The Department of Ecology of Tropical Agricultural Systems at the University of Hohenheim in Stuttgart (Germany) invites applications for a
PhD position on
EFFECTS OF PESTICIDES ON BIODIVERSITY AND ECOSYSTEM SERVICES AT THE LANDSCAPE SCALE
For the joint project NOcsPS 2.0 (www.nocsps.de), the University of Hohenheim is seeking to fill a scientific position with a scope of 65% (remuneration according to TV-L E13) with a limited duration until 31.11.2028. The position is based in the department of Prof Dr Ingo Grass (https://agroecology.uni-hohenheim.de/en/home).
The recruited PhD candidate will collaborate with Prof Dr Ingo Grass and other members of the BMFTR research consortium NOcsPS 2.0 (www.nocsps.de). The successful applicant will investigate the large-scale effects of chemical-synthetic plant protection on insects, birds, bats and their ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes in Baden-Württemberg, southern Germany. Insect diversity will be recorded using Malaise traps and DNA metabarcoding, while birds and bats will be recorded using automated sound recordings and AI-assisted species identification. The landscape-scale studies will be accompanied by a long-term crop trial on the University of Hohenheim's experimental farm.
Position requirements
• An excellent Master's degree (or equivalent) in ecology, agricultural sciences or a related field.
• A strong interest in quantitative community ecology.
• Experience of independently organising ecological experiments and/or field studies
• Good knowledge of statistical data analysis (preferably using R software).
• Experience with insect taxonomy would be an asset but is not required.
• A driving licence (class B, passenger car) for field work
• Good written and oral communication skills in English. Basic German language skills are required for communication with landowners and stakeholders.
• Ambition to publish in international scientific journals
Benefits
We offer a PhD opportunity in a topical research area of high societal relevance, in a dynamic international research group led by Prof. Dr. Ingo Grass. Using a broad methodological spectrum and interdisciplinary approaches, our group aims to better understand and forecast agroecosystems and biodiversity under global change (see https://agroecology.uni-hohenheim.de/en/home). The University of Hohenheim is located on a beautiful campus in the southern German city of Stuttgart, which offers a rich cultural life and attractive surroundings.
The preferred starting date for the position is 1st December 2025. Funding is guaranteed for 36 months. Salary and benefits are based on a German public service position (TV-L E13, 65%, for further information see oeffentlicher-dienst.info/tv-l/west). The University of Hohenheim seeks to increase the proportion of women in research and strongly encourages women to apply. Given equal qualifications, preference will be given to candidates with disabilities. The place of employment is Stuttgart/Germany.
Application
Applications and inquiries should be sent before 15th September 2025 via e-mail to Ingo Grass: ingo.grass@uni-hohenheim.de
Please submit your application as a single PDF file. This file should contain a cover letter describing your motivation to apply, a CV including relevant certificates and contact details of 2 potential referees.
