The Thuenen Institute of Climate-Smart Agriculture of the Johann Heinrich von Thuenen Institute, Federal Research Institute for Rural Areas, Forestry and Fisheries in Braunschweig (Germany) invites applications for a Scientist (f/m/d) in the research project “Effects of an established submerged drains system on greenhouse gas exchange and water quality” (full time). The two-year position is to be filled at 1st of April 2023.
Subsurface irrigation intends to raise the water level in agriculturally used peatlands under grassland use. After a previous project has analysed the effects of an initial grassland renewal and water level raise, this project now seeks to quantify the effects of an established system with permanently elevated water levels on the exchange of greenhouse gases and on water quality.
At the study site and a deeply drained reference site, the carbon dioxide (CO2) exchange is measured with the eddy-covariance technique, while the emissions of methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) are determined manually by chamber measurements. Further, a suite of hydrological and hydrochemical parameters is measured in the field and in the laboratory to assess the effect of submerged drains on water quality. The field sites are already fully equipped.
Main tasks of this position will be the water management of the field site, the analysis of hydrological and hydrochemical data as well as writing of reports and publication. The position is based in a working group at the Thuenen Institute of Climate-Smart Agriculture conducting research on national and international level in the area of organic soils. The project team will consist of three persons and will be led and additionally supported by scientists with a permanent position.
Tasks:
• Supervision of the experiment, i.e. coordination of the water management at the field site with the farmer and all others persons involved as well as management and maintenance of the water management infrastructure (pumps, water levels, measurement devices)• Quality control and analysis of hydrological and hydrochemical data• Participation in field campaigns for the manual measurement of the exchange of CH4 and N2O using chambers and water sampling• Organisation of meetings with an external expert group, writing of reports and peer-reviewed scientific publications
Requirements:
• University degree (Univ.-Diplom or M.Sc.) in the field of hydrology, water management, environmental sciences, or related subjects• Professional experience in hydrology or peatland management and/or peer-reviewed publications relevant to the topic are of advantage• Profound knowledge in hydrology, soil physics and/or water chemistry• Profound knowledge of common computer software and of a programming language, preferably R or Python• Knowledge on peatlands, grasslands and/or on greenhouse gas exchange of soils is beneficial• Very good communication and organisation skills, flexibility, team spirit, scientific curiosity, technical skills as well as the ability to work independently• Willingness to conduct field work during field trips over several days or on a short notice• Driving licence (class B)• Good knowledge of German as well as excellent communication and writing skills in English
We offer an exciting job dealing with a current research topic. You will both work in the field at an established and field site with state-of-art measurement equipment and in the office with hydrological and hydrochemical data.
We support the compatibility of work and family and are the holder of the audit berufundfamilie certificate. In order to support the compatibility, the Thuenen Institute offers, among other things, flexible working time models, home office and teleworking within the scope of the official possibilities. Part-time is possible.
The employment relationship is based on the provisions of the collective agreement for the public service (TVoeD). Salary payment is in accordance with pay group 13 of the TVoeD. The Thuenen Institute promotes professional equality between women and men and therefore expressly welcomes applications from women. The Thuenen Institute is committed to inclusion. Applications from people with severe disabilities are therefore expressly welcome. They will be given special consideration in the selection process.
For further inquiries please contact Dr. Baerbel Tiemeyer (baerbel.tiemeyer@thuenen.de, 0531-596 2644) or Dr. Ullrich Dettmann (Ullrich.dettmann@thuenen.de; 0531-596 2663).
Applications with the usual documentation (CV, cover letter, certificates) including the keyword “2023-004-AKUnFluP II – Hydrologie” shall be sent by email as one pdf file until 18.02.2023 to ak-bewerbungen@thuenen.de Johann Heinrich von Thuenen-Institut, Thuenen-Institut fuer Agrarklimaschutz, Bundesallee 65, 38116 Braunschweig
Von:
Bärbel Tiemeyer
Thuenen-Institut fuer Agrarklimaschutz
Braunschweig