PhD Positions - Quantitative Plant Sciences bei Forschungszentrum Jülich

Forschungszentrum Jülich

Would you like to contribute to solutions to climate change and resource scarcity? Work with us at the Institute of Bio- and Geosciences, Plant Sciences (IBG-2, FZJ) on innovative use, production and technology concepts related to "plants", "sustainability" and "bioeconomy". We conduct interdisciplinary research in international or regional teams using state-of-the-art sensors and measurement concepts - and novel model systems.

Your Job:

Doctoral theses are offered in the following subject areas:

Topic 1: ROOTED: Root plasticity responses to low P as modulated by N availability
Topic 2: Root2Resilience: Simulation of root system architecture for the discovery of traits covering resilience to Climate Change.

Your Profile:

You have a deep interest in how plants optimize nutrient acquisition and acclimate to different soil conditions. You are curious about root functioning and preferably have some experience within plant root research, for example during your master thesis work. You enjoy designing, conducting, and analysing experiments. You enjoy math and quantitative approaches in science and have some affinity with modelling and or computer programming.

Required applicant Profile: Master’s degree in Agriculture, Plant Biology, Soil Science, related natural sciences.

Desire attitude and skills:

Self-motivated
Creative problem solver
Curious
Collegial
Good knowledge of plant and crop eco-physiology, especially in relation to plant nutrition and/or hydrology.
Experience in conducting plant experiments in greenhouses or other growth conditions.
Good basic knowledge of chemistry and physics
Knowledge of mathematical models, especially dynamic crop models or functional structural plant models.
Knowledge of numerical mathematics is a plus
Programming skills, preferably in C++ and or statistical language R
Good writing and oral presentation skills.
Languages: High level English (C1/2)

Our Offer:

The IBG-2 - Plant Sciences offers a unique, interdisciplinary and international working environment and access to excellent infrastructure and state-of-the-art plant physiology techniques. We are world leading in the development or Root Architectural models and the simulation of root growth, nutrient, and water uptake. We offer:

World-class infrastructure & expertise in plant phenotyping and computer simulation
The opportunity to work in a unique interdisciplinary team (scientists, engineers and technicians) with national and international partners
A structured doctoral degree programme for you and your supervisors with a comprehensive further training and networking package on our doctoral researchers’ platform JuDocs https://www.fz-juelich.de/judocsThe position is initially for a fixed term of 3 years. Bruto salary indication 35000-40000/year depending on topic, family situation and experience.

Before applying: Please check out the additional information

Info on what is like to be a Doctoral Researcher at FZJ: https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/careers/phd
Info on the EU project ROOT2RESILIENCE: https://root2res.eu/the-project/ Info on the Doctoral Network ROOTED: https://sites.google.com/view/rooted-doctoral-network

When applying:
Please indicate in what topic you are most interested. If your are interested in TOPIC 1, check the additional requirements

The position is initially for a fixed term of 3 years. Pay in line with 65% of pay group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund) and additionally 60 % of a monthly salary as special payment („Christmas bonus“). Further information on doctoral degrees at Forschungszentrum Jülich including our other locations is available at: https://www.fz-juelich.de/gp/Careers_Docs

For inquiries contact Johannes Postma at OSR@fz-juelich.de

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.