The University of Kassel is a modern and growing University with round about 22.000 students. The university’s wide range of expertise covers subjects in the natural, applied, cultural and social sciences.
University of Kassel, Faculty of Organic Agricultural Sciences – Section of Organic Farming and Cropping Systems (Prof. Dr. Athmann), the following position is to be filled at the earliest opportunity and subject to approval:
Doctoral Researcher (m/f/d), EG 13 TV-H, fixed-term, part-time (currently 30 hours per week)
Application deadline:
01.10.2025
Date of hire:
as soon as possible
vacancy number: 38730
This is a part-time position with 75% oft he working hours of a full-time employee. This is subject to approval a fixed-term position of three and a half years with the opportunity of obtaining a doctoral degree in the field of agricultural sciences (position for academic qualification corresponding to § 2 WissZeitVG).
The research unit “Adaptation to drought and extremes: The surface-soil-groundwater buffer under climate stress (ADAPT)” aims to investigate the effects of climate change management scenarios in order to counteract the increasingly widespread water deficits during summer droughts in Germany and Central Europe. As one objective, the project aims to identify a safe way to use treated wastewater as a resource for irrigating agricultural soils, bringing together expertise from a broad spectrum of geosciences, environmental technology, and agricultural sciences.
The main tasks of the position to be filled are to investigate the effects of drought, flooding, and irrigation with micropollutants on crop performance and root growth of wheat, forage crops, and horticultural crops under adapted soil management. The work involves various mesocosm experiments to test different soils and potentially resilience-enhancing agronomic measures for their ability to maintain functions relevant to plant growth even under abiotic stress. This position therefore deals with the agronomic relevance of extreme weather events and the management options that are the focus of ADAPT.
Tasks:
1. Independent research to investigate the effects of drought stress, flooding, and irrigation with micropollutants on shoot and root growth in wheat, forage crops, and vegetables
2. Independent planning and implementation of mesocosm experiments with undisturbed soil columns, as well as subsequent sample processing
3. Evaluation of experimental data using statistical methods to quantify the effects of the investigated site and management factors on plant growth
4. Publication of own research results in international journals.
Requirements:
5. Completed university degree in agricultural sciences, biology, ecology, or similar
6. Good agronomic knowledge
7. Efficient and goal-oriented approach to work, independence, and commitment
8. Willingness and ability to engage in interdisciplinary cooperation, strong communication skills
9. Technical skills and enthusiasm for experimental work
10. Very good written and spoken English.
Beneficial additional qualifications:
11. Experience with field and pot trials
12. Strong knowledge of crop production methodology (especially yield formation, root growth)
13. Laboratory experience
14. Knowledge of organic farming
15. Class B driver's license
The work locations are the Hessian State Domain Frankenhausen in Grebenstein and Witzenhausen.
In the event of any differences between the German and English versions of this call for application, the German wording is legally binding.
Our Offer:
As an employee of the University of Kassel
16. you will be offered an interesting and diverse range of tasks within the framework of a modern and ambitious university,
17. you will be part of an interdisciplinary team with a good and collegial working atmosphere,
18. you will have the opportunity to participate in professional and interdisciplinary further education measures,
19. is your workplace with good connections to public transport, which you can currently use free of charge.
In addition, you will benefit from the advantages of employment in the public service such as:
20. an additional company pension (VBL),
21. an optional child supplement in accordance with TV-Hessen, a family-friendly university (including childcare for emergencies),
22. an annual bonus
23. an entitlement to capital-accumulation benefits,
24. a promotion of voluntary commitment,
25. low-cost participation in university sports and a full range of fitness activities as part of Unifit, as well as workplace health management
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In exceptional cases, we will also accept your application documents in paper form addressed to: The President of the University of Kassel, 34109 Kassel, Germany, or via mail to
Information and FAQ about applying for a job offer:
The University of Kassel is very interested in the professional satisfaction of its employees. It is distinguished as a family-friendly university and, in the interests of equal opportunities, strives to offer everyone the same opportunities for development and to counteract existing disadvantages. It promotes the Family Welcome Service and also the Dual Career Service for positions that are scientifically and academically filled. One of the strategic goals of the University of Kassel is to significantly increase the proportion of women in research and teaching. Applications from women are therefore particularly welcome. Seriously handicapped and equivalent applicants are given preference if they have the same suitability, qualifications and professional performance. Full-time positions are generally divisible (except when filling civil servant positions). Applications indicating the Position Number, which may be in digital form, should be sent to the President of the University of Kassel, 34109 Kassel, Germany quoting the applicable reference number.