PhD Position – Biogeochemical Soil and Rhizosphere Modeling

PhD Position – Biogeochemical Soil and Rhizosphere Modeling

Job Description:

Conducting research for a changing society is the driving force behind this opportunity. We aim to address significant societal challenges and engage in research that explores the potential of a digitized society, a climate-friendly energy system, and a resource-efficient economy. Join a team of around 7400 employees in one of Europe’s largest research centers and contribute to shaping change! At the Institute of Bio- and Geosciences – Agrosphere, our research enhances understanding of biogeochemical and hydrological processes in terrestrial systems. We focus on how environmental factors influence biogeochemical cycling, analyze exchange processes, and study nutrient dynamics in the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum. Our approach combines experiments, modeling, and innovative observation technologies to connect model, process, and management scales, contributing to sustainable soil and water use and assessing the effects of climate and land use changes on ecosystems. We are offering an engaging PhD Position in Biogeochemical Soil and Rhizosphere Modeling.

IT Languages:

• Python
• R

The work is part of a project funded by the German Ministry for Education and Science aimed at assessing the benefits of cultivar mixtures with complementary root phenotypes in agricultural fields. The project evaluates water, carbon, and nitrogen fluxes, microbial communities, and yield benefits of these cropping systems. You will enhance the existing process-based soil-rhizosphere-plant model, which employs a 3D functional-structural approach to simulate plant growth and interactions.:

Extend the current model to incorporate mucilage effects on soil hydraulic properties and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi growth related to plant roots, Conduct literature research and meta-analysis for model parameterization, Condition the model using experimental data from prior project phases, Perform scenario simulations and analyze results, Implement a framework for assessing drought resilience and nitrogen use efficiency with experimental data and simulation outputs, Present findings at conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals

Spoken Languages:

• English, German

Skillset:

• Strong analytical skills
• Modeling and simulation expertise
• Familiarity with soil-plant interactions
• Data analysis and interpretation skills
• Team collaboration and project management

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in bioengineering
• environmental sciences
• soil science
• or applied mathematics
• Knowledge of plant science
• soil science
• and microbial ecology
• Solid understanding of differential calculus
• Proficient in programming languages such as Python and R
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an international
• interdisciplinary team
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Fluent in English

Years of Experience:

2

Location:

Europe

Job Benefits:

• Competitive salary
• Opportunities for professional development
• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities
• Collaborative work environment
• Flexible working hours

Working Conditions:

Full Time

Employment Type:

Doctoral thesis/State doctorate

Company Culture:

• Innovative and inclusive
• fostering collaboration and interdisciplinary research.

Opportunities For Advancement:

• Potential for postdoctoral positions and further research opportunities within the organization.

visa Sponsorship:

Available