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.
