UFZ - Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research
Halle, Germany
The job
During the last 10 years we developed a process-oriented, systemic soil model (BODIUM) to simulate and predict the impact of climate and soil management on highly relevant soil functions (i.e. productivity, carbon storage, water- and nutrient cycling, biological activity and diversity). The model is open access (git.ufz.de/bodium/bodium_v1-2) and coded in C++. We are looking for a highly motivated scientist to join the team at the Department of Soil System Sciences to further develop the BODIUM model in cooperation with soil scientists at UFZ and beyond. The successful candidate should be prepared to take on a leadership role in model development and to coordinate existing and upcoming collaboration with external partners.She/he should actively participate in applying for external funding. The position is initially limited to 08/2027 but may be extended if approved in a strategy process.
Your tasks
* Further development of the process-based soil model BODIUM for applications in agriculture (decision support for sustainable soil management) and science (mechanistic modeling of soil functions)
* Taking on a coordinating and leading role in model development, including collaboration with internal and external research partners
* Expansion and maintenance of BODIUM as a community model
* Active participation in the UFZ research program, particularly in linking soil models with water, nutrient flux, and vegetation models
* Publication of research results in high-impact international journals and contribution to the acquisition of external research funding
Your profile
* PhD in soil science and/or terrestrial ecology with focus on physical and/or biological process modelling
* Solid understanding of object-oriented programming, ideally C++
* Experience in modelling of natural complex systems based on partial differential equations
* Knowledge of agriculture and especially crop production is of advantage
* Appropriate publication record in international peer reviewed journals
* Willingness to present your research in leading scientific conferences
* Well developed communication skills
* Excellent written and spoken English skills