PhD position - Biogeochemical modeling of soil-rhizosphere-plant interactions in cultivar mixtures with complementary root systems

At the Institute of Bio- and Geosciences – Agrosphere (IBG-3) we conduct research to improve our understanding of biogeochemical and hydrological processes in terrestrial systems. Specific studies focus on environmental controls on biogeochemical cycling of elements, the analysis of exchange processes and nutrient dynamics in the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum. A combination of experiments, modelling and innovative observation technologies is used to bridge the gap between model, process and management scale. Its 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 work is part of the project "Combining ROot contrasted Phenotypes for more resilient agroecosystems" (CROP), which is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Science (BMBF) under the program "Plant Roots and Soil Ecosystems: Importance of the Rhizosphere for the Bioeconomy" as part of the "National Research Strategy Bioeconomy 2030". In collaboration with the University of Hohenheim (Stuttgart), CROP aims to assess the beneficial effects of crop mixtures with complementary root phenotypes within an agricultural field. We evaluate the benefits of the cropping system in terms of water, carbon and nitrogen fluxes, microbial communities and yield. We use complementary experimental and modeling approaches to achieve this goal. Your work will build on the process-based 3D soil-rhizosphere-plant model developed in the first phase of CROP using the modeling framework CPlantBox to mechanistically simulate plant growth, plant-soil interactions and the rhizosphere microbiome. You will contribute to the extension and application of the modeling approach to calculate water, carbon and nitrogen fluxes in plant and soil to assess nitrogen use efficiency and drought resistance at critical stages of plant development. You will work in an interdisciplinary team with postdocs from Jülich and Hohenheim.


Your tasks in detail:

  • Literature research and (meta-)analysis to provide evidence-based knowledge for model parameterization

  • Model conditioning with experimental data from phase I and II

  • Extend the existing model to include mucilage effects on soil hydraulic properties and growth of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi associated with plant roots

  • Perform scenario simulations and analyze simulation results

  • Implement and use a computational framework to assess drought resilience and nitrogen use efficiency based on experimental data and simulation results

  • Present and publish results at conferences and in peer-reviewed journals

Your Profile:

  • Master’s degree in environmental science, soil science, bioengineering, or applied mathematics

  • Hands-on experience in using differential calculus

  • Solid knowledge in soil physics, microbial ecology, plant nutrition, plant physiology and plant ecology

  • Strong interest in using process-based mathematical modeling to simulate water fluxes and biogeochemical processes related to carbon and nitrogen cycling in the soil-plant system

  • Experience with Bayesian inference and machine learning is an asset

  • Ability to work independently and cooperatively as part of an interdisciplinary team

  • Very good communication and organizational skills

  • Very good command of the English language




Your application should include a cover letter clearly stating your motivation of doing a PhD with us as well as a CV, copies of records of your BSc and MSc, documents showing your research experience and contacts of 1-2 references. Thank you very much.


Please feel free to apply for the position even if you do not have all the required skills and knowledge. We may be able to teach you missing skills during your induction.

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

  • Flexible working hours

  • 30 days of annual leave (depending on agreed working time arrangements) and provision for days off between public holidays and weekends (e.g. between Christmas and New Year)

  • 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“). The monthly salaries in euros can be found on page 66 of the PDF download: https://go.fzj.de/bmi.tvoed Further information on doctoral degrees at Forschungszentrum Jülich including our other locations is available at: https://www.fz-juelich.de/gp/Careers_Docs


In addition to exciting tasks and a collaborative working atmosphere at Jülich, we have a lot more to offer: https://go.fzj.de/benefits


PLEASE NOTE: Your application should include a cover letter clearly stating your motivation of doing a PhD with us as well as a CV, copies of records of your BSc and MSc, documents showing your research experience and contacts of 1-2 references. Thank you very much.


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/2025D-029

Letzte Änderung: 03.02.2025