Research Associate (m/f/d) in the field of Data Science in Hydrology and Biogeochemistry

The position is part of the externally funded project "Global change impact on hydro-biogeochemical processes in tropical Kenyan catchments" and is to be filled on a fixed-term basis in accordance with § 2 WissZeitVG and § 72 HessHG with the opportunity for own academic qualification, limited until 31.01.2026, at the Chair of Land-scape, Water and Biogeochemical Cycles, Institute for Landscape Ecology and Resources Management at the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Nutritional Sciences, and Environmental Management. The salary is in accordance with the collective labour agreement of the State of Hessen (E 13 TV-H).

As long as the maximum permissible duration of a fixed-term contract is not exceeded, you will be employed for a period of 3 years.

Your tasks at a glance

Climate and land use change influence hydro-biogeochemical processes. For tropical Africa, scientific knowledge about the impact of global change on these processes is limited. Since 2014, automatic monitoring systems have been recording high-resolution discharge, NO3, DOC and TSS in the Mau Forest project area (Kenya). Using statistical methods (wavelets, hysteresis, hydrological signatures), indicators are derived to describe hydro-biogeochemical processes.

Your tasks include:

• Development of data-based models for the simulation of discharge, NO3, DOC and TSS based on machine learning/deep learning (e.g., LSTM)
• Model validation through the use of hydro-biogeochemical indicators
• Carrying out projections of climate and land use change by taking into account spatial (land use) and temporal (climate time series) predictors
• Support of the experimental hydro-biogeochemical field work in Kenya
• Presentation of project results at scientific conferences and in peer-reviewed publications

Your qualifications and competences

• Completed Master‘s or equivalent university degree in natural sciences, preferably also doctorate, with extensive knowledge in hydro-biogeochemistry, data science, statistical modelling and geographic information systems
• Extensive experience in programming (preferably Python or R)
• Willingness to travel to Kenya and support fieldwork there
• Skills in fluent written and oral communication in English
• Highly motivated with curiosity about research and commitment to scientific excellence
• Enthusiasm about working in a multidisciplinary, collaborative and international environment

Our offer to you

• A varied job with flexible working hours
• Free use of local public transport (LandesTicket Hessen)
• More than 100 training seminars, workshops and e-learning opportunities per year for personal development, as well as a wide range of health and sports activities
• Remuneration according to TV-H, company pension scheme, child allowance and special payments
• Good compatibility of family and career (certificate "audit familiengerechte hochschule")

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact Prof. Lutz Breuer by phone (+49-(0)641/99-37380) or by e-mail (lutz.breuer@umwelt.uni-giessen.de).

JLU aims to employ more women in academic research. We therefore particularly encourage female candidates to apply. JLU is regarded as a family-friendly university. Applicants with children are very welcome. Applications from disabled people of equal aptitude will be given preference.

You want to break new ground with us?

Apply via our online form by 07.03.2023, indicating reference number 753/09. We look forward to receiving your application.