Shaping change: this is what drives us at Forschungszentrum Jülich. As a member of the Helmholtz Association with some 7,600 employees, we conduct interdisciplinary research into a digitalized society, a climate-friendly energy system, and a sustainable economy. We focus on the natural, life, and engineering sciences in the fields of information, energy, and bioeconomy. We combine this with expertise in high-performance computing and artificial intelligence using unique scientific infrastructures.
Are you excited about working at the interface of natural and computer sciences?
At the Institute of Bio- and Geosciences (IBG) at Forschungszentrum Jülich, we explore how biological systems function and how they can be harnessed for a sustainable bioeconomy. Our research spans plant and agrosphere sciences, microbiology, biotechnology, and data science, always with the goal of contributing to solutions for global challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity, and the transition to circular economies.
As part of this mission, we are offering PhD positions in the Simulation and Data Lab Digital Bioeconomy (SDL-DBE). The SDL-DBE develops and applies multiscale models, AI-enhanced simulations, and computational workflows across IBG-relevant domains including plant biology, microbial systems, and circular bioprocesses.
Join us and contribute your ideas to shape sustainable innovations and the digital transformation of the bioeconomy.
We are offering an interesting
Are you excited about working at the interface of natural and computer sciences?
At the Institute of Bio- and Geosciences (IBG) at Forschungszentrum Jülich, we explore how biological systems function and how they can be harnessed for a sustainable bioeconomy. Our research spans plant and agrosphere sciences, microbiology, biotechnology, and data science, always with the goal of contributing to solutions for global challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity, and the transition to circular economies.
As part of this mission, we are offering PhD positions in the Simulation and Data Lab Digital Bioeconomy (SDL-DBE). The SDL-DBE develops and applies multiscale models, AI-enhanced simulations, and computational workflows across IBG-relevant domains including plant biology, microbial systems, and circular bioprocesses.
Join us and contribute your ideas to shape sustainable innovations and the digital transformation of the bioeconomy.
We are offering an interesting
PhD position - MISOWASP - Linking Molecular scale Interactions of Soil Organic matter with water retention in Soil-Plant systems
Your Job:
Soil organic matter (SOM) and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) play a central role in soil structure, water retention, nutrient cycling, and plant-microbe interactions. Their molecular behavior has profound effects on soil hydraulic properties and biome stability. However, despite advances in continuum modeling of soil and plant-water systems, the molecular-scale mechanisms underlying these processes remain poorly represented. This PhD project aims to fill that gap by using molecular simulations to quantify the interactions of SOM and EPS with water and minerals, and to connect these insights with larger-scale soil and plant models.
- Perform molecular dynamics simulations to investigate interactions between soil organic matter (SOM), extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), water, and mineral surfaces
- Parameterize, set up, and validate molecular-scale models of complex soil-relevant systems
- Quantify structural, dynamical, and energetic properties governing water retention and soil hydraulic behavior
- Analyze molecular simulation trajectories to derive mechanisms relevant to nutrient cycling and plant-microbe interactions
- Translate molecular-scale findings into parameters and concepts usable in continuum-scale soil and plant-water models
- Contribute to the development and documentation of reusable, open, and reproducible molecular simulation workflows
- Collaborate with researchers working on soil physics, plant modeling, and multiscale simulation frameworks
- Present research results at scientific meetings and publish findings in peer-reviewed journals
Your Profile:
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in computer science, applied mathematics, physics, engineering, biology, plant and agrosphere sciences, or another relevant natural science;
- Strong background in Structural Bioinformatics and Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations
- Experience in setting up and running MD simulations. Previous usage of the AMBER suite is an asset
- Knowledge on force fields structures and analyzing molecular trajectories to extract structural and energetic insights
- Familiarity with assembling complex molecular systems and integrating heterogeneous data sources
- Solid knowledge of Linux environments, including experience with HPC systems
- Practical experience working with conda environments and Python scripting
- Motivation to contribute to the development of an open-source molecular modeling platform for soil components
- Hands-on experience in using differential calculus
- Strong interest in using process-based mathematical modeling carbon cycling in soil-plant systems
Our 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 support you in your work with:
- TEAM & ENVIRONMENT: You will work in a motivated team with an international and interdisciplinary focus - at one of the largest research institutions in Europe
- RESEARCH & INFRASTRUCTURE: You will have access to excellent scientific and technical facilities for your work, ranging from high-performance computing and advanced imaging platforms to specialized experimental facilities.
- NETWORKING & EXCHANGE: You will participate in (international) conferences and project meetings and actively build your scientific network
- WORK-LIFE BALANCE: Flexible working arrangements (including remote working) are generally possible upon agreement and in line with upcoming tasks and (on-site) appointments
- HEALTH & WELL-BEING: Your health is important to us. You can look forward to a comprehensive company health management programme with a wide range of options, including a beach volleyball court, running groups, yoga classes and much more. In addition, our company medical service and an experienced social counselling team are available to assist you on site
- SUCCESSFUL START: It is important to us that you quickly settle into the team and are given structured training for your tasks. We also support you from the very beginning and make your start easier with our Welcome Days and Welcome Guide: https://go.fzj.de/welcome
- FAIR REMUNERATION: Depending on your qualifications and assigned responsibilities, you will be classified according to pay group 13 (75%) of the TVöD Bund. Additionally, you will receive a special payment (“Christmas bonus”) amounting to 60% of one month’s salary. Additional compensation beyond the base salary may be possible. All information about the TVöD Bund collective agreement can be found on the BMI website (pay scale table on page 69 and following of the PDF download): https://go.fzj.de/bmi.tvoed
- FIXED-TERM: The position is limited to 4 years
- SUPPORT FOR INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYEES: Our International Advisory Service makes it easier for international employees to get started
- KNOWLEDGE & DEVELOPMENT: Your professional development is important to us - we support you specifically and individually e.g., through training and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral candidates (JuDocS): https://go.fzj.de/JuDocs
Further information on the project is available at: https://www.fz-juelich.de/de/ibg/daten-ki/casa-sdl-dbe
In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial working environment, we offer you much more: https://go.fzj.de/benefits
We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, personal orientation/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.
The following links provide further information on diversity and equal opportunities: https://go.fzj.de/equality and and on the targeted promotion of women: https://go.fzj.de/womens-job-journey
The job will be advertised until the position has been successfully filled. You should therefore submit your application as soon as possible. We look forward to receiving your online application.
Contact form:If your questions have not yet been answered via our FAQs, please send us a message via our contact form.
Please note that for technical reasons we cannot accept applications by e-mail.
www.fz-juelich.de
In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial working environment, we offer you much more: https://go.fzj.de/benefits
We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, personal orientation/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.
The following links provide further information on diversity and equal opportunities: https://go.fzj.de/equality and and on the targeted promotion of women: https://go.fzj.de/womens-job-journey
The job will be advertised until the position has been successfully filled. You should therefore submit your application as soon as possible. We look forward to receiving your online application.
Contact form:If your questions have not yet been answered via our FAQs, please send us a message via our contact form.
Please note that for technical reasons we cannot accept applications by e-mail.
www.fz-juelich.de
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2026D-014
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