This post is a three-year PhD research position available from 01 September 2023 or later as part of the LegumeLegacy Doctoral Network. You will investigate the effect of varying diversity of six species (two grasses, two legumes, two herbs, selected for complementary functional traits) on above- and belowground biodiversity under heat stress, both in the grassland phase (direct effect), but also in the follow-on cereal crop (legacy effect).
Additionally, the effect of the diversity of the grassland ley on the performance of the crop rotation will be evaluated by measurement of cereal yield and harvestable yield quality aspects. The title of this PhD project is: “Impacts of grassland diversity on cereal yield and yield quality under climate change”. The PhD Researcher will work closely with the other ten Doctoral Researchers hired in other countries on the LegumeLegacy project.
The PhD Researcher will also undertake two mobility secondments, one at a research institute and one in industry to gain insight into the broader implications of their work and to develop their research and industry networks. There will be opportunities for the PhD Researcher to present their work at national and international conferences.
The PhD Researcher must be an “early-stage researcher”, i.e., at the time of recruitment have not already been awarded a doctoral degree.
The PhD Researcher is required to undertake physical, transnational mobility (i.e., move from one country to another) to take up this appointment. The PhD Researcher must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Germany for more than 12 months in the 3 years prior to their recruitment. Compulsory national service and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention are not taken into account.
We are looking for an open minded, highly motivated candidate with the following qualifications:
- A MSc degree or equivalent (120 ECTS) in agricultural sciences, plant ecology or plant sciences, agronomy, biology or related discipline;
- Interest in sustainable crop production and biodiversity;
- Ability to think, express, write and communicate scientifically;
- Strong quantitative skills;
- Strong communication skills with an ability to collaborate within a multi-disciplinary and international research team;
- For this position your command of the English language is expected to be at C1 level (Excellent).
The salary for the position corresponds to the 2021 MSCA Doctoral Network funding model. The salary includes (all figures are gross pay per month before taxes and other deductions are made) living allowance, mobility allowance and family allowance (if eligible to receive). A special needs allowance is also available under certain conditions.
The PhD Researcher will be employed by the University of Hohenheim on a three-year fixed contract as a Researcher and will be registered at the Graduate Academy at University of Hohenheim. Benefits of working at the University of Hohenheim include flexible working arrangement and pension.
A category B driver’s license is a prerequisite for employment. Severely disabled persons will be given preference if they are equally qualified. Because the university would like to increase the proportion of female scientists, applications from women are particularly important. Full-time positions are generally divisible, unless there are compelling official requirements.
Application deadline : 20.04.2023
Please attach the following documents to your application: For more information regarding this post, you can contact apl. Prof. Dr. Petra Högy. Each application should consist of two documents: Document 1 should include: A maximum 1-page cover letter outlining your suitability for the post, with reference to relevant qualifications or experience; Detailed curriculum vitae, including qualifications and experience, publications (if applicable) and the name and email contacts of two academic referees. Document 2: Please complete the LegumeLegacy eligibility form available here and convert to PDF before submission.
The deadline for applications is 20th April 2023 at 23:59 (Europe/Berlin). Please note: The programme committee may request further information or invite the applicant to attend an interview. Shortlisting will be used, which means that the evaluation committee only will evaluate the most relevant applications. The University of Hohenheim accepts applications via a secure internet site. To the application