PhD Researcher (f/m/x) – Investigating dissolved organic carbon quantity and quality in temperate headwaters for safe drinking water

The Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) with its 1,100 employees has gained an excellent reputation as an international competence centre for environmental sciences. We are part of the largest scientific organisation in Germany, the Helmholtz Association. Our mission: Our research seeks to find a balance between social development and the long-term protection of our natural resources.

PhD Researcher (f/m/x) – Investigating dissolved organic carbon quantity and quality in temperate headwaters for safe drinking water

The job

The UFZ Department of Hydrogeology seeks a motivated person to fill a PhD position within the DFG-funded project “SUDOCQU: Soil moisture’s Uncertain influence on riparian DOC quantity and Quality”. The project will help solving real-world problems of water security related to potential increases in dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations and changes in its chemical composition in source waters.

By integrating vertical and topographic heterogeneity in soil moisture and DOC quantity and quality in the riparian zone of a temperate forest headwater, we will better understand DOC mobilization processes and implications for surface water chemistry across temporal scales, including modelled changes associated with future climate. Existing field infrastructure at the Rappbode catchment (Harz mountains, Germany) will be complemented with a network of soil moisture sensors and suction cups for soil water extraction and characterization. The project is led by UFZ-Leipzig with collaborators from the Spanish National Research Council and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. The envisioned results will inform about potential future changes in stream DOC quantity and quality that can help decision-makers of the drinking water industry in applying adaptation strategies.

Your tasks

• To familiarize yourself with the relevant literature and the available resources
• To design the installation of soil moisture sensors, data loggers, and suction cups in the field
• To conduct field sampling campaigns including data collection from the sensors
• To coordinate the lab analyses that will be performed by dedicated personnel
• To analyze and statistically evaluate the data
• To calibrate the user-friendly, rainfall-runoff model PERSiST and run future simulations based on climate scenarios
• To interact with relevant stakeholders such as water authorities and drinking water treatment plants
• To present the results at international conferences and produce publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals

We offer

• Excellent supervision and optimal professional and interdisciplinary qualification through our HIGRADE graduate programme
• The freedom to master even the most demanding challenges between basic research and practical application
• The opportunity to work in interdisciplinary, international teams and benefit from a wide range of perspectives
• First-class integration into national and international research networks to work together on global challenges
• Excellent research infrastructure and research data management to optimally support your work
• A wide range of options for balancing care responsibilities and work through our family office
• Competent support and advice for international colleagues arriving at the UFZ from the ‘International Office’
• Special annual payment, capital-forming benefits and subsidised Deutschland-Job-Ticket
• A workplace in a vibrant region with a high life quality and social and cultural diversity

Your profile

• Master degree or equivalent in earth science or related sub-fields of environmental sciences including hydrology and soil and water management
• Experience with data analysis
• Readiness for moderate field work
• Creativity and hands-on problem-solving attitude
• High ability to work independently
• Interpersonal and oral/written communication skills (excellent English is required, knowledge of German is advantageous)
• Motivation to work with stakeholders (water authorities, drinking water treatment plants)
• Motivation to work in an interdisciplinary and international team of scientist within a European context

Additional skills are of added value:

• Field work experience and handiness
• Experience working with soil moisture sensors or other type of sensors used for environmental studies
• Experience with hydrological modelling
• Experience interacting with stakeholders outside Academia

The UFZ has a strong commitment to diversity and actively supports equal opportunities for all employees regardless of their origin, religion, ideology, disability, age or sexual identity.
We look forward to applications from people who are open-minded and enjoy working in diverse teams.

Place of work:
Leipzig

Working time:
75% (29.25 h/week)

Contract limitations:
limited contract

Salary:
Remuneration according to the TVöD public-sector up to pay grade 13 including attractive public-sector social security benefits.

Application deadline:
28.04.2024

Your contact for any questions you may have about the job: José L. J. Ledesma jose.ledesma@ufz.de

Please submit your application via our online portal with your cover letter, CV (please omit your photo, age, or marital status) and relevant attachments.

More information about jobs at the UFZ:
www.ufz.de/career