PhD Position – Functional-Structural Plant Modelling

Offer Description

Area of research: Promotion

Your Job: The work will be part of the BMBF project “Rhizosphere processes and yield decline in wheat crop rotations (RhizoWheat)” in collaboration with University of Kiel, the Institute of Sugar Beet Research and the Julius-Kühn-Institut, Institute for Epidemiology and Pathogen Diagnostics. The RhizoWheat project will investigate the effect of different pre-crops in crop rotations on wheat growth and performance. Simulation modelling will be used for an in-depth mechanistic analysis of pre-crop effects and to extrapolate pivotal research findings depicted within the models for future climate scenarios. You will be responsible to extend and parameterise the functional-structural plant model CPlantBox to support crop modelling with relevant root traits and functions. Your Tasks in Detail:

• Setting up the functional-structural plant model for specific soil and pre-crop situations
• Parameterization of this model based on experimental data from the consortium, including root data from both greenhouse and field observations
• Postprocessing and Analysis of simulation results
• Present and publish results at national and international conferences and peer reviewed journals

Your Profile:

• Masters degree in bioengineering, environmental sciences or applied mathematics
• Knowledge of plant and soil sciences
• Mathematical modelling skills
• Experience in scientific computation
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in an international, interdisciplinary team across institutes
• Very good communication and organizational skills
• Very good command of the English language

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 offer ideal conditions for you to complete your doctoral degree:

• Competent and interdisciplinary working environment, as well as an excellent framework in the areas of experiments and modelling
• Vibrant international work environment on an attractive research campus, ideally situated between the cities of Cologne, Düsseldorf and Aachen
• Attendance at national and international conferences and workshops
• Possibility for further scientific and technical training through international experts
• Exceptional research infrastructure
• 30 days of annual leave and provision for days off between public holidays and weekends (e.g. between Christmas and New Year)
• Further development of your personal strengths, e.g. through an extensive range of training courses; a structured program of continuing education and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral researchers via JuDocS, the Jülich Center for Doctoral Researchers and Supervisors:
• Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service

In addition to exciting tasks and a collaborative working atmosphere in Jülich, we have a lot more to offer: go.fzj.de/benefits

The position is for a fixed term of 3 years. Pay in line with 75% of pay group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund) and additionally 60 % of a monthly salary as special payment („Christmas bonus“). Further information on doctoral degrees at Forschungszentrum Jülich including our other locations is available at:

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.

This research center is part of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers. With more than 42,000 employees and an annual budget of over € 5 billion, the Helmholtz Association is Germany’s largest scientific organisation.

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