Research Assistant (m/f/d)

Agraroecology Group

Application deadline: April 15, 2023

Research Assistant (m/f/d)

to lead the DFG-Project “How mycorrhizal types and tree diversity drive soil carbon stabilization (Myco-Div)“, to commence on 15.05.2023.

The position is available for a period of three years with the aim of enabling the incumbent to complete a doctoral degree. The salary will be in accordance with pay grade 13 TV-L (65%).

The project deals with the interactions between plants and fungi (mycorrhiza) and their importance for carbon input and turnover in the soil. The focus is on the role of tree and fungal diversity for the storage of carbon in the soil.

Your responsibilities:

Independent research
Independently plan and conduct laboratory and field studies
Responsibility for soil sampling and processing and chemical analyses
Conduct ¹³C labeling experiments
Detailed investigation of soil organic matter fractions
Method development and analysis of biomarker molecules
Statistical data analysis
Prepare and contribute to scientific publications
Presentation of research results at (inter)national conferences

Your profile:

Master’s degree in biology, geoecology or a comparable field of environmental sciences
Expertise in soil science, mycorrhizal research, rhizosphere, and/or isotope application is desirable
Solid understanding of statistics
Excellent English language skills are required, German language skills are an asset
Commitment, reliability and flexibility
Ability to work in a team and interest in interdisciplinary research
Willingness to do field work in the MyDiv experiment in Bad Lauchstädt, Saxony-Anhalt

The studies take place on the MyDiv plots ("Mycorrhiza in tree diversity effects on ecosystem functioning") and are part of a collaborative project conducted and supervised together with Prof. Dr. Ina Meier (Functional Forest Ecology, University of Hamburg).

What we offer:

Constructive working atmosphere in an open-minded, interdisciplinary and international team
Independent research activity for a doctorate in basic research on a society-relevant topic
Opportunity to pursue a doctorate in the structured doctoral programme "Bayreuth Graduate School for Mathematics and Natural Sciences (BayNAT)" with subject-specific and interdisciplinary qualification opportunities
Networking with leading national and international scientists
Participation in national and international conferences
Flexible working hours
Occupational health management
Compatibility of family and career

The University of Bayreuth views the diversity of its staff as an asset and is expressly committed to the goal of gender equality. Female scholars and any persons who can help make the research and teaching profile of the university more diverse are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants with children are highly welcome. The University of Bayreuth is a member of the best practice club Family at University. In addition, an extended audit conducted by the German Rectors' Conference (HRK) returned a favourable review for the University of Bayreuth's commitment to internationalization. All qualifications being equal, applicants with disabilities will be given priority.