PhD - Sustainable Use of Soil as a Resource

Research Station Agroscope Reckenholz-Tänikon

Zurich, Switzerland

 

Description

 

The Research Station Agroscope Reckenholz-Tänikon ART in Zurich is the federal agricultural research unit in Switzerland and conducts research for an environmental friendly and competitive agriculture. The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETHZ) and the University of Zurich (UZH) are among the leading universities worldwide. Two PhD student positions are available, one at ART and one at ETHZ and UZH, respectively. Your research will be within the National Research Program NRP 68 “Sustainable Use of Soil as a Resource” of the Swiss National Science Foundation in the project focusing on “Agricultural management and below ground carbon inputs “. The project comprises two PhD projects:

 

The first project (PhD 1) aims at quantifying below ground carbon (C) inputs including C rhizodeposition and root biomass of wheat, maize and rapeseed at different agricultural management intensities in Switzerland. You will work in our long-term field experiments DOK and ZOFE comparing organic with conventional cropping systems and organic versus mineral fertilization using stable isotope (13C) labeling techniques.

 

The second project (PhD 2) aims at investigating the effects of climate change (drought) on root architecture and C allocation to soil organic matter and root derived C stabilization in soils. Additionally, the impact of the breeding progress on C allocation will be studied by comparing new and historic wheat cultivars. The experiments will be conducted under controlled conditions in a special greenhouse (ETH) and stable isotope labeling chambers (UZH).

 

The results of the two PhD studies will be the basis for soil organic carbon modeling at a later stage of the project. Your tasks will include isotope and root system measurements in the field experiments and under controlled condi-tions. You will be responsible for sample preparation and analyses, data acquisition, analysis and interpretation as well as publication of results in international journals.

 

Requirements

 

We are seeking highly motivated, team-oriented candidates with a strong interest in agro-ecology, plant nutrition and soil-plant interactions. Applicants should hold a master-level degree in agronomy, biology or environmental sciences with excellent grades. Experience in the field of plant and soil sciences as well as stable isotopes are an asset. Good knowledge of spo-ken and written English is required. Knowledge in German will be helpful. Driving license is required.

 

More information and applications

 

The duration of the positions are three years starting at 1 March 2013. The salary is according to the guidelines of the Swiss National Science Foundation. The working place will be at ART (Zurich Reckenholz) for PhD 1 and at ETHZ (Eschikon Field Station) and UZH (Irchel Campus Zurich) respectively, for PhD 2. PhD 1 and PhD 2 will receive their degree from ETHZ and UZH, respectively. Please mention the keyword “below ground carbon” on your application and explain your preference for either PhD project 1 or 2. Applicants should submit the letter of application, CV, statement of research interests, copy of certificates and addresses of 2-3 potential referees as single pdf-file to human_resources@art.admin.ch. For further information please contact Dr. Jochen Mayer, jochen.mayer@art.admin.ch or phone (+41 44 377 72 14).  Additional information about ART, ETHZ and UZH can be found on our websites:

 

www.agroscope.ch, www.kp.ethz.ch and www.geo.uzh.ch.

 

Deadline for application: 13 January 2013; job interviews will take place from 21 to 23 January 2013.