PhD Student Scholarship – FiBL: The Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) is a world-renowned leader in organic agriculture research. We are excited to offer a PhD student scholarship for research in the Department of Soil Sciences. Join us in addressing the critical challenge of minimizing nitrogen losses from agroecosystems by exploring the biological nitrification inhibition capacity of Plantago lanceolata.
Summary Table:
| Position | PhD Student Scholarship – FiBL Soil Sciences |
|---|---|
| Study Area | Soil Sciences and Biological Nitrification Inhibition |
| Scholarship Description | Investigate the BNI capacity of Plantago lanceolata, understand the underlying mechanisms, and assess its potential to manage nitrogen fluxes in arable agroecosystems. |
| Eligibility | MSc in agricultural or environmental sciences, biology, geoecology, or similar; enthusiasm for lab and field research; strong statistical knowledge and proficiency in R or Matlab; excellent English language skills; experience with stable isotopes and soil molecular biological methods is a plus. |
| Required Documents | Application including a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and relevant degree certificates. |
| How to Apply | Send your application to the provided contact until December 5th. |
| Last Date | December 5, 2023 |
Study Area: Soil Sciences and Biological Nitrification Inhibition
Scholarship Description: This PhD student scholarship offers a unique opportunity to engage in research within the Department of Soil Sciences at FiBL. The primary focus is on exploring the potential of Plantago lanceolata to act as a biological nitrification inhibitor (BNI) and reduce nitrogen losses from agroecosystems. In collaboration with two universities in Belgium, the SNF-funded “PlantaGo” project aims to identify BNI active P. lanceolata genotypes, understand the genome-environment interactions of the BNI trait, quantify the impact of P. lanceolata on soil nitrogen fluxes, develop a mechanistic model of action, and assess its potential to manage nitrogen fluxes in arable agroecosystems.
Eligibility: To be eligible for this scholarship, candidates should meet the following criteria:
- Hold an MSc degree in agricultural or environmental sciences, biology, geoecology, or a related field.
- Demonstrate enthusiasm for both laboratory and field research.
- Possess strong statistical knowledge and proficiency in R or Matlab.
- Have excellent command of the English language, both spoken and written.
- Experience with stable isotopes and/or soil molecular biological methods, such as qPCR and amplicon sequencing, is advantageous.
Required Documents: Applicants are required to submit the following documents:
- A cover letter.
- A comprehensive curriculum vitae.
- Relevant degree certificates.
How to Apply: Please send your application to the provided contact:
Contact:
- Else Bünemann, Head of the Department of Soil Sciences, Tel. +41 (0)62 865 0482
- Hanna Frick, Researcher in the Department of Soil Sciences, +41 (0)62 510-5319
Last Date: The application deadline for this PhD student scholarship is 5 December 2023. Don’t miss the chance to be part of a collaborative and impactful research project at FiBL.
