PhD Position (f/m/x)

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), to be funded by the DFG, the Department of Microbial Biotechnology offers a PhD position (f/m/x) with an intended starting date of May 2025 for a duration of three years. The successful candidate is expected to closely collaborate with another PhD student in the Department of Molecular Environmental within the project. As the project is part of the DFG priority program 2322 'SoilSystems' (https://soilsystems.net/), close collaboration with the other projects of this priority program is essential.

The project aims to enhance our understanding of the evolution of soil organic matter (SOM), which is crucial for maintaining soil functionality, by investigating carbon and energy fluxes and analyzing their connection through the lens of thermodynamics. The primary focus within this project will be the energy flux component, requiring close cooperation with another PhD responsible for the carbon flux component. Your experimental work will be supplemented by existing data and results from joint experiments within priority program “SoilSystems”. The combined efforts will contribute to the development of a robust theoretical framework for the thermodynamic assessment of soil processes. We are looking for an open-minding and enthusiastic individual with a passion for understanding complex soil systems, aiming to enhance nutrient cycling and carbon sequestration while addressing their impacts on global climate, land use, soil fertility, and related challenges.

Your tasks

• Design, conduct and evaluate calorespirometric measurements on selected soil systems under varying environmental conditions
• Investigate energy fluxes and CO2 evolution across different redox regimes, biocatalyst-substrate ratios, and availability of biomass building blocks
• Apply, develop and assess thermodynamic approaches to link matter and energy fluxes in collaboration with the other PhD researcher focusing on the mater flux analysis
• Publish your results in international scientific journals and present findings at priority program meetings and international scientific conferences
• Collaborate with project partners within the priority program investigating factors such as substrates properties, trophic interactions, microbial community dynamics, and modelling approaches

We offer

• Excellent supervision and optimal professional and interdisciplinary qualification through our HIGRADE graduate programme
• The freedom to master even the most demanding challenges between basic research and practical application
• The opportunity to work in interdisciplinary, international teams and benefit from a wide range of perspectives
• Firstclass integration into national and international research networks to work together on global challenges
• Excellent research infrastructure and research data management to optimally support your work
• A wide range of options for balancing care responsibilities and work through our family office
• Competent support and advice for international colleagues arriving at the UFZ from the ‘International Office’
• Special annual payment, capital-forming benefits and subsidised Deutschland-Job-Ticket
• A workplace in a vibrant region with a high life quality and social and cultural diversity

Your profile

• Master’s degree with excellent standing in soil science, physical chemistry, chemistry, biochemistry, biology, environmental sciences or a equivalent field
• Keen interest in studying complex soil systems and engaging in interdisciplinary scientific research
• Open-minded approach to incorporating modeling and ecological aspects in soil system studies
• First experience in calorimetry, thermodynamics, soil science or environmental microbiology
• Enthusiasm for working in an interdisciplinary and international team
• Strong English language skills, German proficiency is beneficial but not required

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), to be funded by the DFG, the Department of Microbial Biotechnology offers a PhD position (f/m/x) with an intended starting date of May 2025 for a duration of three years. The successful candidate is expected to closely collaborate with another PhD student in the Department of Molecular Environmental within the project. As the project is part of the DFG priority program 2322 'SoilSystems' (https://soilsystems.net/), close collaboration with the other projects of this priority program is essential.

The project aims to enhance our understanding of the evolution of soil organic matter (SOM), which is crucial for maintaining soil functionality, by investigating carbon and energy fluxes and analyzing their connection through the lens of thermodynamics. The primary focus within this project will be the energy flux component, requiring close cooperation with another PhD responsible for the carbon flux component. Your experimental work will be supplemented by existing data and results from joint experiments within priority program “SoilSystems”. The combined efforts will contribute to the development of a robust theoretical framework for the thermodynamic assessment of soil processes. We are looking for an open-minding and enthusiastic individual with a passion for understanding complex soil systems, aiming to enhance nutrient cycling and carbon sequestration while addressing their impacts on global climate, land use, soil fertility, and related challenges.

Place of work

Leipzig

Working time

65 %

Contract limitations

limited contract / 3 years

Salary

Remuneration according to the TVöD public-sector up to pay grade 13 including attractive public-sector social security benefits.

Contact

Your contact for any questions you may have about the job:
Prof. Dr. Thomas Maskow (thomas.maskow[at]ufz.de)

Helmholtz-Zentrum für Umweltforschung GmbH - UFZ
Permoserstraße 15
04318 Leipzig

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Your application

Please submit your application via our online portal with your cover letter, CV (please omit your photo, age, or marital status) and relevant attachments.

Diversity and Inclusion

The UFZ has a strong commitment to diversity and actively supports equal opportunities for all employees regardless of their origin, religion, ideology, disability, age or sexual identity.
We look forward to applications from people who are open-minded and enjoy working in diverse teams.

Application deadline: 20.02.2025