PhD Student in Soil Stability: Unlock the mysteries of soil organic matter dynamics as a PhD student in the Institute of Soil Biology and Biogeochemistry. This exciting opportunity, funded by the Czech Academy of Sciences, focuses on understanding how soil fauna, including earthworms, nematodes, and springtails, influence the formation and stability of soil organic matter. Join a dynamic research project that spans laboratory experiments, an Ecotron experiment, and field experiments, pushing the boundaries of soil science and contributing to global biogeochemical cycle understanding.
PhD Student in Soil Fauna Effects on Soil Organic Matter Stability
Study Area: Soil Science, Biogeochemistry, Soil Biology
Location: Institute of Soil Biology and Biogeochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
Eligibility/Qualification:
- Minimum education level: Master’s degree
- Field of education: Soil Science or a related field
- Strong interest in soil organic matter dynamics
- Previous experience in soil organic matter dynamics and stability, preferably related to soil fauna
- Previous experience in statistical analysis of data, preferably in R
- Previous experience in biomarker extraction and gas-chromatographic analyses is a plus
- Organizational skills, reliability, and a sense of responsibility
- Fluent communication in English
- Good interpersonal skills and effective time management
Description: The PhD project addresses crucial gaps in knowledge regarding how soil fauna, such as earthworms, nematodes, and springtails, influence the formation and stability of soil organic matter. The research involves conducting experiments on various scales, including laboratory experiments, an Ecotron experiment, and field experiments. The successful candidate will be involved in physical fractionation of soil, biomarker extraction, DNA extractions, gas-chromatographic measurements, and setting up and maintaining laboratory and field experiments.
Benefits:
- Challenging work pushing the frontiers of soil science
- Above-average PhD salary
- Part-time position
- 5 weeks of paid holiday yearly (for 1 FTE)
- Subsidized lunches in the institute’s canteen
- Standard health insurance and social security
- Benefits from Social fund and student benefits
- Work in a stable, prestigious research institution of international importance
- Welcome service and support for foreigners
- Friendly & stimulating international working environment
- Work-life balance in a university city with outdoor, sport & cultural activities
- Free language classes (Czech for foreigners, English for Czechs)
- Opportunity to take part in mentoring programmes
- Concessionary services at the contractual operator and bank
- Access to accommodation in dormitories at the campus shared by the Biology Centre and the University of South Bohemia
Additional Information:
- Duration of job contract: Four years (April 2024 – March 2028)
- Start date: Flexible, by agreement
- Location: České Budějovice, Czech Republic
How to Apply: Submit applications, including a cover letter and a CV summarizing previous work experience and education, via the “REPLAY” button below. For additional information, contact Dr. Gerrit Angst at gerrit.angst@bc.cas.cz.
Last Date: Application deadline: 15. 3. 2024
