PhD position in Leipzig bei Helmholtz Zentrum für Umweltforschung UFZ

PhD position (f/m/x) in Leipzig bei Helmholtz Zentrum für Umweltforschung UFZ

Helmholtz-Zentrum für Umweltforschung UFZ

The UFZ

The Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) with its 1,100 employees has gained an excellent reputation as an international competence centre for environmental sciences. We are part of the largest scientific organisation in Germany, the Helmholtz association. Our mission: Our research seeks to find a balance between social development and the long-term protection of our natural resources.

The job

The PhD Colleg LISA with 4 Phd positions has been launched in 2023. LISA is about exploring the multifunctionality of cultural landscapes in Germany and to examine the effects of climate change and land use in a model-based framework. This position (PhD student #2) will study managed grassland ecosystems by coupling a grassland model with a soil model for regions in Germany. The aim is to dynamically couple both models and to understand the role of management and soil type for ecosystem functioning and of policy instruments for grassland extension.

Your tasks

coupling an individual-based grassland model (GRASSMIND) with a dynamic soil model (BODIUM) and its parameterization for regions in Germany
analyzing the role of management and soil type at the local field scale for grassland ecosystem functioning at larger scales
combining yield simulations of GRASSMIND-BODIUM with an agent-based model DroughtMAS used to analyze scenarios of grassland policy impacts
collaboration among the four doctoral students within the PhD college (e.g., discussion groups, synthesis paper, joint conference attendance)

We offer

Excellent technical facilities which are without parallel
The freedom you need to bridge the difficult gap between basic research and close to being ready for application
Work in inter-disciplinary, multinational teams
Excellent links with national and international research networks
Excellent support and optimal subject-specific and general training with our HIGRADE graduate school
Remuneration in accordance with the TVöD public-sector pay grade 13 (65%)

Your profile

a master's degree in a relevant field of research, including system sciences, mathematics, physics, geography, biology, geoecology or others
experiences in computer programming (e.g. R, Python)
deep interest in programming, trouble-shooting and creative problem solving
interest in ecological, soil-physical and socio-ecological/-economic systems
good knowledge of spoken and written English and ambition to publish in international journals
high motivation to work in an international and interdisciplinary team