About us:

The Chair for Physical Geography and Land Use Systems (Prof. Julia Pongratz) at LMU’s Department of Geography investigates the interactions between humans, ecosystems and climate. Our group develops and applies the latest generation of carbon cycle, land surface and climate models and integrates them with Earth observations. We investigate the fate of ecosystems under the pressures of land-use and climate change; Earth system feedbacks that emerge through energy, water and biogeochemical cycles; and the role that vegetation and soils can play for greenhouse gas emissions reduction and CO2 removals in support of the Paris Agreement. The team is strongly involved in large national and international collaborations such as the Global Carbon Project, IPCC, CDRterra and several Horizon Europe projects such as Rescue, ForestNavigator, ClimTip.

We are looking for you:

Research fellow for ecosystem-climate interactions (m/f/x)

in Munich

Your tasks and responsibilities:

The research associate is expected to develop a creative and independent line of research in one of the thematic areas listed above. The successful candidate will have considerable freedom in defining their own research questions. An ability to articulate new ideas and leverage new opportunities is paramount.

Responsibilities will be to

• contribute to a better understanding of ecosystem-climate interactions and/or provide research results that are relevant for decision-making in support of sustainable land use and climate neutrality
• take a leading role in the development of scientific publications, contribute to outreach activities, and write own research proposals
• engage in shared responsibilities at the Chair and actively contribute to strengthening the intellectual atmosphere of the Department
• join the teaching activities at the Department of Geography and co-supervise Bachelor, Master and Ph.D. students.

Your qualifications:

• You hold a Ph.D., or will soon finish your Ph.D., in a natural science subject (geography, environmental science, physics or similar).
• a track record of effectively communicating research results (appropriate to career stage)
• good programming skills (such as python or R)
• very good communication skills in English (our working language)
• ability to teach – eventually in German – in the study programs of the Department of Geography.

Benefits:

• the opportunity to be part of a dynamic, internationally connected team working at the forefront of Earth system science
• E13 TV-L position, commensurate with work experience, for three years with the possibility to extend to a maximum of six years, based on performance, and to acquire a postdoctoral lecturer qualification (“Habilitation”)
• career development through the LMU qualification program
• a stimulating working environment at one of Germany’s top-ranked universities. Our institute is located in the heart of the vibrant and internationally diverse city of Munich with excellent public transportation links.
• organizational assistance from the LMU Gateway service for relocation to Munich.

Also possible in a part-time capacity.

Contact:

Please send an application outlining your fit for the position (including a cover letter sketching out your ideas in at least one of the topics mentioned above, a CV, copies of scientific degrees, and the names and contact information of two references) by e-mail (one PDF-attachment with max. 5MB including all documents) with subject "ecosys-2025LMU" to climate.jobs@geographie.uni-muenchen.de. Applications received prior to February 28, 2025, will receive full consideration, but the position will remain open until filled. Job interviews will take place March 19-21. The starting date is negotiable between May and August 2025. For further information please contact Prof. Dr. Julia Pongratz (julia.pongratz@lmu.de).

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