We have two funded PhD positions available at the Theoretical Ecosystem Ecology group of the Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry in Jena, Germany.
PhD position 1: 'Sensitivity of soil carbon stocks to changes in climate and land use on the Tibetan plateau' In this project, we will study the vulnerability of soil carbon stocks to changes in climate and land use in the Nam Co region in Tibet by 1) integrating information on C and N cycling and their isotopic composition along an elevation and permafrost gradient into a predictive model, 2) developing a laboratory study to explore the response of microorganisms to freeze-thaw cycles, and 3) perform predictions of changes in soil C to different scenarios of changes in climate and land use. A background on soil science, ecosystem ecology, forestry, or related discipline is required. Preference will be given to candidates with experience with soil carbon and CO2 measurements, or simulation models PhD position 2: 'Age and transit time of carbon in a central Amazon forest inferred by radiocarbon budgets' This project is part of the Amazon Tall Tower Observatory ATTO in the central Amazon. We will measure the ‘bomb’ radiocarbon signature in ecosystem-respired CO2 (using profiles in the lower canopy and on the ATTO tower), and characterize sources (root respiration, stem CO2 efflux, microbial respiration from litter, soil and dead wood, CO2 in soil atmosphere profiles, C in dissolved organic matter, microbial biomass and organic matter in soils) to determine radiocarbon content of component sources. A background in ecology, forestry, plant physiology, or a related discipline is required. Preference will be giving to candidates with experience with isotope analyses, or simulation models. The expected starting date for both positions is January 2018. Salaries are according to the German law for civil servants (TVöD system) and is standard for all PhD students within the Max Planck Society. For questions and to apply, send an email to Carlos A. Sierra (csie...@bgc-jena.mpg.de) with a copy of your curriculum vitae (CV). We will review applications until positions are filled.
