The new Junior Research Group Ecological Novelty at the University of Göttingen invites applications for a 3-year PhD position on forest dynamics in permafrost regions, starting on 1 February 2027.

Boreal and Arctic ecosystems are changing rapidly, and shifts in vegetation type and structure can either protect or expose the permafrost beneath them, with consequences for the carbon cycle and climate. The project will focus on vegetation dynamics in boreal permafrost landscapes and on the interactions and feedbacks between permafrost, vegetation and carbon. It combines numerical, process-based modelling with field and Earth observation data. The specific research questions will be developed together with the candidate, so applicants with a background in modelling, remote sensing or ecology are all welcome.

The successful candidate will be part of a newly established group and will benefit from close collaborations with international partners in permafrost modelling, remote sensing and field research.

Requirements:
- MSc in Physical Geography, Earth System Sciences, Physics, Ecology or a related field
- Strong quantitative background
- Experience with or interest in scientific programming (e.g. Python, Julia, MATLAB) and numerical modelling is an advantage
- Very good English communication skills

For full details and how to apply, please see the official job advertisement.