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 Research associate (f/m/d) with 75% of the regular weekly working time (29,25 hours) in the research project “Effects of an established submerged drains system on greenhouse gas exchange and water quality”. 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 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 measurement and analysis of the GHG data. The position is directed to applicants who, in addition to their project duties, wish to pursue their own academic career, in particular their doctorate. In this context, the Thuenen Institute for Climate-Smart Agriculture cooperates with various universities. Additional funding to enable completion of the doctoral work in an appropriate time frame will be pursued.
The position is based at two working groups at the Thuenen Institute of Climate-Smart Agriculture conducting research on national and international level in the area of organic soils and micrometeorological measurement techniques. The project team will consist of three persons and will be led and additionally supported by scientists with a permanent position.
Tasks:
• Field measurements of greenhouse gas exchange (CO2, CH4 and N2O) using both the eddy-covariance technique and manual chambers• Measurement of meteorological drivers and lateral carbon fluxes (e.g., biomass removal)• Quality control, data processing and analysis and script-based compilation of annual balances• Statistical analyses of the relationship between environmental data and greenhouse gas fluxes, evaluation of the mitigation measure• Writing peer-reviewed scientific publications
Requirements:
• University degree (Univ.-Diplom or M.Sc.) in the field of environmental sciences, geoecology, meteorology or related subjects• Profound knowledge in biogeochemistry, meteorology or soil science• Knowledge on peatlands and/or on greenhouse gas exchange of soils is beneficial• Profound knowledge of common computer software and of a programming language, preferably R or Python• Experience in multivariate statistical analysis or modelling is beneficial• Flexibility, team spirit, scientific curiosity, technical skills as well as the ability to work well-organized and independently• Willingness to conduct field work during field trips over several days or on a short notice• Driving licence (class B)• Excellent communication and writing skills in English.
We offer an exciting job dealing with a current and exciting research topic. The candidate will conduct research at an established field site with state-of-art measurement equipment.
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. 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. Christian Bruemmer (christian.bruemmer@thuenen.de; 0531-596 2614). Applications with the usual documentation (CV, cover letter, certificates) including the keyword “2023-003-AKUnFluP, II – THG” 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