PhD position – Non-destructive detection of nitrate in soils

Your Job:

The work will be conducted in the project “Non-invasive sensing of soil state variables and root zones for the use in root-soil models (SoilRootRadar)”. Within this project, we aim at developing new methods for quantifying nitrate (NO3-) content of soils non-destructively using a unique combination of techniques.

You will work in a team with other PhD students of the same and other related projects. Your tasks in detail:

• In the first stage of the project, you will conduct laboratory experiments and test different methods to modify NO3- so that it can be detected non-destructively.
• In the second stage, you will test the most suitable, newly developed method in the field.
• Finally, you will integrate this method in an autonomous robotic system that analyses soil for different N compounds.

Your Profile:

• MSc degree in chemistry, environmental sciences, bio- or geosciences, or similar subjects
• Knowledge of soil sciences
• Experimental skills, ideally laboratory and field experience
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in an international, interdisciplinary team
• Very good communication and organizational skills
• Very good command of the English language

Our Offer:

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We offer ideal conditions for you to complete your doctoral degree:

• Competent and interdisciplinary working environment, as well as an excellent framework in the areas of experiments and modelling.
• Vibrant international work environment on an attractive research campus, ideally situated between the cities of Cologne, Düsseldorf, and Aachen
• Attendance at national and international conferences and workshops
• Possibility for further scientific and technical training through international experts
• Exceptional research infrastructure
• Information on employment as a PhD student at Forschungszentrum Jülich can be found here http://www.fz-juelich.de/gp/Careers_Docs
• Further development of your personal strengths, e.g. through an extensive range of training courses; a structured program of continuing education and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral researchers via JuDocS, the Jülich Center for Doctoral Researchers and Supervisors: https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/judocs
• Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service

The employment of doctoral researchers at Jülich is governed by a doctoral contract, which usually has a term of three years. Pay in line with 75% of pay group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund) and additionally 60 % of a monthly salary as special payment („Christmas bonus“). Further information on doctoral degrees at Forschungszentrum Jülich including our other locations is available at: https://www.fz-juelich.de/gp/Careers_Docs

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.