Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research - 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.

Homepage: https://www.ufz.de

The job

We are seeking a highly motivated researcher eager to engage in soil research. The PhD position within the DFG-funded project on “Soil structure turnover under various land uses and feedbacks to soil carbon turnover” is limited to 3 years and serves to promote scientific qualification. It is associated with the PhD position at the University of Bayreuth posted below.

Your tasks

• Field experiment on the influence of soil tillage on soil structure changes
• Soil sampling at various sites in Germany
• Microscale imaging of pore structure and organic matter with X-ray CT
• 3D image processing and statistical analysis
• Publish results in peer-reviewed journals, present results at conferences and meetings
• Collaborate effectively in a team of researchers at the UFZ and Bayreuth University
• Supervision of students
• Participation in the UFZ graduate school HIGRADE

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

• Completed university degree (Master’s degree, university diploma, or equivalent) in the field of geoecology, soil science, environmental science, agriculture, forestry or a related subject
• Experience with imaging techniques and statistical analysis is welcome
• Very good skills in communication/ English language skills
• Ability to work independently and motivated to work in an interdisciplinary team
• Good organizational skills and driver’s license valid in Germany

Please submit your application via our online portal with your cover letter, CV (please omit your photo, age, or marital status) and relevant attachments. Please apply until June 14th 2025 through this posting