Doctoral Researcher Position in Biogeochemical Modeling in Leipzig, Germany

The Collaborative Research Center SFB 1076 “AquaDiva – Understanding the Links between Surface and Subsurface Biogeosphere” is funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG). AquaDiva is an ambitious research center with more than 70 researchers and Institutes at four faculties of the Friedrich Schiller University Jena (FSU) and three non-university research institutes in Jena or Leipzig. The integrated Research Training Group AquaDiva is educating doctoral researchers in a structured, interdisciplinary training program. AquaDiva combines different research areas, such as ecology, microbiology, hydrogeology, soil science, geomorphology, geochemistry, geology, geophysics, chemistry, and information science, to a comprehensive picture of subsurface research (www.aquadiva.uni-jena.de).

The Integrated Research Training Group AquaDiva invites applications for a
Doctoral Researcher Position (m/f; Ref.No. ufz14/2017)
at the Geomicrobial Reactive Transport Modeling Group, Department of Environmental Microbiology at the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ in Leipzig, Germany

Biogeochemical Modeling of Dynamic Subsurface Environments

The PhD project is part of an AquaDiva project aiming at the development of a catchment-scale reactive transport model for the investigated site. For this purpose, the PhD project will focus on the numerical modeling of local-scale biogeochemical processes and their dependencies on properties of the subsurface environments and on their observed highly dynamic changes. Results will be upscaled to be used in catchment-scale simulations. This will allow resolution of questions regarding the interplay between the reactive transformation of given solutes, the abundance and distribution of microorganisms, and their dependency on large-scale water and solute fluxes.

Requirements:
A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant natural sciences or engineering subject; candidates expected to earn their degree by September 2017 are welcome to apply
Solid knowledge of computational science (preferably numerical modeling), idealy with knowledge of subsurface transport processes, hydrogeology, soil science, biogeochemistry, and/or microbiology; knowledge of a programming language is beneficial
Enthusiasm to play an active role in the interdisciplinary research team of AquaDiva
Highly motivated and creative personalities, with an interest to shape their own thesis project
Excellent written and oral communications skills in English

We offer:
A doctoral researcher position (remuneration in accordance with the TVöD public-sector pay grade 13, 65%) with funding from Sep 1, 2017, until Jun 30, 2021, as well as generous research funding with the possibility of a three-months research stay abroad
Opportunity for research on an innovative and unique Critical Zone research platform
A comprehensive mentoring program with supervision by a team of advisors
A communicative atmosphere within a scientific network providing top-level research facilities and training program, including participation in international and national conferences and workshops
The place of work is Leipzig, Germany, a big and lively city with a vibrant cultural scene, dynamic business activities, and successful scientific centers of innovation, such as UFZ and iDiv, around the Leipzig University