Jülich: Student Assistant - Monitoring of wheat root development

Understanding biogeochemical and hydrological processes in terrestrial systems is critical to cope with climate and land-use change as key drivers influencing terrestrial environmental systems that will need to be managed by society in the coming decades. At the Institute of Bio- and Geosciences - Agrosphere (IBG-3), we investigate environmental controls on the biogeochemical cycling of elements and analyze exchange processes and nutrient dynamics in the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum. We use a combination of experiments, modeling and innovative observation.

Your Job:

The CROP project (Combining ROot contrasted Phenotypes for more resilient agro-ecosystem) aims at estimating the beneficial impact of combining contrasted root phenotypes of wheat within a single field. To achieve these goals we will carry out measurements at a rhizotron facility in Selhausen. This facility consists of horizontal transparent tubes in various depths. The facility enables above and below ground measurement of an agricultural set up using a wide range of measurement techniques. These horizontal tubes enable continuous observation. For example the in-situ root observation using a mini-rhizotron camera as well as horizontal borehole measurements for hydrogeophysical observations (Ground Penetrating Radar).

Your tasks in detail:

• Conduction Scientific field measurements (subsurface and above-ground geophysical measurements & Root Images as well as above-ground agronomic measurements
• Agricultural field work (plant physiology monitoring, harvesting)
• Supporting team of technicians with hard- and software
• Data management
  
  

Your Profile:

• You are a master student of geo-, environmental, agricultural sciences or comparable tracks
• Good knowledge of English
• Ideally, you already possess basic knowledge of soil and plant sciences
• You are a team-player
• You are willing to participate to field campaigns
• Optional driver’s license (“Klasse B” or equivalent)
  
  

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:

• International work environment in cutting-edge and interdisciplinary research in one of the leading research center of Germany
• 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
• Possibility to work in autonomy and/or under close supervision, according to your preference
• Flexible working hours, partly remote work possible, as well as a reasonable remuneration
• Part time position with 19 hours per week and a 6 month contract

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.