Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) in the field of "Reactive Nitrogen, Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture" Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)

Temporary

Full Time

Apply by: 2026-09-02

Published: 2026-07-23

Garmisch-Partenkirchen

I am interested

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) – The University in the Helmholtz Association

In close partnership with society, KIT develops solutions for urgent challenges – from climate change, energy transition and sustainable use of natural resources to artificial intelligence, sovereignty and an aging population. As The University in the Helmholtz Association, KIT unites scientific excellence from insight to application-driven research under one roof – and is thus in a unique position to drive this transformation. As a University of Excellence, KIT offers its more than 10,000 employees and 22,800 students outstanding opportunities to shape a sustainable and resilient future.
KIT – Science for Impact.

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) – The Research University in the Helmholtz Association creates und 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 (m/f/d).

Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d)
in the field of “Reactive Nitrogen, Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture”

Institute of Meteorology and Climate Research Atmospheric Environmental Research (IMKIFU)

3 years with the possibility of extension for another 2 years

as soon as possible

Full-time

66,000.00 to 84,000.00 EUR gross per year

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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 15N isotope tracing experiments to quantify the fate of fertilizer-derived nitrogen across the soil–plant–atmosphere continuum.
Quantify total soil denitrification losses (N2 + N2O) through 15N gas flux measurements in the field and controlled He/O- incubation experiments in the laboratory.
Identify and quantify pathways of N-O production and consumption using isotopic tracers and N-O isotopomer analysis.
Assess NO emissions, NO:N2O 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, part time models, and a 30 day annual leave entitlement to achieve an optimal work life balance.

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.

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, mental health programmes, and regular preventive health examinations.

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.

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

Job location
Garmisch-Partenkirchen

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 (https://www.pse.kit.edu/english/karriere/121.php), 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

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