PhD - Biogeochemical cycles in the Earth System

International Max Planck Research School for Global Biogeochemical Cycles

Jena, Germany

Deadline date: 06/02/2014

Description

The IMPRS-gBGC located in Jena, Germany, offers fellowships to outstanding students interested in research on biogeochemical cycles in the Earth system. The school provides excellent research possibilities for students to obtain a PhD degree in a 3-years graduate program.

Successful applicants will be part of the International Max Planck Research School for Global Biogeochemical Cycles. Research at the school focuses on the distribution of elements essential to life and the climate among the components of the Earth system and the interaction between biosphere, atmosphere, lithosphere, land and oceans.

Besides doing research for their PhD project, PhD candidates also benefit from a three-month external research visit, specialized courses in e.g. statistics, Earth observation, modeling and analytical techniques, as well as in soft skills. The school is thus an excellent starting platform for a successful career in a field related to global biogeochemical cycles and Earth System Science.

Projects currently open for application:

• Understanding the shape of root water uptake profiles across biomes.
• Quantifying and scaling global plant trait diversity: how do environmental constraints and land-use affect the multivariate trait spectrum at global scale and how is this reflected in ecosystem fluxes of carbon, water and energy.
• The impact of soil microbial food web complexity on turnover of soil organic carbon.
• Merging organic and inorganic geochemical proxies in lake sediments.

Requirements

We welcome applications from well-motivated and highly-qualified students from all countries. Applicants hold (or are about to receive) a Master of Science, German 'Diplom' or equivalent degree in natural sciences.

Proficiency in English is required since English is the official language of the program. Handicapped persons with comparable qualifications receive preferential status. The Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply.

More information and applications

Application deadline for these fully funded PhD positions is February 6, 2014. Top candidates will be invited to take part in our selection symposium (March 25, 2014).

Find out more and apply online: www.imprs-gbgc.de