PhD position in Soil Biology/Microbial Ecology, TV-L E13, 65% for 3 years, Project “Scalemic”: The Institute of Soil Science and Site Ecology, Department of Soil Biology, is looking for a research assistant to work on the project “Scalemic” starting April 1, 2023. This is part of the Biodiversity Exploratories research platform and will investigate microhabitat-scale processes in grassland soils that could explain changes in ecosystem function at larger scales.
One focus of the work will be to investigate the effects of de-intensification of grassland management in a field experiment. Fungi are important transmitters of carbon and nutrients between the mineralosphere and rhizosphere in grassland soils. The candidate will investigate the particular importance of the hyposphere (root-free soil around hyphae) under field conditions using newly developed HYPHOboxes.
The rhizosphere and detritus sphere will be separated from the hyphosphere using this approach. Using 13C/15N-labeled plant residues, the influence of grassland land use intensity (LUI) on carbon and nutrient fluxes in the rhizosphere and hyphosphere will be quantified.
The microbial community – bacteria, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), and free-living saprotrophic fungi – will be characterized using next generation sequencing. The final aim is to answer the question to what extent de-intensification of grassland use can contribute to an increase in biodiversity and an improvement in soil functions.
The applicant* is expected to have a strong interest in ecology, soils, microbiology, and biogeochemistry. A M.Sc. degree in biology, ecology, natural sciences, microbiology, soil science, or related field is preferred. Experience in laboratory and field work as well as in molecular biological methods and statistics is desirable, as well as good English and writing skills. Driving license class B (passenger car) should be available.
Application deadline : 27.02.2023
Please attach the following documents to your application: The University of Hohenheim is an equal opportunity employer and promotes career opportunities for women. Qualified women are therefore strongly encouraged to apply. Severely disabled persons will be given preferential consideration in case of equal suitability.
Please upload the following application documents: letter of motivation, curriculum vitae, copies of bachelor’s and master’s degrees, proof of research experience if applicable, contact details and references. The University of Hohenheim accepts applications via a secure internet site. To the application