A doctoral Position in Plant Ecology

A Doctoral Position in Plant Ecology

is available at the Plant Ecology Group of the University of Tübingen. Applicants for the Ph.D. position must hold an M.Sc. or equivalent degree in biology, ecology, plant sciences or environmental sciences with a sound knowledge in plant ecology. Ideally, the applicants have also knowledge of plant-soil interactions or biogeochemistry. Furthermore, the position requires experience in designing and conducting ecological field experiments and a sound knowledge of advanced statistics. Experience in basic lab work can also be advantageous.

The project is part of a DFG priority programme (SPP) entitled EarthShape (http://www.earthshape.net) which aims at investigating the influence of biota on the geosphere. The study system for the entire priority programme is a climate gradient in Chile ranging from extremely arid to subtropical conditions.

The project is conducted in collaboration with Y. Oelmann (University of Tübingen), and L. Cavieres (University of Concepción). We aim at studying whether spatial environmental gradients can serve as proxies for inferring temporal changes of ecosystems in time. Our approach is a set of large-scale and long-term field experiments whereby climate will be manipulated and plant-soil-geology feedbacks studied, with a special focus on plant litter decomposition. The work includes extensive field campaigns in Chile each year, but the main working place will be Tübingen, a buzzing university town in Southwest Germany. Working language is English, but a very good knowledge of Spanish would be highly advantageous.

The position is scheduled for 3 years with an anticipated starting date of January 1^st, 2016. Payment is according to the German public tariff (75% TV-L E13).

Applications are to be submitted via email and as a single pdf file to Katja Tielbörger, University of Tübingen, Plant Ecology Group: [e-mail]. Deadline is October 15th, 2015, or until position is filled.

Applications should include a letter of motivation, a CV, transcripts, and proof of special qualifications, if applicable. The applicants are also requested to have two letters of reference sent independently to the above Email address.

The University of Tübingen wants to increase the number of female researchers, and specifically encourage female candidates to apply. Disabled persons will be preferred in case of equal qualification.