PhD-Position – Effect Modelling von Klimavariabilität auf Weizenpflanzen und Wurzel-Boden-Interaktionen

PhD Position – Effect modelling of climate variability on wheat plants and root-soil interactions

At the Institute of Bio- and Geosciences – Agrosphere (IBG-3) we conduct research to improve our understanding of biogeochemical and hydrological processes in terrestrial systems. Specific studies focus on environmental controls on biogeochemical cycling of elements, the analysis of exchange processes and nutrient dynamics in the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum. A combination of experiments, modelling and innovative observation technologies is used to bridge the gap between model, process and management scale. Its research contributes to the sustainable and resource-conserving use of soils and water and to the quantification of the effect of climate and land use change on terrestrial ecosystems.

Your Job:

This work will be part of the BMBF project “Rhizosphere processes and yield decline in wheat crop rotations (RhizoWheat)” in collaboration with University of Kiel, the Institute of Sugar Beet Research and the Julius-Kühn-Institut, Institute for Epidemiology and Pathogen Diagnostics. The RhizoWheat project will investigate the effect of different pre-crops in crop rotations on wheat growth and performance. Simulations with the functional-structural plant model CPlantBox be used for an in-depth mechanistic analysis of pre-crop effects and to extrapolate pivotal research findings depicted within the models for future climate scenarios. You will be responsible to extend and parameterise the functional-structural plant model CPlantBox to support crop modelling with relevant root traits and functions. Your tasks in detail:

• Adapt the CPlantBox model for specific soil and pre-crop situations
• Parameterize CPlantBox based on experimental data from the consortium, including root data from both greenhouse and field observations.
• Run CPlantBox to perform in silico experiments for different regional climate change scenarios
• Postprocess and analyse simulation results
• Present and publish results at national and international conferences and in peer reviewed journals

Your Profile:

• Masters degree in bioengineering, environmental sciences or applied mathematics
• Knowledge of plant and soil sciences
• Mathematical modelling skills
• Experience in scientific computation
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in an international and interdisciplinary team across institutes
• Very good communication and organizational skills
• Very good command of the English language

Please feel free to apply for the position even if you do not have all the required skills and knowledge. We may be able to teach you missing skills during your induction.

Our Offer:

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We offer ideal conditions for you to complete your doctoral degree:

• Competent and interdisciplinary working environment, as well as an excellent framework in the areas of experiments and modelling
• Vibrant international work environment on an attractive research campus, ideally situated between the cities of Cologne, Düsseldorf and Aachen
• Attendance at national and international conferences and workshops
• Possibility for further scientific and technical training through international experts
• Exceptional research infrastructure
• Flexible working hours
• 30 days of annual leave and provision for days off between public holidays and weekends (e.g. between Christmas and New Year)
• Further development of your personal strengths, e.g. through an extensive range of training courses; a structured program of continuing education and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral researchers via JuDocS, the Jülich Center for Doctoral Researchers and Supervisors: https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/judocs
• Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service

We look forward to receiving your application. The job will be advertised until the position has been successfully filled. You should therefore submit your application as soon as possible.