Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) Full-time

Postdoctoral Researcher

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) – The Research University in the Helmholtz Association creates and imparts knowledge for the society and the environment. It is our goal to make significant contributions to mastering the global challenges of mankind in the fields of energy, mobility, and information. For this, over 9000 employees of KIT cooperate in a broad range of disciplines in research, academic education, and innovation.

The division “Landscape Biogeochemistry” of the Institute of Meteorology and Climate Research / Atmospheric Environmental Research (KIT/IMK-IFU) at Campus Alpin in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher.

Your Tasks

The announced position is embedded in the newly funded international research platform AgNUE. The platform is based on a network of twelve intensively monitored field sites across Europe and the United States and represents the first large-scale assessment of nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) across major EU and US cropping systems.

To support the development of more sustainable nitrogen management in agricultural systems, full nitrogen balances will be determined by means of field measurements using state-of-the-art technologies for gas flux monitoring, isotope measurements and environmental sensing. These comprehensive data sets will allow the identification of pertinent nitrogen management strategies, and will be further used to improve process and AI based simulation models of nitrogen cycling, emissions, and crop uptake.

The successful candidate will:

• Conduct 15 N isotope tracing experiments to quantify the fate of fertilizer-derived nitrogen across the soil–plant–atmosphere continuum.
• Quantify total soil denitrification losses (N 2 + N 2 O) through 15 N gas flux measurements in the field and controlled He/O₂ incubation experiments in the laboratory.
• Identify and quantify pathways of N₂O production and consumption using isotopic tracers and N₂O isotopomer analysis.
• Assess NO emissions, NO:N 2 O partitioning, their environmental drivers, and mitigation options across key agricultural systems.
• Lead scientific publications and collaborate with an international network of researchers.

Your Profile

We are looking for a highly motivated and curious researcher who enjoys addressing complex scientific questions and working in a collaborative team environment.

Applicants should have:

• A PhD in environmental sciences, biogeochemistry, geoecology, soil science, chemistry, physics, or a related discipline.
• Experience with stable isotope measuring techniques, including IRMS and/or laser spectroscopy.
• A profound understanding of biogeochemical nutrient cycling in soil–plant systems.
• Experience in field and/or laboratory experimentation related to nitrogen cycling.
• Excellent English communication skills and a strong publication record relative to career stage.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills.

We Offer

• Science for Impact: Engage with topics of societal relevance — in an excellent scientific environment that enables change.
• Flexible Working Hours: Take advantage of flexible‑hours schemes, remote‑work options, and a 30‑day annual leave entitlement to achieve an optimal work‑life balance.
• Career‑Building and Developmental Opportunities: We provide you with a structured onboarding program, a broad spectrum of continuing‑education options, and personalised support, thereby fostering your individual growth.
• Family-friendliness: The “KIT‑Family +” program assists you in reconciling work and family life by offering childcare services, holiday activities, a parent‑child office space, and assistance with caring for relatives.
• Stay Healthy: Under the motto “Fit at KIT – Body, Mind and Soul,” we promote your well‑being through fitness classes and mental‑health programmes.
• Individualised Extra Benefits: Enjoy a corporate pension (VBL), a €25 monthly contribution toward a JobTicket BW, plus a broad selection of cultural and recreational programmes.

Job location: Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Salary: Salary category 13 TV-L; classification is based on personal and professional qualifications.

Contract duration: 3 years with the possibility of extension for another 2 years

Contact person in line-management: Dr. Clemens Scheer +49 8821 – 183136 Clemens.scheer@kit.edu

If you have general questions about the application process, please contact Kristin Rink Personalservice (PSE) kristin.rink@kit.edu +49 721 608-25004

Please submit your application documents by August 12th, 2026 online via the KIT job portal, vacancy number 329/2026, including a detailed CV, a motivation letter, and two contacts for references.

At KIT we value the diversity of our employees; different perspectives and backgrounds enrich our work. We therefore welcome applications from all candidates. Women are especially encouraged to apply. Applications from recognized severely disabled individuals are given preferential consideration when qualifications are equal.

Application up to: 2026-09-02 Job posting number: 329/2026