We offer a three-year PhD position at the Department of Plant Ecology and Ecosystem Research, University of Goettingen, Germany (http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/71395.html) to start on May 1, 2013. The position is funded for three years and includes full benefits. The PhD project will investigate the ecology of the tree rhizosphere as part of an interdisciplinary soil ecological research project (FOR 1806: The Forgotten Part of Carbon Cycling: Organic Matter Storage and Turnover in Subsoils [SUBSOM]) of the German Research Community (DFG).
Project Description: The subsoil of temperate forests may be an important sink for carbon and an important source for water and nutrients. The PhD project will quantify the biomass and longevity of fine and coarse roots in deeper soil layers of European beech forests and will estimate their contribution to the carbon dynamics in subsoil. Root activity in terms of root exudation and specific N uptake capacity will be determined. Modern methods will be part of the research, e.g., root observations with mini-rhizotrons, in situ root exudate collection and stable isotope labelling. University and Study Program: The University of Goettingen is one of the highest-ranked universities in Germany with a high international reputation. A major research field of the Faculty of Biology at the University of Goettingen is biodiversity and ecology. The associated PhD Program Biodiversity and Ecology offers excellent opportunities for students to obtain a PhD degree in a 3-years graduate program. Requirements: Applicants should have a very good master or diploma degree in biology, environmental sciences, geosciences, soil sciences, or a related discipline. Candidates with laboratory research experience in biogeochemistry and experience with isotopic labelling are preferred. Fieldwork experience in ecological sciences is desirable. We are looking for an outstanding candidate, who is highly motivated, team orientated and willing to work precisely. Advanced command of English is required; willingness to acquire at least some basic German is desirable. The University of Goettingen aims in the areas in which women are underrepresented a rise of the women's portion and requests certified women explicitly to apply for this position. Severely disabled person people with commensurate suitability are considered preferentially. Application: Applications including a letter of motivation, research experience, CV, and (if available) copies of publications should be sent by March 31, 2013, to: Georg-August-University of Goettingen Department of Plant Ecology and Ecosystem Research SUBSOM Prof. Dr. Ch. Leuschner Untere Karspuele 2 37073 Goettingen Germany Phone: +49-551-39-5722 Fax: +49-551-39-5701 Email: cleusch(at)gwdg.de
