PhD opportunity in agroforestry
(soil water balance and plant physiology)

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 water use efficiency and plant nutrition of fast growing trees and arable crops.

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: The project investigates the water use efficiency of fast growing tree species in green house and field experiments. The development of soil structure and soil water balance in the post-mining substrates under different land use systems (e.g. agricultural and agroforestry) will be an additional focus and completed by plant nutrition issues. The successful candidate will be expected to conduct his/her own research in investigating the water and nutrient cycle in the soil-plant-system.

Background / Requirements: A completed MSc or Diploma degree in Soil Science, preferably with a focus on soil physics, especially soil water balance and knowledge of plant physiology is required. An additional background in modelling of soil water movement 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!!!