Cluster of Excellence: “The Ocean Floor – Earth’s Uncharted Interface”
Institution: MARUM, University of Bremen (and partner institutions)
Location: Bremen, Germany (and affiliated sites)
Start Date: January 1, 2026 (or later)
Application Deadline: 25 July 2025
Contract: 75% FTE | 4-year fixed-term | Salary based on German TV-L/TVöD scale
Programme Overview
The University of Bremen, together with the Cluster of Excellence “The Ocean Floor – Earth’s Uncharted Interface”, invites applications for 15 fully funded PhD positions as Research Associates (Doctoral Candidates) across a diverse portfolio of marine and Earth system science research themes. These positions are subject to funding approval and are offered in collaboration with institutions such as:
- Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI)
- Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology
- Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT)
- Constructor University
- Hanse-Wissenschaftskolleg – Institute for Advanced Study
Research Focus
The cluster aims to decode the ocean floor’s role in global processes by exploring:
- Biogenic particle transport and climate impacts
- Ocean floor–seawater element exchanges
- Deep-sea ecosystem responses to environmental change
- Paleoclimate reconstructions and scenario modeling
The research integrates marine geosciences, biogeochemistry, microbiology, and climate modeling.
Available PhD Topics
Applicants may apply for up to three projects (with preference ranking). Projects cover a wide array of subjects, including:
- Carbon Sequestration & Molecular Processes
- Iron Cycling & Organic Matter Remobilization
- Deep-sea Cold-water Coral Ecosystems
- Anthropogenic Particulate Carbon Fluxes
- Hydrothermal Plume Chemistry & Microbial Interactions
- Climate-ecosystem Feedbacks & Thresholds
What the Programme Offers
- Structured doctoral training in a multidisciplinary marine sciences environment
- Mentorship by leading scientists across partner institutions
- Research stays and collaboration opportunities within an international network
- Access to the Early Career Researcher (ECR) programme and skills development courses
Eligibility & Application
Required Documents:
- Letter of motivation (indicate up to three preferred projects)
- CV with academic transcripts/certificates
- List of publications (if applicable)
- Contact details of two referees
- No photo required
Additional Information
- Salary & Benefits: Based on German public sector pay scale (TV-L/TVöD)
- Working Hours: 75% of full time (approx. 29.4 hours/week)
- Leave & Flexibility: 30 vacation days, flexible schedules, partial remote work
- Health & Wellness: Company fitness options, internal health programs
- Diversity Commitment: Inclusive of all backgrounds; applications from women, international candidates, and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged
For further information, material and to apply please visit Marum official website.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring institute. For any inquiries, please contact the hiring institute directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
