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PhD Opportunity – Microplastic dynamics in soils

(DAAD Graduate School Scholarship Programme, GSGS Cologne)

Within the framework of the DAAD Graduate School Scholarship Programme (GSSP), the Graduate School of Geosciences (GSGS) at the University of Cologne is currently inviting applications for funded PhD positions.

Applications are possible within the framework of Subproject B06 of the Collaborative Research Centre CRC 1357 “Microplastics”, focusing on microplastic dynamics in soils.

Research focus

The PhD project will investigate the transport and fate of microplastic (and potentially macroplastic) particles in soils, with particular emphasis on key environmental interfaces, including:

• soils and terrestrial–aquatic systems (e.g. rivers and floodplains),
• urban environments, and
• the soil–atmosphere interface.

The project will be carried out in the Ecosystem Research group at the University of Cologne and will be fully embedded in CRC 1357, Subproject B06. The doctoral researcher will benefit from the interdisciplinary research environment of the CRC and access to:

• experimental laboratory and field infrastructures,
• established soil column and field-based study systems, and
• advanced microplastic analytics (e.g. µFTIR, ATR-FTIR).

Funding and framework

Doctoral funding is provided by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) through the Graduate School Scholarship Programme and is embedded in the structured doctoral training programme of the graduate school GSGS Cologne.

Please note that selection and nomination are conducted entirely by GSGS, and final funding decisions are made by DAAD.

Application deadline

31 January 2026, 12:00 (noon) CET

Application procedure

Applications must be submitted via the official GSGS call:

https://geosciences.uni-koeln.de/gsgs/opportunities/graduate-school-scholarship-programme

Please note:

• Eligibility screening or individual pre-application consultation cannot be offered.
• In accordance with the GSGS procedure, applicants with a convincing project idea may be contacted by the potential supervisor for an interview to decide whether to proceed jointly with the required 8-page project proposal.
• Nomination by GSGS and final funding decisions by DAAD take place at later stages.

Highly motivated candidates with a strong interest in soil systems, environmental processes, and microplastic transport research are encouraged to apply.