Research Associate (PhD candidate) for the Project “Root carbon dynamics, soil carbon sequestration and climate change in savannas of Southern Africa

Job description We are seeking a PhD candidate/Research Associate for the project “Root carbon dynamics, soil carbon sequestration and climate change in savannas of Southern Africa (CLICCS II #46)” within the Cluster of Excellence “Climate, Climatic Change, and Society” (CLICCS), which investigates the interactions between climate dynamics and societal processes through interdisciplinary collaboration across the natural and social sciences. Your responsibilities Duties include academic services in the project named above. Research associates may also pursue further academic qualifications outside of their work responsibilities. They may also pursue doctoral studies outside of working duties. Doctoral candidates are members of the structured doctoral program of the School of Integrated Climate and Earth System Sciences (SICSS), which provides high-quality, interdisciplinary, and internationally oriented training. The doctoral researcher will be member of the labs of Functional Forest Ecology and Soil Technology and Soil Protection and will investigate fine root depth distribution and organic carbon pools in the soil of savanna trees in southern Africa analyze fine root and hyphal productivity and turnover conduct soil incubation experiments relate soil greenhouse-gas fluxes to carbon-use efficiency and soil organic carbon stabilization write and publish scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals present results at national and international conferences Your profile A university degree in a relevant field. This should be in Biology, Geosciences, or Environmental Sciences. Strong skills in root physiology, mycorrhizal or rhizosphere ecology, and/or soil biogeochemistry are a plus. Experience in mini-rhizotron imaging, soil incubation, soil organic matter fractionation, and/or gas flux measurements is beneficial. This position belongs to a cooperative effort within the Cluster of Excellence, subproject M3, and will be jointly supervised by Prof. Dr. Ina Meier (Functional Forest Ecology) and Dr. Joscha Becker (Soil Technology and Soil Protection). Therefore, team-orientation, interest in conducting interdisciplinary research, and being proactive are essential. Willingness to conduct fieldwork under adverse conditions in the Namibian savanna is required. Excellent German and/or English communication skills (spoken and written) are necessary. How to apply For more information and application process (only via the online application form) please visit: