The Institute of Bio- and Geosciences - Agrosphere (IBG-3) conducts research to improve our understanding of biogeochemical and hydrological processes in terrestrial systems. Specific studies focus on environmental controls on biogeochemical cycling of elements, the analysis of exchange processes and nutrient dynamics in the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum. A combination of experiments, modelling and innovative observation technologies is used to bridge the gap between model, process and management scale. Its research contributes to the sustainable and resource-conserving use of soils and water and to the quantification of the effect of climate and land use change on terrestrial ecosystems. We offer a competent and interdisciplinary working environment, as well as an excellent framework in the areas of experiments and modelling.

The project VitiSoil aims at evaluating and optimizing the sequestration of organic carbon in vineyard soils. The specific aim is the precise evaluation of organic matter turnover and storage, of the grapevine's reaction to the deep incorporation of organic matter of different quality into the soil, effects on grape quality, and emission of greenhouse gases (GHG). The overall results will allow for quantifying the carbon footprint of wine production and assessing its potential contribution to climate protection.

We are offering a

PhD position in Quantification of carbon and nitrogen turnover and greenhouse gas emissions in viticulture subject to deep incorporation of organic carbon into the soil

Your Job:

• construction, test and calibration of a mobile system for the quantification of greenhouse gas emissions in the vineyards
• installation of soil gas sampling probes and redox sensors at different soil depths
• regular measurements of greenhouse gas emissions with the mobile system, of greenhouse gas concentrations and of redox potential at the different soil depths
• soil sampling and subsequent laboratory incubations of the soil samples for the quantification of greenhouse gas emissions under controlled conditions
• presentation of results at conferences and during public field days
• publication of results in international, peer-reviewed journals

Your Profile:

• university degree (MSc or equivalent) in soil science, environmental sciences, geoecology, or similar subject areas
• knowledge in the area of carbon and nitrogen turnover in the soil and production processes of greenhouse gases
• ideally experience in greenhouse gas measurements
• ability and willingness to work regularly in the field, also in collaboration with the other subprojects
• car driving license
• very good communication and organizational skills
• very good command of the English language, both in speaking and writing

Our Offer:

• vibrant international and interdisciplinary work environment at one of biggest European research campuses, ideally situated within the city triangle of Cologne, Düsseldorf, and Aachen
• intense PhD supervision and close collaboration
• an exceptional research and high-performance scientific computing infrastructure at one of Europe's leading supercomputing centres
• attendance at national and international conferences and Workshops
• comprehensive PhD training programme; extensive possibilities for further scientific and technical Training
• flexible working hours and various opportunities to reconcile work and family life
• a part-time job with 19,5 hours per week
• limited for 3 years
• salary and social benefits in conformity with the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Civil Service (TVöD)

Forschungszentrum Jülich aims to employ more women in this area and therefore particulary welcomes applications from women.

We also welcome applications from disabled persons.

We look forward to receiving your application, preferably via our online recruitment system on our career site, quoting the reference number 2018D-002.