Coordinator (postdoc) in the GArua project (on Galapagos fog ecosystems)

Key Information

• Registration number: fb -wmz-2026
• Entry date: as soon as possible
• Application deadline: 16 July 2026
• Salary: E 13 TV-H
• Duration: 4 years
• Volume of employment: full time
• Position
• Coordinator (postdoc) in the GArua project (on Galapagos fog ecosystems)
• Project Overview

The GArua project is a collaboration between researchers at seven German universities and the Charles Darwin Foundation on the Galapagos Islands.

The project investigates the interactive effects of plant invasion and climate change on the biodiversity and hydrology of the humid‑zone ecosystems of the Galapagos Archipelago.

Responsibilities

Central coordination and synthesis of the GArua research unit

• Coordinate and orient the GArua research unit and its various subprojects to reach the scientific goals, together with the scientific steering committee.
• Coordinate the practical implementation such as field‑work set‑up and timing, and information flows.
• Organise synthesis activities and coordinate the writing of synthesis papers, potentially acting as lead author.
• Present the project at scientific conferences and coordinate the science communication strategy, including events, website, and social media.
• Organise project meetings in Germany and the Galapagos, including an international conference.
• Help manage the finances and logistics of the project, including research and export permits, sample shipping, laboratory and housing arrangements in the Galapagos, ordering materials, and communication with the administration in Marburg and the German Research Foundation.
• Organise and supervise student helpers assisting in social media and meeting organisation.
• Co‑supervise Ph D, BSc and MSc thesis projects.

Qualifications

• MSc degree or equivalent in Geography, Biology, Environmental Science or a related discipline, and a Ph D degree.
• Experience in coordinating interdisciplinary research projects, preferably within the German academic system, and with field work in tropical and/or Latin‑American countries.
• Research experience in at least one of the following thematic areas: ecosystem hydrology, climatology, ecology, epiphyte biology, plant ecophysiology, soil science – especially in tropical ecosystems – and the willingness to learn and integrate basic concepts in all of these fields.
• A self‑motivated, independent, proactive, structured, collaborative, and positive work attitude.
• The willingness to spend many months each year in the Galapagos and to organise fieldwork under challenging conditions, and the willingness to travel within Germany and Ecuador for coordination purposes.
• Excellent communication and scientific writing skills, with very good (at least C1 level) English and good German and Spanish communication skills (both at least B1 level), and a C2 level in at least one of these three languages.

Benefits and Opportunities

• Opportunity to shape an exciting interdisciplinary research project studying a unique tropical ecosystem.
• Opportunity to develop coordination and scientific synthesis skills within a supportive academic environment and participate in training workshops and offers of the Marburg Research Academy (MARA), the International Office and the Higher Education Didactics Office.
• Opportunity to travel to the Galapagos once or twice per year and present the project at international conferences, thereby building a large international professional network.
• Contact
• Prof. Dr. Maaike Bader + ‑
• Equal Opportunity Statement

Applicants from underrepresented groups, including women and people with a disability, are encouraged to apply.

In cases of equal qualifications, preference will be given to applicants from these groups.

The university is a certified family‑friendly institution that supports flexible working arrangements.

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