PhD Position – Mathematical Modelling of the Soil-Root-Mycorrhiza System

Offer Description

Area of research: Promotion

Your Job: This work will be part of the DFG project “Texture Dependency of Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Induced Plant Drought Tolerance (TeAM-uP)” in collaboration with multiple institutions. You will be responsible for extending the functional-structural plant model CPlantBox to include mycorrhization, growth of extraradical hyphae in soil, and water flow and nutrient transfer in the soil-plant-mycorrhiza system. Your Tasks in Detail:

• Implementing a model of root architecture, AMF infection and hyphal growth through soil within the CPlantBox modelling framework
• Parameterization of this model based on experimental data
• Perform in silico experiments to understand and disentangle the joint effect of root system development and AMF and their effects on soil hydraulic properties and on root water and nutrient uptake
• Use the model to quantify the carbon investment into AMF and the related water and nutrient uptake efficiencies
• 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
• 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:

• 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
• Further development of your personal strengths through training courses and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral researchers
• Targeted services for international employees 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. 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.

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