Doctoral Researcher (m/f/d) Root ecology, Ecophysiology, Root exudation

Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg; Deutschland; Remote; EUR 33.000 - 42.000; Teilzeit

Zusammenfassung

Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg invites applications for a Doctoral Researcher (m/f/d) in Root Ecology, Ecophysiology, and Root Exudation. The position is 65% (part-time) with a fixed-term of 3+1 years, starting 1 January 2027.

The project investigates drought impacts on root exudates in beech and other temperate tree species within FOREST FLOOR, in collaboration with international partners. You will sample root exudates, perform minirhizotron observations, and deploy sap flow

Qualifikationen

• Master’s degree in Environmental Sciences, Geoecology, Biology or related fields
• Excellent background in plant physiology, including root ecology, nutrient cycling and stable isotopes
• Experience with GC-MS, minirhizotrons, sap flow and dendrometry is a plus
• A high degree of autonomy, responsibility, flexibility, team spirit and organizational skills
• Great enthusiasm for field and lab work
• Great enthusiasm for working in a large interdisciplinary project and interest in collaborative research
• Driver's license (class B) is required

Aufgaben

• Regularly sample compound-specific root exudates in three temperate forest species
• Use minirhizotron installations for root development observations
• Study drought and recovery effects and upscaling of exudation fluxes
• Install sap flow sensors and dendrometers in studied trees
• Collaborate with project partners across Germany and in international contexts

Kenntnisse

Plant physiology

Root ecology

Stable isotopes

Autonomy & teamwork

Field & lab work

Driving license

Ausbildung

Master’s degree in Environmental Sciences/Geoecology/Biology

Tools

GC-MS

minirhizotrons

sap flow

dendrometry

Jobbeschreibung

Doctoral Researcher (m/f/d) Root ecology, Ecophysiology, Root exudation

NEW

Part-time

Research and Instruction

Other

The Chair of Ecosystem Physiology (https://uni-freiburg.de/enr-ecophys/) in the Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources of the University of Freiburg is looking for (m/w/d) Doctoral Researcher (m/f/d) Root ecology, Ecophysiology, Root exudation

• Start-date: 1. January 2027
• Scope of work: Part-time position (65 %)
• Id no.: 00005179

Description

With start date 1st January 2027 for a fixed-term position of 3+1 years. In the DFG research unit FOR 5315 “FOREST FLOOR: Functioning, Dynamics, and Vulnerability in a Changing World”, the Chair of Ecosystem Physiology will investigate the impact of soil drought on the compound specific root exudation and root development patterns of three temperate tree species in the Forest Floor and mineral soil. The project is embedded in the research unit Forest Floor (https://uni-freiburg.de/forestfloor/ ), which has the overarching aim to analyze the causal links between controls, properties and ecosystem services of Forest Floors in a changing climate. Project partners are distributed over Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Denmark. Regular pro ject meetings will ensure close collaboration and exchange within the research unit.

Within FOREST FLOOR you will regularly sample compound-specific root exudates in three temperate forest species with a focus on drought and recovery effects in the Forest Floor. These analyses will be complemented by minirhizotron installations for root development observations, ultimately allowing an upscaling of total root exudation fluxes to the Forest Floor. A special focus will be set on European beech, which will be drought-stressed with rain-out shelters to study the effects of drought in detail. The project is closely cooperating to assess the effect on microbial communities and mycorrhiza in the Forest Floor. To assess the ecophysiological response of the studied trees to drought, sap flow sensors and point dendrometers will be installed in the respective trees. Finally, you will study the impact of drought on litter derived N dispersal with stable 15N isotopes.

Your qualifications and contributions

• You hold a Master’s degree in Environmental Sciences, Geoecology, Biology or related fields
• Excellent background in plant physiology, including root ecology, nutrient cycling and stable isotopes
• Experience with GC-MS, minirhizotrons, sap flow and dendrometry is a plus
• A high degree of autonomy, responsibility, flexibility, team spirit and organizational skills
• Great enthusiasm for field and lab work
• Great enthusiasm for working in a large interdisciplinary project and interest in collaborative research
• Drivers license (class B) is required

We offer a salary according to TV-L E13 (65 %) and participation in an exciting, interdisciplinary scientific project at the interface of ecophysiology and soil ecology in in a very dynamic and interactive team with collaborative culture. You will work in well-connected groups with strong third-party funding in Freiburg in close cooperation with other scientists involved in the project. You will be able to develop your own research ideas, but also find support to qualify for a scientific career. The faculty offers the possibility to graduate in a formal PhD-program (www.gs.esgc.uni-freiburg.de ). Women are explicitly encouraged to apply.

For any questions regarding the position, please contact Simon Haberstroh ([e-mail]) .

This is a fixed-term position of 3+1 years. The salary will be determined in accordance with E13 TV-L.

We will be particularly pleased to receive applications from women for the position advertised here.

Application

Prof. Dr. Christiane WernerEcosystem Physiology (CEP)Faculty of Environment and Natural ResourcesUniversity of FreiburgGeorges-Köhler-Allee 053/05479110 Freiburg (Germany)

For further information, please contact Herr Dr. Simon Haberstroh on the phone number [phone] or E-Mail [e-mail] .

Join the University of Freiburg, one of the most prestigious and research-intensive universities in Germany, offering a unique diversity and interplay of disciplines and perspectives in one of the most popular cities in the heart of Europe.