01.02.2016 or later

3.5 years, 100% TV-L E13

The interdisciplinary SoilReg group studies the microbial regulation of soil functions in agro-ecosystems. We specifically focus on carbon turnover and transformation of organic pollutants in soil. The aim of SoilReg is to elucidate the structure and function of microbial communities considering the multi- scale heterogeneity of soil and to evaluate the relevance of small- scale process dynamics for soil functions on field scale. The general methodical approach is the integration of experimental studies with mathematical modeling. In particular, the representation of microbial dynamics in biochemical models will be improved based on combined measurements of matter fluxes and active microbial utilizers using meta’omics’ and stable isotope probing.

We offer

• An internationally oriented team with excellent opportunities to participate in interdisciplinary research
• The opportunity to develop and pursue own research projects in the focus of SoilReg
• Participation in teaching at the chair of soil biology

Your tasks

• Planning and conduction of field studies and laboratory experiments
• Development and application of stable isotope probing methods with RNA, DNA, proteins and lipids
• Active contribution to the preparation of research proposals on specific regulation mechanisms of microbial
• turnover in soil
• Participation in supervision of PhD students

We expect

• Excellent PhD in Life or Environmental Sciences
• Experiences with soil ecological problems using biomolecular, biochemical and stable isotope probing methods
• Experiences with metaproteomics and –genomics
• Close collaboration with the ‘SoilReg’ coordinator and two groups specialized on metaproteomics and –genomics
• High motivation and strong interest on soil microbial ecology

Your  application  should  include  a  one  page  research  statement,  a  CV  including  diploma  certificates,  a  transcript  of academic records, three writing samples (e.g., publications, chapters of your dissertation) and the contact details of two referees. Please e-mail the documents until December 11 2015 as a single pdf file to:

barbara.rosenhart[at]uni-hohenheim.de
Barbara Rosenhart
Institute of Soil Science and Land Evaluation (310) [Secretary’s Office]
University of Hohenheim
Emil-Wolff-Str. 27
DE-70593 Stuttgart

The University of Hohenheim seeks to increase the proportion of women in research and teaching and strongly encourages qualified female scientists to apply. With equal qualifications, preference will be given to candidates with disabilities.

More information
https://www.uni-hohenheim.de/project/mikrobielle-regulation-von-bodenfunktionen-in-agraroekosystemen-soilreg-10
Dr. Holger Pagel (Project Coordinator SoilReg, holgerp@uni-hohenheim.de, Tel. +49 711 459 22935)