from data loggers
- Analyze peatland water table data to assess hydrological dynamics
- Prepare scientific publications and project reports
🎓 Required Qualifications
- University degree (M.Sc. or Univ.-Diplom) in Hydrology, Environmental Engineering, Water Management, Geoecology, or a related field
- Strong background in hydrology, soil physics, and/or water chemistry
- Programming skills in R, Python, or a similar language
- Proficiency in IT and data analysis tools
Desirable Skills
- Knowledge of peatland ecosystems and/or grassland management
- Experience working with wetland monitoring data
- Ability to interpret GHG emissions and water quality data
Personal Traits & Work Style
- High motivation and flexibility
- Strong team spirit and communication skills
- Independent and structured approach to scientific work
- Willingness to travel for fieldwork
- Class B driving license required
What We Offer
- Job security: Fixed-term public sector contract (pay group 13 TVöD) with social benefits
- Purpose-driven work: Contribute to nationally relevant climate research
- Flexibility: Part-time and mobile working options
- Health & well-being: Corporate health programs
- Mobility support: JobTicket, free parking, and access to e-charging stations
- Professional growth: Access to training and development opportunities
Diversity & Inclusion
We value equality, diversity, and accessibility.
Women and individuals with severe disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Proof of disability or equal status should be included with your application.
How to Apply
Send your complete application (as a single PDF) including:
- Motivation letter
- Curriculum vitae
- Certificates
- Letters of recommendation
Email: ak-bewerbungen@thuenen.de
Subject: 2025-075-AK
Deadline: April 24, 2025
