PhD position on ecohydrological processes of urban blue-green infrastructures (m/f/x)

The Junior research group (starting 1.1.2026, led by Dr. Maria Magdalena Warter) in the department of Ecohydrology and Biogeochemistry of IGB in Berlin (Friedrichshagen) is inviting applications for a PhD position (65%, 3yrs) starting from 1.1.2026. The PhD position is part of a new Junior research group funded by the Kurt-Eberhard-Bode Stiftung on “Water conscious cities – understanding urban ecohydrological processes through integrative tracer approaches for improved climate resilience and resource management”. The goal of the project is to assess hydrological and ecological functioning of urban freshwater systems and blue-green infrastructure and the interactions between hydrology, nutrient cycles, and aquatic organisms with the surrounding urban landscape and hydroclimate. The project works across interdisciplinary scales at the interface of science and society, collaborating with local partners and non-scientific institutions across Berlin, to translate scientific insights into sustainable resource strategies and concepts for the management and use of urban blue-green infrastructure.

The focus of this PhD position is to study spatio-temporal dynamics of ecohydrological processes in urban freshwater ecosystems (i.e. streams, ponds) and vegetation. We will use an integrated tracer approach that combines the analysis of stable water isotopes, hydrochemistry and environmental DNA (eDNA) to quantify ecohydrological interactions in urban freshwater ecosystems and assess the effects of climate and urbanization on water quality and availability, aquatic diversity and climate resilience. The research will focus on the analysis of hydrological and hydroclimate data, ecological analyses (i.e. microbial diversity) using ecohydrological modelling approaches to assess the potential of urban blue-green infrastructure to support climate mitigation and adaptation in cities. We will also work closely with local stakeholders and partners on developing relevant research questions and stake-holder relevant model scenarios.

We seek a dynamic and passionate scientist who is highly motivated to conduct a PhD as part of an interdisciplinary and international research group. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the project, the successful candidate will also interact with stakeholders from politics and local organizations to discuss research results and support the development of sustainable concepts and strategies for the management of urban blue-green infrastructures. IGB provides an attractive working environment and has excellent equipment, technical support, and state-of-the-art infrastructure to conduct a PhD project. The successful candidate should be willing to conduct independent field work in and around Berlin and have expertise in statistical and / or numerical analyses. Expertise in stable water isotopes and environmental DNA would be advantageous.

Your role

• Field work and sampling of urban blue-green infrastructure (water bodies, green spaces)
• Laboratory sample preparation (stable isotopes, hydrochemistry, eDNA)
• Processing of existing data
• Statistical analyses including i.e. end-member mixing analyses, PCA, ecological statistics (i.e. NMDS, diversity indices)
• Preparation of at least three manuscripts as first author for submission to peer-reviewed journals
• Further result dissemination through presentations at national and international conferences
• Participation and support with stakeholder workshops

Your profile

• MSc degree in environmental chemistry, hydrology, environmental sciences, geoecology, geochemistry or related field
• Practical experience with field and laboratory work
• Very good skills in statistical analysis and programming (i.e. R; python)
• Experience with chemical or ecological analytics
• Very good oral and written English skills including scientific writing
• Collaborative team-spirit and excellent communication skills
• Drivers licence and driving practice is highly desirable

Other advantageous attributes might include:

• Experience with stable isotope tracer
• Experience in numerical analysis or ecohydrological models
• Experience with environmental DNA
• Experience with geographic information systems (GIS) (i.e. QGIS)

Our offer

We offer an interesting position in an international and dynamic scientific environment. We foster flat hierarchies and active participation.

The position is intended for doctoral research full time for 3 years and is paid according to the German salary scheme for the public sector (TVöD Bund E13) as a 65% position.

We foster your career development by providing qualification and training opportunities. We actively support the reconciliation of work and family life.

The IGB is committed to diversity. We welcome every qualified application, regardless of sex and gender, origin, nationality, religion, belief, health and disabilities, age or sexual orientation. IGB is committed to increasing the number of women in this field, therefore applcations from women are particularly welcome. Severelydisabled applicants with equal qualification and aptitude will be given preferential consideration.

Are you interested?

We look forward to receiving your application by 19.09.2025 including a 1-page motivation letter, CV and publication list (optional), master and other relevant certificates, as well as contact information of 2-3 referees. Please state the job reference number 22/2025 and apply exclusively via our recruitment platform atwww.igb-berlin.de/en/jobs.

Questions can be directed to Maria Magdalena Warter by e-mail (maria.warter@igb-berlin.de).

\“Research for the future of our freshwaters\“ is the mission of IGB – Germany’s largest and one of the leading international centres for freshwater research. In order to investigate different aspects of freshwater ecosystems, their biota and societal relevance, we unit a wide range of disciplines and understand research as a joint effort. With more than 400 employees and guests from all over the world, we conduct research at five locations in Berlin and at Lake Stechlin (Brandenburg). IGB is a member of the German Leibniz Association and the Forschungsverbund Berlin e. V. www.igb-berlin.de

#J-18808-Ljbffr