PhD Position (f/m/x) Thermodynamics of microbial turnover of organic compounds in soil: matter [...]

TN Germany; Leipzig; Vor Ort; EUR 30.000 - 40.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading research center in Leipzig is offering a PhD position focused on the thermodynamics of microbial turnover of organic compounds in soil. The role involves investigating energy fluxes and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams. Candidates should possess a Master's degree in relevant fields and have a passion for complex soil systems. Excellent supervision and training opportunities are provided, along with support for work-life balance.

Leistungen

Excellent supervision and interdisciplinary training

Opportunities to tackle challenging research

Work in international, interdisciplinary teams

Integration into research networks

Advanced research infrastructure

Support for balancing work and family responsibilities

Assistance for international colleagues

Vibrant regional setting with high quality of life

Qualifikationen

• Master’s degree with excellent grades in relevant fields required.
• Experience in calorimetry, thermodynamics, soil science, or microbiology.

Aufgaben

• Design, conduct, and evaluate calorespirometric measurements.
• Investigate energy fluxes and CO2 evolution.
• Publish results in scientific journals and present at conferences.

Kenntnisse

Interest in complex soil systems

Interdisciplinary research

Strong English skills

Ausbildung

Master’s degree in soil science

Master’s degree in chemistry

Master’s degree in biochemistry

Master’s degree in biology

Master’s degree in environmental sciences

Tools

Calorimetry

Thermodynamics

Microbiology

Jobbeschreibung

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PhD Position (f/m/x) Thermodynamics of microbial turnover of organic compounds in soil: matter and energy fluxes under varying environmental conditions (focus energy fluxes), Leipzig

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Client:

Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research

Location:

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

e0cd479b24e0

Job Views:

2

Posted:

16.05.2025

Expiry Date:

30.06.2025

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Job Description:

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

In the framework of the project "Thermodynamics of microbial turnover of organic compounds in soil - matter and energy flux under varying redox conditions, biomass-substrate ratios, and availability of biomass building blocks" (TherMic-II), funded by the DFG, the Department of Microbial Biotechnology offers a PhD position (f/m/x) starting in May 2025 for three years. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with another PhD student in the Department of Molecular Environmental. The project is part of the DFG priority program 2322 'SoilSystems', requiring collaboration with other projects in this program.

The project aims to understand soil organic matter evolution by investigating carbon and energy fluxes through thermodynamics. The focus will be on energy flux, working closely with a colleague focusing on carbon flux. Your experimental work will be complemented by existing data and joint experiments within the 'SoilSystems' program. The goal is to develop a thermodynamic framework for soil processes. We seek an enthusiastic individual passionate about complex soil systems and their impact on climate, land use, and soil health.

• Design, conduct, and evaluate calorespirometric measurements on soil systems under various environmental conditions
• Investigate energy fluxes and CO2 evolution across different redox regimes and substrate availabilities
• Apply and develop thermodynamic approaches linking matter and energy fluxes in collaboration with another PhD researcher
• Publish results in scientific journals and present at conferences
• Collaborate with project partners on substrate properties, microbial interactions, and modeling

We offer

• Excellent supervision and interdisciplinary training through our HIGRADE program
• Opportunities to tackle challenging research between basic science and applications
• Work in international, interdisciplinary teams with diverse perspectives
• Integration into national and international research networks
• Advanced research infrastructure and data management
• Support for balancing work and family responsibilities
• Assistance for international colleagues from the 'International Office'
• A vibrant regional setting with high quality of life and cultural diversity

Your profile

• Master’s degree with excellent grades in soil science, chemistry, biochemistry, biology, environmental sciences, or related fields
• Interest in complex soil systems and interdisciplinary research
• Openness to incorporating modeling and ecological aspects
• Experience in calorimetry, thermodynamics, soil science, or microbiology
• Enthusiasm for working in international, interdisciplinary teams
• Strong English skills; German is a plus but not required