PhD position (f/m/d) in a DFG-funded project | Terrestrial Ecology Group

The University of Cologne is one of the largest and most research-intensive universities in Germany, offering a wide range of subjects. With its six faculties and its interfaculty centres, it offers a broad spectrum of scientific disciplines and internationally outstanding profile areas, supported by the administration with its services.

In the framework of the project „Carbon and energy use efficiency of soil microorganisms unfolding over time“ (C-timing) funded by the DFG, the Terrestrial Ecology Group offers a PhD position (f/m/d). As the project is part of the DFG priority program 2322 ‚SoilSystems‘ (https://www.uni-trier.de/index.php?id=73710 ), close collaboration with the other projects of this priority program is essential.
The aim of the project is to develop a microbial-explicit model of soil organic matter turnover describing in parsimonious way the dynamics of carbon and energy use efficiency, constrained by biotic interactions and soil boundary conditions. Biological processes including microbial growth, maintenance, CO2 emission, recycling of microbial biomass, and microbial death due to predation by grazers will be considered.

YOUR TASKS

• Analysis of existing and development of new models to describe microbial processes in soil. Work with software packages that allow comparison, parameterization and validation of the models. Data analysis with advanced statistical tools.
• Participation in laboratory incubation experiments organized in the priority program with soils enriched with different substrates
• Writing publications and the final report
• Participation in teaching, guidance of bachelor and master students

YOUR PROFILE

• a Master degree in soil science, biology, environmental sciences, applied mathematics or equivalent field
• Interest in modelling of complex relationships in soil systems
• Experience in the programming and application of ecological models are of advantage
• Willingness to work in an interdisciplinary and international team
• Proficiency in English and very good writing skills are necessary
  

WE OFFER YOU

• Top level interdisciplinary research at a leading University which enjoys an excellent reputation within Germany as well as internationally
• Work in inter-disciplinary and multinational teams
• Excellent links to national and international research networks
• Support and optimal training courses by our graduate school (HIGRADE)
• A diverse and fair working environment
• Support in reconciling work and family life
• Flexible working time models
• Extensive advanced training opportunities
• Occupational health management offers
• Local transport ticket at a discount for UoC employees
  

The position is available as soon as possible on a part-time basis (65%). It is limited to a term of 3 years. If the applicant meets the relevant wage requirements and personal qualifications, the salary is based on remuneration group 13 TV-L of the pay scale for the German public sector.

The University of Cologne is committed to equal opportunities and diversity. Women are especially encouraged to apply and will be considered preferentially in accordance with the Equal Opportunities Act of North Rhine-Westphalia (Landesgleichstellungsgesetz – LGG NRW). We also expressly welcome applications from people with disabilities / special needs or of equal status.

To apply please send the following items in a single PDF file to Sergey Blagodatsky ([email protected] ) with the reference number Wiss2110-12: letter of research interest and experience, CV, copy of record of your MSc, publication list if any and contact information for two professional references. The application deadline is 15.11.2021.