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. We aim at evaluating the benefit of the combination on water, carbon and nitrogen flow and cycling on microbial activity, and yield.
To achieve this goal, we are using a set of complementary experimental and modelling tools. On the experimental side, we performed experiments in lab (columns) and field (minirhizotrons) conditions. We combine a panel of monitoring methods (isotopic labelling, NMR, psychometry, above/belowground image analysis…) to determine the flows of water, carbon, and nitrogen in the system. We are working in collaboration with the University of Hohenheim for in-situ imaging methods (zymography) and molecular techniques to determine microbial activity and abundance.
We are looking for a student assistant interested in supporting the work of the PhD student responsible for the plant experiments of the project’s experimental cluster. The main tasks will be to support he laboratory analytic methods to parametrize a plant growth model. The student helper is also offered the opportunity to be involved in other research projects.
Your tasks:
- Conduction of laboratory experiments
- Biochemical and physical soil and plants samples characterization
- Production of plant organs pictures (e.g. WinRhizo) and image analysis (e.g. neural networks)
- Participation in the development and optimization of novel soil exo-polysaccharides extraction and quantification
- Data analysis
Your Profile:
- You are a bachelor or master student of geo-, environmental, agricultural sciences or comparable tracks
- Good knowledge of English
- Ideally, you already possess basic knowledge of chemistry, soil and plant sciences or images and data analysis
- You are a team-player and you are able to work in autonomy
- You communicate well in English and German
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:
- Ideal conditions for gaining practical experience alongside your studies
- Possibility for further scientific and technical training
- A good mix of autonomous work and qualified support through your scientific colleagues
- International work environment
- Active participation in cutting-edge and interdisciplinary research in one of the leading research center of Germany
- Possibility to conduct and design own experiments
- A temporary position for 6 months
- A large research campus with green spaces, offering the best possible means for networking with colleagues and pursuing sports alongside work
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.
In addition to exciting tasks and a collaborative working atmosphere at Jülich, we have a lot more to offer: https://go.fzj.de/benefits