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Field of work |
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We offer you an international, highly creative and dynamic work environment at one of the European key institutions for biogeochemical cycle studies. The training and qualification of the PhD student is regarded as an important goal within the group and the candidate is likely to achieve a high attractiveness in diverse professional fields through the methodological competence gained during the anticipated PhD-project. Jena is an attractive, lively town with a strong university, several high-tech companies, a beautiful hilly landscape and fast train connections to Metropolitan Areas like 2½ hours to Berlin. |
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Project description |
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The research group is dedicated to a better understanding of the role of Vegetation-Soil feedbacks for biogeochemical cycles within the Earth System. In particular we are focusing on the interaction between the carbon and water cycles at different spatial and temporal scales. The integration of knowledge gained by exploring local data (e.g. ecosystem carbon and water flux data, soil profile information) and spatial data (e.g. remote sensing, spatial data bases) into process-based dynamic models will play a pivotal role in this context. |
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Job description |
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The PhD candidate will contribute to these issues from a carbon cycle modelling perspective. We are using and developing dynamic global vegetation models which combine representations of biogeochemical fluxes and terrestrial vegetation dynamics to address the response of ecosystem functions to climate change. The PhD candidate is dedicated to improve such a process-based model with respect to vegetation carbon processes by making use of remotely sensed information about the ecosystem state and function. |
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Requirements |
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Key requirements for this PhD position are scientific enthusiasm, strong abilities in quantitative, abstract and system-oriented thinking and the ambition to publish results in international peer-reviewed journals (English language), as well as advanced practical skills with respect to computer-based data analysis and scientific programming. Candidates with background (Diploma, Master, or equivalent) in any quantitative science (e.g. geo-ecology or other geo-science, environmental and natural sciences, applied mathematics or computer science) are eligible for these positions, given their strong motivation to complement their past training. Experience with at least one of the following topics is helpful: system modeling, advanced statistical data analysis, vegetation ecology, remote sensing products, forest inventory, ecosystem CO2 and energy flux data. |
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Payment |
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The conditions of employment, including upgrades and duration follow the rules of the Max Planck Society for the Advancement of Sciences and those of the German civil service. |
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Application |
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Please include in your application your motivation, curriculum vitae, copies of your high-school and academic certificates, a list of publications/presentations/qualifications, and names and contact information of at least two references. Please also attach the 1-3 most representative and valuable examples of your past scientific work (submitted manuscripts will of course be treated confidentially). Applications should arrive before 30.11.2010 at: Max-Planck-Institut für Biogeochemie; Dr. Christian Beer; Postfach 100164; D-07701 Jena, or preferably via e-mail as pdf attachment to cbeer(at)bgc-jena.mpg.de; regarding questions please also contact Dr. Christian Beer via email. |
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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. The Max Planck Society is committed to employing more handicapped individuals and especially encourages them to apply. |
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Deadline for applications: November 30th, 2010. |
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