Research Associate (65%), m/f/d, Biogeophysics, Project: HUMAX: The Institute of Soil Science and Land Evaluation, Department of Biogeophysics (Prof. Thilo Streck, Dr. Sebastian Gayler), is seeking a Research Associate to work on a sub-project of the collaborative project HUMAX “Potentials of agroforestry and agrivoltaic systems for maximizing humus buildup and carbon storage on agricultural land” starting March 1, 2023. The salary is according to payment group E13 TV-L (65% of the regular working time).
The position is initially limited to three years. Total roject duration is March 1, 2023 – February 28, 2029. There is the possibility of a doctorate. About the project: In the joint project “HUMAX” (project partners in Hohenheim, Freiburg, Offenburg, Geisenheim, Müncheberg and Jülich) different measures for humus enrichment on arable land will be investigated in different combinations (catch crops, winter greening, undersowing, compost application, plant charcoal). A unique feature of the HUMAX project is that these measures will be applied in combination with agri-photovoltaic systems and agroforestry systems.
The aim is to identify possible synergies of the measures and to show combined application options. In this context, the combination with agroforestry systems opens up further potentials as a carbon sink, in addition to the humus enrichment, since the trees and shrubs store carbon in the above- and below-ground biomass. Moreover, a large substitution potential exists through the wood products and the cut material produced during the management of the trees.
Your tasks:
- Further development of the Agroforestry and Agri-Voltaic modules of the Expert-N agroecosystem simulation software.
- Carrying out scenario calculations and climate projections with Expert-N
- Taking soil samples to monitor the soil hydraulic properties of the investigated croplands
- Analysis of the samples in the laboratory and evaluation of the data
- Presentation of results at conferences, preparation of project reports and publication of results in relevant international scientific journals
- Close cooperation with the partners in the collaborative project HUMAX
Your qualifications:
- Completed studies in environmental sciences or in a related discipline such as physics, geoecology, e.t.c.
- Experience in scientific working, proven by an above-average thesis
- Programming skills with C or a comparable programming language are a distinct advantage, as well as knowledge in scripting languages like R or Python
- Experience with sampling in the field, lab experiences
- A secure knowledge of spoken and written English, a good knowledge of German is advantageous
- Car driving license (class B)
- and a high level of motivation, initiative, flexibility and the ability to work in a team
Advantageous would be:
- Experience in soil physical analysis methods and laboratory work
- Experience in presentation and publication of scientific results
In case of equal suitability, preference for employment will be given to handicapped persons. Since the university would like to increase its proportion of female scientists, applications from women are particularly welcome.
Application deadline : 22.01.2023
Please attach the following documents to your application: curriculum vitae, certificates, letter of motivation (max. 2. pages), publication list and two references
The University of Hohenheim accepts applications via a secure internet site. To the application