Master Thesis / Student Assistant Position - Rhizosphere processes and yield decline in successive winter wheat rotations (RhizoWheat Project)
At the Institute of Bio- and Geosciences – Agrosphere (IBG-3) we conduct research to improve our understanding of hydrological and biogeochemical processes in terrestrial systems. A combination of experiments, modelling, and innovative observation technologies is used to bridge the gap between model, process, and management scale. Our research contributes to the sustainable and resource conserving use of soils and water and to the quantification of the effect of climate and land use change on terrestrial ecosystems.
Your Job:
The yield decline of second wheat is often attributed to root senescence caused by infection with Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici (take all). This goes in line with the finding that the yield decline of second wheat is higher under drought stress conditions. Recent findings, however, indicate that a broader shift of the rhizosphere microbiome occurs as a consequence of wheat as a precrop and that this shift may be involved in the increased senescence of roots and the accompanied yield decline. This hypothesis is further supported by older observations that yield decline happens in some years without the typical visible symptoms of take all.
We investigate the underlying rhizosphere processes governing wheat yield decline in continuous wheat. With a combination of root imaging and isotopic techniques as plant tracers, we aim to observe root adaptations, nutrient cycling, carbon allocation and water upkate as affected by contrasting wheat rotations.
Project url: https://www.rhizowheat.uni-kiel.de/de
Participate in active research experiments within the RhizoWheat team and learn how to apply and measure plant tracers in outdoor experiments. You will also engage in labwork and perform nutrientextractions and isotopic measurements.
Your Profile:
- Currently enrolled in a MSc program of environmental science, agronomy, soil science, chemistry, plant science or related disciplines.
- Interest in the complex world of soil-microbes-plant interactions
- Careful and independent work after instruction
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 support you in your work with:
- An interesting and socially relevant topic for your thesis with future-oriented themes
- Ideal conditions for gaining practical experience alongside your studies
- An interdisciplinary collaboration on projects in an international, committed and collegial team
- Excellent technical equipment and the newest technology
- Qualified support through your scientific colleagues
- The chance to independently prepare and work on your tasks
- Flexible working hours as well as a reasonable remuneration
- A large research campus with green spaces, offering the best possible means for networking with colleagues and pursuing sports alongside work
- Flexible work (location) arrangements, e.g. remote work
In addition to exciting tasks and a collaborative working atmosphere at Jülich, we have a lot more to offer: https://go.fzj.de/benefits
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.
https://www.fz-juelich.de/de/karriere/stellenangebote/2025M-008