PhD Student (f/m/div) in the Field of Geodata, Nitrogen, and Soil Parameter Modeling

The salary will be based on qualification and research experience according to the wage agreement TV-L, up to pay scale 13, 65% of the regular working time. The conferral of a doctorate is possible at Rheinland-Pfälzische Technische Universität Kaiserslautern-Landau in close cooperation with / mentoring by Prof. Dr. Herman Jungkunst and other institutions across Europe, e.g., Ghent University in Belgium or Agroscope in Switzerland.

The NitroScope project aims to develop systemic solutions to quantify and manage nitrogen (N) fluxes across Europe, from local fields to the continental scale. Its goals include reducing N losses, particularly from nitrate leaching and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions by extensive site monitoring testing conservation practices like variable-rate fertilization, and engaging land managers through farm-based tools and a revised European nitrogen budget.

Tasks include

• application of process-based models (e.g., CANDY, DayCent, LDNDC, Daisy) to model within-field N-fluxes (e.g., N2O-losses, NO3-leaching, N mineralization)
• support model parametrization, estimate N mineralization rates from soil organic matter content and other N-balance components
• support monitoring, reporting, and verification of greenhouse gas emissions and mitigation efforts
• support reduction in model uncertainties associated with the estimates of the full N budget at the European continental scale and improve knowledge on the mechanisms governing N translocation
• publication and presentation of research results in peer-reviewed journals and at national and international conferences

We are looking for candidates with

• a master’s degree in agricultural sciences, geography, environmental sciences, agro- / geo- / landscape ecology, soil science, or a related field
• advanced understanding of the mechanisms governing N translocation from soil to crop, including gaseous emissions and subsurface leaching into groundwater within agricultural systems
• experience in statistical analysis of research results or a willingness to acquire such as well as to complete a PhD degree
• self-motivated, independent, and responsible working style and high organizational skills
• willingness to conduct a research stay for several month at another institute in Germany or Europe
• fluency in the English language, good communication skills
• good scientific writing skills in the English language and willingness to integrate into an international working environment

We offer

• an attractive workplace at a modern research institute for horticultural sciences
• a pleasant and respectful working atmosphere
• integration into a successful and committed team in an international environment and network
• flexible and family-friendly working time models and the possibility of mobile working (up to 50% of working time)
• a place of employment located close to Berlin and Potsdam
• subsidy for the company ticket for local public transport or for the Deutschlandticket (Germany ticket)

For questions, please contact Dr. Eric Bönecke (+49 33701 78-223; boenecke@igzev.de).

Please send your complete application (stating the reference number and including a motivation letter, your CV, academic certificates, and the names and addresses of two references, including your earliest possible starting date) by e-mail to bewerbung@igzev.de as PDF file by August 7, 2025.