Fully Funded PhD & Postdoc Positions in Environmental Engineering & Geosciences – Apply Now in Germany

Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to pursue fully funded PhD positions in Germany or a prestigious Postdoctoral research role in Europe? The University of Kassel and the University of Giessen are jointly inviting applications for 11 PhD positions and 1 Postdoc position in the fields of environmental engineering and geosciences.

This unique opportunity is part of the cutting-edge research project ADAPT (Adaptation to Drought and Extremes: The Surface-Soil-Groundwater Buffer under Climate Stress). The project is designed to tackle one of today’s most pressing global challenges — water scarcity, drought resilience, and climate change adaptation.

📍 Location: Germany
🏛 Institutions: University of Kassel & University of Giessen
💼 Positions Available: 11 PhD positions + 1 Postdoctoral position
⏳ Application Deadline: October 19, 2025
💰 Funding: Fully funded (TV-H scale, up to 3.5 years for PhDs, 3.5 years for Postdoc)
🌐 Official Link: Apply Here

🔬 About the ADAPT Research Project

The ADAPT project focuses on addressing the increasing water deficits during summer droughts in Germany and across Central Europe. The goal is to design sustainable water reuse systems, improve groundwater recharge through hydrological management, and assess the impact of micropollutants from treated wastewater on soils and aquifers.

The research combines multiple disciplines, including:

• 🌱 Soil Science & Soil Ecology
• 💧 Hydrology & Hydrogeology
• 🧪 Microbiology & Molecular Biology
• ⚙️ Environmental Engineering & Water Resource Management
• 🌾 Agricultural Sciences & Cropping Systems
• 🔬 Analytical & Environmental Chemistry

Students and researchers will engage in field campaigns, laboratory experiments, modelling approaches, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

🎓 Available PhD Positions

There are 11 fully funded PhD opportunities, each specializing in different aspects of environmental engineering and geoscience. Some key areas include:

1. Reactive Transport Experiments & Modelling (University of Kassel)
2. Applied Microbiology & Aquifer Studies (University of Giessen)
3. Environmental Analysis of Micropollutants (University of Giessen)
4. Groundwater Flow & Transport Modelling (University of Kassel)
5. Water Reuse & Wastewater Treatment Technologies (University of Kassel)
6. Soil-Plant Modelling for Sustainable Agriculture (University of Kassel)
7. Soil Ecology & Carbon Dynamics (University of Kassel)
8. Organic Cropping Systems Under Climate Stress (University of Kassel)
9. Soil Physics & Hydrological Modelling (University of Kassel)
10. Hydraulic Engineering & Water Resource Management (University of Kassel)
11. Multi-Scale Pollutant Transport & Hydrological Modelling (University of Kassel)

Each PhD position comes with 3.5 years of full funding (75% EG 13 TV-H scale) and provides world-class training, international networking, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

👩‍🔬 Postdoctoral Research Position

Alongside the PhD opportunities, there is 1 fully funded Postdoctoral position in Unsaturated Flow and Reactive Transport. The postdoc will play a vital role in coordinating the ADAPT research framework, supervising doctoral candidates, and developing innovative experiments on PFAS transport in soils and groundwater.

📌 Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must hold a Master’s degree (for PhD) or a PhD (for Postdoc) in one of the relevant fields, such as:

• Environmental Engineering
• Geosciences
• Civil Engineering / Hydraulic Engineering
• Microbiology / Environmental Biology
• Analytical Chemistry
• Agricultural & Soil Sciences
• Hydrology & Water Resource Management

Strong academic background, research interest, and interdisciplinary collaboration skills are essential.

📝 How to Apply

Interested candidates should prepare a single PDF file that includes:

• Motivation letter & research interests
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Academic transcripts
• Contact details of 2 references

📌 Applications must be submitted via the official recruitment portals of the University of Kassel or University of Giessen.

👉 Apply here: University of Kassel & Giessen – ADAPT Project Opportunities

🌟 Why Apply?

✅ Fully funded research positions in Germany
✅ Work with leading experts in environmental science and engineering
✅ Hands-on training with advanced lab techniques & modelling tools
✅ Fieldwork and collaboration across Europe
✅ Prestigious research network with career growth opportunities

📅 Important Dates

• 📢 Call Opened: September 19, 2025
• 🛑 Application Deadline: October 19, 2025
• 📍 Start Date: Early 2026

Final Thoughts

This is a golden opportunity for aspiring PhD researchers and postdoctoral fellows who are passionate about climate change adaptation, sustainable water management, and environmental engineering. With full funding, expert supervision, and access to top-tier research facilities, this program is a stepping stone to a successful academic and professional career in Europe.

🌐 Apply now before the deadline and become part of Germany’s leading environmental research initiative!