Stellenticket Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

Curious about what happens to plant-bound carbon when roots grow and decompose in the soil? Interested in combining soil physics, biology, and modern analytical methods to investigate how soil structure and soil organisms, particularly mesofauna, influence these processes? Then this PhD project might be just right for you!

We are seeking a Reseach Assistant for the DFG-funded project “Root-Pore Interactions and Soil Fauna: Investigating Carbon Fate during the Decomposition of Roots in Structured Soil (ROOT-DECAY).” The project investigates how interactions between plant roots, soil structure, and soil organisms shape microbial habitats in the soil and influence carbon dynamics. The project combines controlled laboratory, greenhouse, and field experiments to explore root–soil interactions in various plant systems. They will employ a range of advanced methods, including high-resolution X-ray computed tomography (CT), stable isotope labeling (¹³C), and analyses of soil mesofauna activity, to investigate processes at the interface of soil physics, biology, and biogeochemistry.
The goal is to improve our mechanistic understanding of how soil structure and biological interactions jointly control carbon cycling and stabilisation pathways in the soil.

We are looking for a motivated and curious individual with a strong interest in soil processes at the intersection of physics, biology, and biogeochemistry. You enjoy experimental work and are particularly interested in investigating soil systems using methods such as soil structure analysis, isotope tracing, and the analysis of biological activity in the soil.

We offer an interdisciplinary work environment within a collaborative team, with integration into an international scientific community: The project is embedded in a strong network of leading researchers in soil science and related disciplines. You will work closely with experts from the University of Nottingham, the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ), the University of Göttingen, the University of Hannover, and Anhalt University of Applied Sciences. These collaborations offer excellent opportunities for scientific exchange, methodological development, and interdisciplinary training. As a research assistant in the Department of Soil Science (Prof. Dr. Carsten Müller) at the Institute of Ecology at TU Berlin, we offer you a supportive research environment, practical project experience, international networking in academia and industry, regular supervision, targeted training in research skills, and support for your long-term career development at TU Berlin.

• Planning and conducting controlled laboratory, greenhouse, and field experiments on root–soil interactions
• Using computed tomography (CT) to analyse soil structure, root growth, and decomposition
  processes
  • Stable isotope labeling (¹³C) to trace carbon fluxes in soil organic matter and mesofauna
  • Investigation of mesofauna activity and root material accessibility in different pore systems
  • Data analysis, statistical evaluation, and visualisation
  • Authoring scientific publications and presenting research results at national and international conferences

• Successfully completed scientific university degree (Master, Diplom, or equivalent) in soil science, geoecology, agricultural sciences, or a related field
• Research focus aligned with the tasks and research topics described above (e.g., root–soil interactions, soil structure, biogeochemical processes, soil fauna such as mesofauna)
• Experience in data analysis and statistics
• Strong laboratory skills desirable
• Good knowledge of German and/or English required; willingness to acquire the respective missing language skills
• Interest in soil microstructure analysis (e.g., X-ray CT) and image processing desirable
• Interest in or experience with stable isotopes (e.g., ¹³C labeling) desirable
• Basic knowledge of soil fauna ecology desirable
• Programming skills (e.g., R, Python) or willingness to learn them desirable
• Experience in experimental design and fieldwork desirable
• Organisational skills, motivation, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team desirable
• Experience in scientific writing and presentations desirable
• Enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research, creativity, and perseverance desirable

Please submit your application, citing the reference number, along with a cover letter, resume, degree certificates, and any references, all combined into a single PDF file (max. 4 MB), exclusively via email to Bettina Jander at: bewerbung@boku.tu-berlin.de.

If the application requirements are not met, your application will not be considered.

By submitting your application via email you consent to having your data electronically processed and saved. Please note that we do not provide a guaranty for the protection of your personal data when submitted as unprotected file. Please find our data protection notice acc. DSGVO (General Data Protection Regulation) at the TU staff department homepage: https://www.abt2-t.tu-berlin.de/menue/themen_a_z/datenschutzerklaerung/.

To ensure equal opportunities between women and men, applications by women with the required qualifications are explicitly desired. Qualified individuals with disabilities will be favored. The TU Berlin values the diversity of its members and is committed to the goals of equal opportunities. Applications from people of all nationalities and with a migration background are very welcome.