PhD opportunity in agroforestry
(carbon sequestration)

Subject to final approval of funding, we seek applicants for a three year PhD scholarship to work on agroforestry systems in the temperate zone especially on carbon sequestration in the soil-plant system.

The PhD project will be part of the new research initiative "Applied Ecosystem Research and Landscape Change" at the Brandenburg University of Technology (BTU) Cottbus. The study area is located in the Lusatian lignite mining region 120 km southeast of Berlin.

Project description: Agroforestry is a promising land use practice to maintain or increase agricultural productivity by improving soil fertility. This project investigates the potential of carbon sequestration in agroforestry systems and the effect on carbon pools and stocks in the soil and the biomass, respectively. The development of modelling tools to predict carbon turnover rates in the soil-plant-system will be conducted. The project will also include method refinement and measurements of stable isotopes and NMR analysis.

The successful candidate will be expected to conduct his/her own research in investigating humus chemistry and carbon sequestration in the soil-plant-system.

Background / Requirements: A completed MSc or Diploma degree in Soil Science, preferably with a focus on humus chemistry is required. A background in isotope and NMR analysis and modelling of carbon cycle is strongly desired.

Please send your application (PDF), including cover letter, CV, copies of degree certificates, and the name and contact details of at least two referees by e-mail to: Dr Th. Raab (raab@tu-cottbus.de)

!!!Personal contact and interviews could be organized during the AGU Fall Meeting 2009 in San Francisco!!!