Germany Leibniz University PhD Scholarship 2025 (Fully Funded)
Description
Are you passionate about soil science, environmental sustainability, and international research collaboration? The Institute of Earth System Sciences at Leibniz University Hannover is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD position focused on the topic “Effects of rurbanity on soil quality and soil contamination with microplastic”.
This opportunity is part of the DFG-funded Research Unit FOR5903 – Sustainable Rurbanity and is ideal for early-career researchers looking to make an impact in the fields of soil science, geosciences, microplastic research, and global urbanisation studies.
About the Project: Sustainable Rurbanity (FOR5903)
The FOR5903 Research Unit explores the emerging concept of Sustainable Rurbanity — a framework addressing the socio-environmental transformations between urban and rural landscapes. This PhD project specifically investigates how these transitions impact soil quality and contribute to microplastic pollution in rurban environments across Ghana and India.
Key Responsibilities
As a PhD candidate, you will:
- Conduct field campaigns in Accra (Ghana) and Bengaluru (India) to collect soil samples.
- Perform soil-physical and soil-chemical analyses, focusing on microplastic contamination.
- Develop and implement spectral analysis methods for soil assessment.
- Collaborate with researchers and PhD students, including those working on PFAS contamination at the University of Kassel.
- Participate in drone-based soil mapping operations and potentially conduct flights in India.
- Present research findings at national and international conferences.
- Publish your results in peer-reviewed journals.
Degree Level
Germany Leibniz University PhD Scholarship 2025 (Fully Funded) is available to undertake PhD level programs at University of Leibniz.
Available Subjects
About the Project: Sustainable Rurbanity (FOR5903)
The FOR5903 Research Unit explores the emerging concept of Sustainable Rurbanity — a framework addressing the socio-environmental transformations between urban and rural landscapes. This PhD project specifically investigates how these transitions impact soil quality and contribute to microplastic pollution in rurban environments across Ghana and India.
Key Responsibilities
As a PhD candidate, you will:
- Conduct field campaigns in Accra (Ghana) and Bengaluru (India) to collect soil samples.
- Perform soil-physical and soil-chemical analyses, focusing on microplastic contamination.
- Develop and implement spectral analysis methods for soil assessment.
- Collaborate with researchers and PhD students, including those working on PFAS contamination at the University of Kassel.
- Participate in drone-based soil mapping operations and potentially conduct flights in India.
- Present research findings at national and international conferences.
- Publish your results in peer-reviewed journals.
Benefits
Joining Leibniz University Hannover (LUH) means becoming part of one of Germany’s leading research universities, with over 5,000 staff members and a thriving, interdisciplinary environment.
Benefits include:
- Excellent academic and research infrastructure
- International work environment and diverse community
- Support for work-life balance, including family services and childcare
- Access to an on-campus fitness center, wellness programs, and over 100 sports
- Opportunities for remote or mobile work
- Career development resources and language training
Equal Opportunity Commitment:
LUH is an equal opportunity employer. Applications are encouraged from women, underrepresented groups, and individuals with disabilities. Preference will be given to candidates with equal qualifications and disabilities.
Eligible Nationalities
Open to applicants of all nationalities.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered, applicants must:
- Hold a Master’s degree in soil science, geosciences, environmental science, or a related field.
- Demonstrate proficiency in English (written and spoken).
- Show strong motivation to pursue a doctoral degree (PhD).
- Be physically fit for tropical fieldwork and prepared to spend extended periods in Ghana and India.
- Be team-oriented, adaptable, and culturally aware.
Desirable skills:
- Experience with soil analysis techniques.
- Familiarity with spectral analysis tools or drone operations.
- Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Excellent communication and organizational skills.
Application Procedure
Required Documents:
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Names and contact details of references (if applicable)
Send your application by August 15, 2025 to:
Prof. Dr. Stephan Peth
Email: peth@ifbk.uni-hannover.de
Alternatively, mail your documents to:
Institut für Erdsystemwissenschaften / Abteilung Bodenkunde
Prof. Dr. Stephan Peth
Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Universität Hannover
Herrenhäuser Str. 2
30419 Hannover, Germany
More info on the project: www.uni-kassel.de/go/for-5903
FAQs
Q1: Can international students apply for this PhD position?
Yes, international applicants are encouraged to apply, provided they meet the eligibility criteria and are fit for fieldwork in tropical climates.
Q2: What support is available for work-life balance and wellness?
LUH offers flexible work arrangements, childcare options, and a wide range of sports and health programs to promote a healthy work-life balance.
Q3: Is knowledge of German required?
No, English proficiency is sufficient for this position. However, knowledge of German is helpful for living in Hannover.
