The UFZ

The Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) with its 1,100 employees has gained an excellent reputation as an international competence centre for environmental sciences. We are part of the largest scientific organisation in Germany, the Helmholtz association. Our mission: Our research seeks to find a balance between social development and the long-term protection of our natural resources.

The job

We are seeking a highly motivated researcher eager to engage in soil research. The PhD position within the DFG-funded project on “Soil structure turnover under various land uses and feedbacks to soil carbon turnover” is limited to 3 years and serves to promote scientific qualification.

Your tasks

Field experiment on the influence of soil tillage on soil structure changes
Soil sampling at various sites in Germany
Microscale imaging of pore structure and organic matter with X-ray CT
3D image processing and statistical analysis
Publish results in peer-reviewed journals, present results at conferences and meetings
Collaborate effectively in a team of researchers at the UFZ and Bayreuth University
Supervision of students
Participation in the UFZ graduate school HIGRADE

We offer

Excellent supervision and optimal professional and interdisciplinary qualification through our HIGRADE graduate programme
The freedom to master even the most demanding challenges between basic research and practical application
The opportunity to work in interdisciplinary, international teams and benefit from a wide range of perspectives
Firstclass integration into national and international research networks to work together on global challenges
Excellent research infrastructure and research data management to optimally support your work
A wide range of options for balancing care responsibilities and work through our family office
Competent support and advice for international colleagues arriving at the UFZ from the ‘International Office’
Special annual payment, capital-forming benefits and subsidised Deutschland-Job-Ticket
A workplace in a vibrant region with a high life quality and social and cultural diversity

Your profile

Completed university degree (Master's degree, university diploma, or equivalent) in the field of geoecology, soil science, environmental science, agriculture, forestry or a related subject
Experience with imaging techniques and statistical analysis is welcome
Very good skills in communication/ English language skills
Ability to work independently and motivated to work in an interdisciplinary team
Good organizational skills and driver’s license valid in Germany

PhD Researcher (f/m/x) in Soil Science