Wissenschaftliche*r Mitarbeiter*in (Doktorand*in) im Bereich Klimatologie und Fernerkundung

Position Details

The Philipps-Universität Marburg, established in 1527 and serving approximately 22,000 students with recognized teaching excellence, invites applications for a part-time (65%) scientific researcher (doctoral candidate) role within the Department of Geography, Climatology/Remote Sensing group led by Prof. Dr. Jörg Bendix. This fixed-term position spans 3 years starting from November 1, 2026, remunerated under pay grade E 13 TV-H of the Hessen state collective agreement.

The role involves research activities focused on fog ecosystems of the Galápagos Islands as part of the DFG-funded research group FOR 5621 - GArua, specifically within sub-project A1 addressing "Fog water as atmospheric water source in time and space in a warming world". The primary workplace is in Marburg with mandatory fieldwork conducted on the Galápagos Islands.

Key Responsibilities

• Conducting comprehensive climate measurements with an emphasis on fog, analyzing the generated scientific data, and authoring scholarly publications.
• Executing fog exclusion experiments in collaboration with partner institutions, analyzing results, and contributing to joint synthesis publications.
• Regularly monitoring observation sites utilizing terrestrial laser scanning, extrapolating fog water interception using satellite data and machine learning techniques.
• Maintaining and operating field infrastructure alongside local technical staff.

Candidate Profile

• Exceptional academic record in physical geography (climatology, remote sensing) or related disciplines equivalent to a diploma or master's degree.
• Proficiency handling extensive climate and remote sensing datasets.
• Programming skills in R and/or Python.
• Strong teamwork abilities and demonstrated competence in writing scientific articles in English.
• Physical resilience for demanding fieldwork.
• Excellent command of both German and English languages.
• Advantageous: knowledge of machine learning and Spanish language skills.

Applicants should demonstrate eagerness for independent scholarly work and scientific qualification.

Benefits and Opportunities

• Participate in an interdisciplinary and intriguing research project involving a unique tropical ecosystem with multiple scientific challenges.
• Develop coordination and scientific synthesis skills within a supportive academic environment.
• Opportunity to annually travel to the Galápagos Islands, present findings at international conferences, and expand a global professional network.
• Options for mobile working arrangements.
• Access to family services, university sports, and a regional transport ticket allowing free public transportation throughout Hessen.

Additional Information

• Employment is governed by §2 Abs. 1 WissZeitVG laws regarding fixed-term contracts.
• The university actively encourages female candidates to apply and offers preferential consideration for women and people with disabilities equally qualified, in line with SGB IX provisions.
• Support is provided for reconciling work and family responsibilities, including possible work-time reductions.
• Applicants bear their own costs for application and interview procedures.
• Application deadline: August 16, 2026.
• Contact person: Prof. Dr. Jörg Bendix, email: bendix@staff.uni-marburg.de, phone: +49 6421-28 24266.