We are looking for a Research Assiciate (PhD-student) within the Project “SUSTAIN: Sustainable food security and woodland utilization for drought-prone communal areas under climate change in Southern Africa” The SUSTAIN-Project is a collaborative research program at Bremen University, Universität Hamburg, University of Namibia, Namibia University of Science and Technology, University José Eduardo dos Santos, University of Botswana and South African National Parks.
The project aims to achieve restoration and sustainable use of degrading ecosystems in rural community areas in Southern Africa, by implementing climate-smart conservation agriculture with stress tolerant legumes and improved biological nitrogen fixation, assisted legume tree regeneration for sustainable forests and woodlands, management of ‘green water’ to improve water security, soil restoration, development of plant-protein enriched flours for infants to combat malnutrition.
In this framework, the research associate is assigned to the following research topics:
- assessing effects of conservation agriculture and improved legume cultivation on soil water conservation and storage potential
- planning and conducting empirical research under field and lab conditions regarding physical soil properties
- measuring infiltration rates, plant available water capacity, transpiration rates (in e.g. chamber and mini-lysimeter setups)
- estimation of soil water balances
- linking own research with other partners in the SUSTAIN-project, e.g. regarding integration with soil fertility and carbon cycling analyses in model based approaches on larger scales
- presentation of own research at international conferences and publication of research results in relevant international journals, as well as preparing project reports
Please find more information and application details below:
Duties include academic services in the project named above. Research associates may also pursue independent research and further academic qualifications.
Specific Duties
The SUSTAIN-Project is a collaborative research program at Bremen University, Universität Hamburg, University of Namibia, Namibia University of Science and Technology, University José Eduardo dos Santos, University of Botswana and South African National Parks.
The project aims to achieve restoration and sustainable use of degrading ecosystems in rural community areas in Southern Africa, by implementing climate-smart conservation agriculture with stress tolerant legumes and improved biological nitrogen fixation, assisted legume tree regeneration for sustainable forests and woodlands, management of ‘green water’ to improve water security, soil restoration, development of plant-protein enriched flours for infants to combat malnutrition.
In this framework, the research associate is assigned to the following research topics:
- assessing effects of conservation agriculture and improved legume cultivation on soil water conservation and storage potential
Specific duties include:
- planning and conducting empirical research under field and lab conditions regarding physical soil properties
- measuring infiltration rates, plant available water capacity, transpiration rates (in e.g. chamber and mini-lysimeter setups)
- estimation of soil water balances
- linking own research with other partners in the SUSTAIN-project, e.g. regarding integration with soil fertility and carbon cycling analyses in model based approaches on larger scales
- presentation of own research at international conferences and publication of research results in relevant international journals, as well as preparing project reports
PhD candidates can become members of our graduate school, which aims to help young academics thrive through all stages of their training,
Requirements
A university degree in a relevant field.
- a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Geoecology, Soil Science, Geoscience, Agriculture or related academic fields with special focus on soil sciences with good grades
- experience in soil analyses, particularly regarding soil physical and soil hydrological methods
- advanced knowledge in environmental impacts on soil properties and related effects on plant growth
- good proficiency in techniques of empirical research, and applied data analysis
- capacity for teamwork in the international and interdisciplinary environment of the SUSTAIN-Project and the Institute of Soil Science
- fluency in English (spoken and written)
- german language skills are desirable
- willingness to conduct regular field trips to the project’s research sites in Southern Africa (mainly northern Namibia)
We offer
- Reliable remuneration based on wage agreements
- Continuing education opportunities
- University pensions
- Attractive location
- Flexible working hours
- Work-life balance opportunities
- Public transport pass (ProfiTicket) and much more
- Health management
- Educational leave
- 30 days of vacation per annum
As a University of Excellence, Universität Hamburg is one of the strongest research universities in Germany. As a flagship university in the greater Hamburg region, it nurtures innovative, cooperative contacts to partners within and outside academia. It also provides and promotes sustainable education, knowledge, and knowledge exchange locally, nationally, and internationally.
Severely disabled and disabled applicants with the same status will receive preference over equally qualified non-disabled applicants.
Contact
Prof. Dr. Annette Eschenbach: annette.eschenbach@uni-hamburg.de +49 40 42838-2008
Dr. Joscha Becker: joscha.becker@uni-hamburg.de +49 40 42838-2003
Reference number: 335
Send us your complete application documents (cover letter, curriculum vitae, copies of degree certificate[s] and if necessary ID attesting to your disability or proof of equivalent status) via the online application form only.
Application deadline: 25.08.2022
If you experience technical problems, send an email to bewerbungen@uni-hamburg.de.