Doctoral Researcher – TreeDì Project: Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, in collaboration with the DFG-funded International Research Training Group GRK 2324 “TreeDì,” invites applications for a Doctoral Researcher position (part-time, 65%). The project focuses on “Complementarity through trait variation” (P2G-3) within Chinese subtropical forests. The successful candidate will be part of a dynamic team led by Prof. Dr. Sylvia Haider.
- 🎓 University Overview:
- Martin Luther University Halle – Wittenberg (MLU) is the oldest and largest university in Saxony-Anhalt.
- More than 20,000 students are currently enrolled.
- Core research areas include nanosciences, bio-sciences, Enlightenment, and social/cultural research.
- 🌐 International Collaboration:
- MLU collaborates with the DFG-funded International Research Training Group GRK 2324.
- Invites applications for a part-time Doctoral Researcher position in the project “Complementarity through trait variation.”
- 🌿 Research Focus:
- Research topic involves quantifying and comparing leaf traits of subtropical trees and shrubs.
- Emphasis on chemical and morphological leaf traits and their role in species growth.
- Project supervised by Prof. Dr. Sylvia Haider and Dr. Steffen Neumann.
- 📚 Tasks of the Doctoral Researcher:
- Leaf sampling, laboratory analyses of leaf nutrients and morphological traits.
- Analysis of primary and secondary metabolites with mass spectrometry.
- Application of a portable near-infrared spectrometer and statistical data analyses.
- Preparation and publication of scientific papers and a PhD thesis.
- 🌏 International Collaboration and Requirements:
- Collaborative work with a Chinese counterpart.
- Requirements include a completed scientific university degree, ecological knowledge, statistical skills, and English fluency.
- Fieldwork experience in subtropical conditions is advantageous.
- 📅 Application Process:
- Applications accepted until January 3, 2024, through the website https://apply.idiv.de.
- Selected candidates invited to a recruitment symposium in Leipzig on March 4-5, 2024.
- Application dossier should include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and digital copies of relevant certificates.
- ♿ Diversity and Inclusion:
- MLU prioritizes applications from disabled candidates.
- Encourages women to apply and commits to a diverse and inclusive community.
- 📧 Contact Information:
- For application process queries, contact Dr. Stefan Trogisch.
- For project-related questions, contact Prof. Dr. Sylvia Haider.
- 🌐 Mission Statement:
- MLU is committed to establishing and maintaining a diverse and inclusive community to support its mission of conducting great science.
Table:
| Designation | Research Area | Location | Eligibility/Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Doctoral Researcher | Ecology, Environmental Sciences | Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Germany | Completed scientific University degree (Diploma/M.Sc.) in ecology or related field |
Job Description: The Doctoral Researcher will:
- Conduct leaf sampling and laboratory analyses of subtropical trees and shrubs.
- Analyze leaf nutrients, morphological leaf traits, and leaf metabolites using mass spectrometry and related bioinformatics.
- Apply a portable near-infrared spectrometer (FieldSpec) and develop calibration models to predict traits.
- Perform statistical data analyses.
- Prepare and publish scientific papers and a PhD thesis.
Requirements:
- Completed scientific University degree (Diploma/M.Sc.) in ecology or related field.
- Strong ecological knowledge and interest in forest biodiversity research and chemical ecology.
- Good quantitative and statistical skills in R.
- Experience in plant functional traits, leaf trait measurements, and laboratory work.
- Fluency in English (writing and speaking).
- Motivation, proactive teamwork, flexibility, and organizational skills.
- Willingness to spend 2-4 months per year in China for fieldwork, lab visits, and courses.
- Fieldwork experience under subtropical conditions is advantageous.
How to Apply: Submit your full application dossier in English with registration number 4-11525/23-D by 3 January 2024. Applications should be submitted on the official iDiv website. Application portfolios sent by post will not be returned, and application costs will not be reimbursed. Selected candidates will be invited to a recruitment symposium at iDiv in Leipzig on 4-5 March 2024.
All applications should include:
- Cover letter in English describing motivation for the project, research interests, and relevant experience.
- Complete curriculum vitae including names and contact details of at least two scientific references.
- Digital copies of MA/BA/Diploma certificates.
Last Date for Apply: 3 January 2024.
Disclaimer: This job post is sourced from a reliable site. For detailed and updated information, please refer to the official iDiv website. The Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg reserves the right to modify or update the job posting as needed.
