PhD position – Soil–plant Hydraulics and Drought
PhD position – Soil–plant Hydraulics and Drought
In the coming decades, climate change and shifts in land use will have a
significant impact on the productivity of terrestrial ecosystems in terms of
the services they provide (food, feed, fiber, energy), as well as on the
challenges society must address. At the Institute of Bio- and Geosciences –
Agrosphere (IBG-3), we develop solutions to safeguard ecosystem services
based on an improved understanding of hydrological and biogeochemical
processes in terrestrial systems. Our focus is on agricultural and forest
systems, which are coming under increasing pressure due to global change.
Innovative observation technologies are combined with laboratory experiments
and modeling to investigate and predict terrestrial processes across scales
(from the pore scale through the field scale to the continental scale),
thereby contributing to the sustainable use of the natural resources water,
soil, and atmosphere.
Your Job
The PhD will investigate the relationships between transpiration, effective
soil water potential and leaf water potential under contrasting soil and
climatic conditions. You will combine mechanistic soil–root–plant modelling
with experimental data to:
determine how heterogeneous soil water potentials are integrated by root
systems
quantify how soil texture and root hydraulic properties control water
uptake
investigate hydraulic adaptation to drought
analyse the role of stomatal regulation in maintaining plant water status
You will work with modelling approaches implemented in CPlantBox and with
data from the TERENO SoilCan lysimeter network , including soil water
status, evapotranspiration, sap flow and leaf water potential.
Your Profile
A Masters degree in bioscience engineering, soil science, hydrology, plant
science, environmental science, physics, engineering, applied mathematics
or a related field
Strong quantitative skills
Interest in soil–plant water relations and drought
Motivation for modelling and data analysis
Programming experience or willingness to develop it
Good English communication skills (at least B2 level according to the
CEFR: https: // go.fzj.de/languagerequirements ), ideally supported by a
certificate confirming the language level.
Experience in soil physics, plant hydraulics or numerical modelling is an
advantage.
Our Benefits for You
Team & Environment: You will work in a motivated team with an
international and interdisciplinary focus – at one of the largest research
institutions in Europe
Research & Infrastructure: You will have access to excellent
scientific and technical facilities for your work
Networking & Exchange: You will participate in (international)
conferences and project meetings and actively build your scientific
network
Supervision & Support: We will accompany your doctoral studies with
continuous, expert guidance from your academic supervisor
Work-life balance: We offer flexible working hours to help you balance
your professional and personal life. You also have the option of flexible
working (in terms of location), which is generally possible after
consultation and in line with upcoming tasks and (on-site) appointments
Annual Leave: You get 30 days of annual leave
Knowledge & Development: Your professional development is important to
us – we support you specifically and individually e.g., through training
and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral candidates
(JuDocS)
Health & well-being: Your health is important to us. You can look
forward to a comprehensive company health management programme with a wide
range of options, including a beach volleyball court, running groups, yoga
classes and much more. In addition, our company medical service and an
experienced social counselling team are available to assist you on site
Campus experience: Our research campus in the countryside creates
ideal conditions for collegial exchange and sporting activities right on
site. Our cafeteria offers a wide range of options—you can enjoy a
relaxing lunch break with a lake view
Successful start: It is important to us that you quickly settle into
the team and are given structured training for your tasks. We also support
you from the very beginning and make your start easier with our Welcome
Days and Welcome Guide
Support for international employees: Our International Advisory
Service makes it easier for international employees to get started
Fair remuneration: Depending on your qualifications and assigned
responsibilities, you will be classified according to pay group 13 (65%)
of the TVöD-Bund. In addition to the basic salary, there is an additional
year-end bonus under the collective pay agreement
Contract : The position is for a fixed term of 4 years
In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial working environment, we offer
you much more: https: // go.fzj.de/benefits
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.
The following links provide further information on diversity and equal
opportunities: https: // go.fzj.de/equality and on specific support options for
women: https: // go.fzj.de/womens-job-journey
Place of Employment: Jülich
Start Date: January 2027
Salary: Pay group 13 (65%) TVöD-Bund
Application Deadline: The position will be published until it is
successfully filled
Index number: 2026D-0756
Share:
Application Process FAQ Contact form
Career portal Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH Legal Notice
Follow us
