PhD Position – Effects of Rurbanity on Soil Quality and Microplastic Contamination

Institution: Leibniz University Hannover – Institute of Earth System Sciences, Section Soil Science
Funding: DFG Research Unit (FOR5903) “Sustainable Rurbanity”
Position: Research Staff (PhD) – Salary scale 13 TV-L, 65%
Duration: Fixed-term, 48 months (starting 1 October 2025)
Location: Hannover, Germany, with fieldwork in India and Ghana

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct field campaigns to collect soil samples in Accra (Ghana) and Bengaluru (India).

• Analyze soil for physical, chemical, and microplastic contamination parameters.

• Contribute to method development for spectral analysis of microplastics and soil quality.

• Collaborate with other PhD students, especially those working on PFAS contamination.

• Participate in drone surveys in Ghana and potentially in India.

• Present results at national and international conferences; publish research findings.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Master’s degree in soil sciences, geosciences, environmental sciences, or related fields.

• Fluent in written and spoken English.

• Willingness to work in an international, intercultural team in India, Ghana, and Germany.

• Intention to pursue a doctorate.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with soil-physical and soil-chemical analysis.

• Knowledge of spectral analysis methods.

• Proficiency in MS Office or equivalent software.

• Strong teamwork and communication skills.

Application Deadline: 15 August 2025

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