Research Associate Job (PhD Position) in Environmental Science at University of Kaiserslautern-Landau in Germany; With over 20,000 students, more than 300 professorships and around 160 degree programs, the University of Kaiserslautern-Landau (RPTU) is the technical university of the state of Rhineland-Palatinate. As a place of top international research, it offers excellent working conditions and career opportunities. Those who study, research or work at RPTU experience a cosmopolitan environment and shape the future.
The position with the possibility of a doctorate is to be filled as part of the DFG-funded project “Scaling of biochemical and hydraulic controls on nitrate uptake and removal in streams”. The project aims to investigate the processes that control nitrate uptake in medium-sized watercourses. Turnover rates of nitrogen due to assimilatory uptake by phototrophic organisms (N uptake) and dissimilatory uptake (N removal) by heterotrophic bacteria in streams and their sediments are investigated. In particular, we analyze the role of river hydraulics and riverbed morphology as important but comparatively unexplored influencing factors. The project will be carried out jointly with the Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research (UfZ) in Magdeburg, where a second PhD position with complementary tasks will be filled.
We offer:
- The opportunity to do a doctorate in an interdisciplinary research project of high relevance to environmental science
- Excellent supervision and optimal professional and interdisciplinary qualification
- The freedom to master even the most demanding challenges between basic research and practical application
- The opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary and international team, as well as integration into national and international research networks
Your area of responsibility:
- Characterization of the hydraulic and morphological conditions in the study streams
- Measurement of water exchange between surface water and the river bed
- Estimation of oxygen and CO2 turnover (metabolism) in the streams using sensor measurements
- Scientific analysis and publication of the results and their relationship to nitrate turnover (in cooperation with project partners)
Your requirements profile:
- Knowledge in environmental fluid mechanics, hydraulics and hydrology of streams demonstrated by a Master degree in hydrology, geoecology, environmental engineering, environmental sciences or related fields
- Experience with high-resolution methods for hydromorphological measurements and in-depth knowledge of aquatic biogeochemistry are desirable
- Willingness to participate in multi-day measurement campaigns on rivers in Central Germany, as well as very good communication skills in English are required
We offer:
- Health promotion
- Family Service Center
- Vocational Training
- Flexible working hour and
home office - Jobticket
- Retirement provision
- Sport & Fitness programms
- Culture & Leisure offers
- Local recreation in the Palatinate Forest
RPTU stands for diversity among all employees. We welcome applications from all interested parties, regardless of their ethnic and social origin, age, religion, gender, disability and sexual orientation or identity. Preference will be given to severely disabled persons and persons equivalent to them if they have the appropriate qualifications and suitability. The RPTU aims to increase the proportion of women in areas where women are underrepresented. Applications from scientists from abroad are explicitly welcome. The position is limited in time in accordance with the German law on fixed-term contracts in science (WissZeitVG).
Your application:
We look forward to receiving your detailed application (CV, references, etc.) by 15.06.2024 at the latest. Please submit your application using the “Online Bewerbung” button below or via our application portal (APPLY ONLINE). For technical questions, please contact Prof. Dr. Andreas Lorke (e-mail: a.lorke@rptu.de).