Research position (m/f/d, E 13 TV-L, 65%)

08.06.2022

Application deadline : 15.07.2022

The Institute of Geography, Chair of Geoecology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen offers

Research position (m/f/d) in the DFG RU FOR 5281 MultiTroph

Research Field: Nutrient stoichiometry in soil, soil microorganisms and plants
Duration: 4 years
Payment according to TV-L 13 (https://oeffentlicher-dienst.info/tv-l/allg/ ) 65%
Starting date: 01.10.2022
Application submission deadline: 15.07.2022.

The Chair of Geoecology is seeking a highly motivated, enthusiastic junior scientist to study soil-plant-insect interactions in the new Research Unit MultiTroph of the German Science Foundation (DFG) on Multi-trophic interactions in a forest biodiversity experiment in China. MultiTroph is part of the Biodiversity-Ecosystem Functioning China (BEF-China) research platform. The platform was established in 2008 by Chinese, German and Swiss researchers, https://bef-china.com .

The position is integrated in Subproject 2 (lead by Yvonne Oelmann, Steffen Seitz and Thomas Scholten) “Trophic-interaction, tree-diversity and soil-erosion effects on soil-plant stoichiometry” with the aim to gain a doctoral degree in Geoecology. 

The PhD candidate will analyse ecosystem stoichiometry namely element concentrations in fresh leaves, tree litter, soil microorganisms and soil. Furthermore, innovative stable isotope approaches will be used to evaluate the recycling efficiency of soil microorganisms. Finally, the PhD candidate is expected to contribute to the erosion-related part of Subproject 2.

We are looking for a dynamic, serious, and motivated researcher with a Master degree in Geoecology, Geoscience, Physical Geography, Landscape Ecology, Environmental Sciences, Forestry, Agricultural Sciences, Biology, Geochemistry, Environmental Chemistry or related disciplines. The candidate should be willing to spent several months for field work in China. The successful candidate should have extended knowledge of biogeochemical processes in ecosystems with a particular focus on stable isotopes in the environment and laboratory experience in wet chemistry. Good communication skills and commitment to interdisciplinary research particularly focusing on environmental issues are required. Fluency in English and German is required. The successful candidate should have profound knowledge of statistics (using R) and experimental design, good writing and communication skills. The position will be open until qualified candidates are identified. 

Contact and application procedure:
Applications should send a letter of motivation, a complete curriculum vitae including a list of publications, copies of qualifications as well as names of two references per email to yvonne.oelmannspam prevention@uni-tuebingen.de . The documents should be submitted as a single pdf with the subject “MultiTroph_SP2_PhDposition”.

We particularly encourage female applicants to apply for this position. It is the policy of the University of Tübingen to increase the percentage of female employees. If equally qualified, preference will be given to female applicants. Disabled persons will be preferred in case of equal qualification. International candidates are highly encouraged to apply but German language skills are recommended to interact with students, stakeholders and non-scientific staff.

If you have questions, please contact Prof. Dr. Yvonne Oelmann via email yvonne.oelmannspam prevention@uni-tuebingen.de .