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
We are looking for a highly motivated and team-oriented PhD candidate for the research project ‘Understanding the input of carbon from tree roots to soils in drier forests (RadiCs)’, funded by the German Research Fundation - DFG.
Your tasks
You will measure fine root lifespans, distributions and tissue quality across soil profiles in hydrologically-distinct forests in Germany, by using root anatomy techniques to record the chronological ages of fine roots, assessments of root growth and root biomass, and performing analytical measurements to quantify the chemical composition of fine roots.
You will gather radiocarbon measurements of soluble and structural carbon in roots collected from individual trees to provide fundamental insights on how long carbon taken up via photosynthesis resides in trees before it is transferred to the soil through fine root systems.
You will perform a mesocosm study, where tree structural and physiological responses
will be measured in parallel to changes in fungal mycelia production, root associated and soil fungal communities, and soil physicochemical properties, to quantify the influence of an altered biological activity in response to drier environmental conditions on the formation of surface and deep soil organic carbon.
We offer
1. Excellent supervision and optimal professional and interdisciplinary qualification through our HIGRADE graduate programme
2. The freedom to master even the most demanding challenges between basic research and practical application
3. The opportunity to work in interdisciplinary, international teams and benefit from a wide range of perspectives
4. Firstclass integration into national and international research networks to work together on global challenges
5. Excellent research infrastructure and research data management to optimally support your work
6. A wide range of options for balancing care responsibilities and work through our family office
7. Competent support and advice for international colleagues arriving at the UFZ from the ‘International Office’
8. Special annual payment, capital-forming benefits and subsidised Deutschland-Job-Ticket
9. A workplace in a vibrant region with a high life quality and social and cultural diversity
Your profile
10. Master’s degree in Enviromental Sciences, Ecology, Geoecology, Biology, Biogeochemistry, Forestry or a related field
11. Knowledge of soil, plant and fungal ecology
12. Experience in biogeochemical measurements, field sampling and general laboratory manipulation experiments is of advantage
13. Drivers license Class B valid in Germany
14. Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English