Postdoc (f/m) Natural Sciences / Engineering Sciences/Applied Mathematics

The Institute of Bio- and Geosciences – Agrosphere (IBG-3) conducts research to improve our understanding of hydrological and biogeochemical processes in terrestrial systems. Studies focus on the fate and behaviour of anthropogenic and geogenic substances, the analysis of exchange processes and nutrient dynamics in the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum. A combination of experiments, modelling and innovative observation technologies is used to bridge the gap between model, process and management scale. Its research contributes to the sustainable and resource-conserving use of soils and water and to the quantification of the effect of climate and land use change on terrestrial ecosystems. We offer a competent and interdisciplinary working environment, as well as an excellent framework in the areas of experiments and modelling.

We are looking to recruit a

Postdoc (f/m) Natural Sciences / Engineering Sciences/Applied Mathematics

Your Job:

• further development of mathematical models that simulate root architecture development, water and solute uptake by roots and root systems as well as plant mechanisms that increase water and nutrient uptake efficiency
• further development of a numerical code that supports the combination of these different processes in a flexible way considering the different types of problems such as root system performance under nutrient scarcity, drought, or fate of pollutants in the rooting zone
• development and evaluation of upscaling approaches for root to root systems and field scales
• support the scientific modelling community within the framework of the International Soil Modelling Consortium (ISMC).
• publication in international scientific journals and presentation on national and international meetings

Your Profile:

• PhD degree in natural or engineering sciences or applied mathematics
• knowledge about soil and plant modelling
• excellent programming skills
• demonstrated ability to write publications in scientific journals, preferably in the field of soil and plant sciences
• since the work involves cooperation with several research institutes, good communication and organisational skills are essential
• good knowledge of English

Our Offer:

• international, interdisciplinary working environment on an attractive research campus, ideally situated between the cities of Cologne, Düsseldorf, and Aachen
• full-time position with the option of slightly reduced working hours
• employment for a fixed term of three years
• salary and social benefits in conformity with the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Civil Service (TVöD).

Forschungszentrum Jülich aims to employ more women in this area and therefore particulary welcomes applications from women.

We also welcome applications from disabled persons.

We look forward to receiving your application, preferably online via our online recruitment system until 31.03.2015, quoting the above-mentioned reference number.

Contact P-E
Anja Schurf
Tel.:02461 61-9700