Doctoral researcher / PhD student to study bryophyte biodiversity in Galapagos

Doctoral researcher / PhD student – Bryophyte biodiversity in Galapagos

Registration number: fb19-0004-wmz-2026
Entry date: as soon as possible
Application deadline: 2026-07-16
Salary: E 13 TV-H
Duration: 4 years
Volume of employment: part‑time (65%)

Position

The Department of Geography at the University of Marburg invites applications for a doctoral researcher in the research group “Ecological Plant Geography” (Prof. Dr. Maaike Bader). The role focuses on bryophyte biodiversity within the DFG‑funded interdisciplinary research unit GArua, subproject “Epiphyte species diversity across scales as safeguard for maintaining ecosystem functions under global change”. The position involves substantial fieldwork in the Galápagos Islands and collaborative research within a consortium of seven German universities and the Charles Darwin Foundation.

Responsibilities

• Develop the epiphyte diversity subproject within the GArua project and collaborate with other subprojects.
• Collect and identify epiphytes (especially bryophytes) from tree crowns and other substrates in the humid zone of the Galápagos Islands.
• Plan and organise data collection, data management, and statistical analysis for yourself and other students working on related epiphyte groups (lichens, vascular plants).
• Supervise field and laboratory assistants and co‑supervise student BSc/MSc thesis projects.
• Analyse, interpret, and present results in scientific publications, meetings, and international conferences.
• Lead the organisation of a bryophyte and lichen identification expert workshop in Galápagos.

Qualifications

• MSc‑degree or equivalent in Biology, Geography, or a related discipline.
• Experience and enthusiasm for bryophyte identification and ecological research.
• Willingness to gain further skills in data management, statistics, and scientific writing.
• Independent, proactive, and collaborative work attitude.
• Availability to spend many months annually in Galápagos, including fieldwork under challenging conditions.
• Willingness to learn tree climbing for data collection (course offered, but not required).
• Excellent English communication skills (C1 or higher); German and Spanish knowledge is advantageous.

Benefits

• Full doctoral training within a large, interdisciplinary research consortium.
• Extensive fieldwork and hands‑on experience in the Galápagos ecosystem.
• Funded PhD position with a competitive research budget.
• Participation in training, workshops, and meetings within the GArua project.
• Access to the Marburg Research Academy, International Office, and Higher Education Didactics Office for professional development.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

We support women and strongly encourage them to apply. In areas where women are underrepresented, female applicants will be preferred when qualifications are equal. As a certified family‑friendly university, we support employees in balancing family and career and offer reduced working time. Applicants with a disability will be considered favorably in case of equal qualifications, in accordance with the Social Security Code (SGB IX).

Contact

Prof. Dr. Maaike Bader
+49 6421-2828952
maaike.bader@uni-marburg.de