Conducting research for a changing society: This is what drives us at Forschungszentrum Jülich. As a member of the Helmholtz Association, we aim to tackle the grand societal challenges of our time and conduct research into the possibilities of a digitized society, a climate-friendly energy system, and a resource-efficient economy. Work together with around 7,400 employees in one of Europe’s biggest research centers and help us to shape change!
At the Institute of Bio- and Geosciences - Agrosphere (IBG-3), we conduct 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 are offering a
PhD Position - Functional-Structural Plant Modelling PhD Position – Functional-Structural Plant Modelling
Activities and responsibilities
The work will be part of the BMBF project “Rhizosphere processes and yield decline in wheat crop rotations (RhizoWheat)” in collaboration with University of Kiel, the Institute of Sugar Beet Research, and the Julius-Kühn-Institut, Institute for Epidemiology and Pathogen Diagnostics. The RhizoWheat project will investigate the effect of different pre-crops in crop rotations on wheat growth and performance. Simulation modelling will be used for an in-depth mechanistic analysis of pre-crop effects and to extrapolate pivotal research findings depicted within the models for future climate scenarios.
You will be responsible to extend and parameterize the functional-structural plant model CPlantBox to support crop modelling with relevant root traits and functions. Your tasks in detail:
- Setting up the functional-structural plant model for specific soil and pre-crop situations
- Parameterization of this model based on experimental data from the consortium, including root data from both greenhouse and field observations
- Performing in silico experiments for different regional climate change scenarios
- Postprocessing and analysis of simulation results
- Presenting and publishing results at national and international conferences and peer-reviewed journals
Qualification profile
- Master’s degree in bioengineering, environmental sciences, or applied mathematics
- Knowledge of plant and soil sciences
- Mathematical modelling skills
- Experience in scientific computation
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in an international, interdisciplinary team across institutes
- Very good communication and organizational skills
- Very good command of the English language
We offer
We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We offer ideal conditions for you to complete your doctoral degree:
- Competent and interdisciplinary working environment, as well as an excellent framework in the areas of experiments and modelling
- Vibrant international work environment on an attractive research campus, ideally situated between the cities of Cologne, Düsseldorf, and Aachen
- Attendance at national and international conferences and workshops
- Possibility for further scientific and technical training through international experts
- Exceptional research infrastructure
- Flexible working hours
- 30 days of annual leave and provision for days off between public holidays and weekends (e.g. between Christmas and New Year)
- Further development of your personal strengths, e.g. through an extensive range of training courses; a structured program of continuing education and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral researchers via JuDocS, the Jülich Center for Doctoral Researchers and Supervisors: https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/judocs
- Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service
In addition to exciting tasks and a collaborative working atmosphere in Jülich, we have a lot more to offer:
https://go.fzj.de/benefits. The position is for a fixed term of three years. Pay will be in line with 75% of pay group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund) and additionally 60% of a monthly salary as special payment (“Christmas bonus”). Further information on doctoral degrees at Forschungszentrum Jülich, including our other locations, is available at
https://www.fz-juelich.de/gp/Careers_Docs. We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, romantic orientation / personal identity, and social, ethnic, and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities, in which everyone can realize their potential, is important to us.
We look forward to receiving your application. The job will be advertised until the position has been successfully filled. You should therefore submit your application as soon as possible via the "Apply now"-Button.
www.fz-juelich.de