The Institute of Bio- and Geosciences – Agrosphere (IBG-3) conducts research to improve our understanding of hydrological and biogeochemical processes in terrestrial systems. With more than 140 employees (of which 40+ are PhD students), the research conducted in IBG-3 contributes to the sustainable and resource-conserving use of soil and water. Within this framework, modeling of the terrestrial system in supercomputer environments together with the analyses of large data sets constitute central components of scientific and applied research. IBG-3 is also a member of the Centre of High-Performance Scientific Computing in Terrestrial Systems (HPSC TerrSys), Geoverbund ABC/J, Germany (http://www.hpsc-terrsys.de). IBG-3 and HPSC TerrSys together, maintain a leading position in the development and application of parallel software technologies in geosciences.

For further information visit our website at:
http://www.fz-juelich.de/ibg/ibg-3/EN/Home/home_node.html

We are offering a

PhD position in hydrological modelling in the context of agricultural applications

Your Job:

You will be engaged in the large and collaborative project ATLAS (AgriculTural Interoperability and Analysis System) which is funded by Horizon 2020 and aims at developing digital service platforms for a sustainable and data-driven agriculture.
Within this project, you will:

  • Set-up and perform hydrological simulations at different spatial and temporal scales by using terrestrial models such as CLM-5, Parflow, and TerrSysMP
  • Perform and analyze hydrological and agricultural predictions such as sustainability of the interaction between groundwater abstraction, crop irrigation, and the seasonal groundwater recharge
  • Analyze simulation results to inform and set-up machine learning algorithms for future scheduling and management of sustainable irrigation practices
  • Work and cooperate with the international partners of the ATLAS project.

Your Profile:

  • MSc degree (or equivalent) in geosciences, environmental engineering, computer sciences or comparable subject with high grades
  • Strong background and interest in hydrology and/or numerical modelling
  • Knowledge of a programming language (e.g. R, Python) and experience in scientific publication is an advantage
  • Proficiency in written/oral English and very good organizational and communication skills

Our Offer:

  • Vibrant international and interdisciplinary work environment on an attractive research campus, ideally situated between the cities of Cologne, Düsseldorf and Aachen
  • Outstanding scientific and technical infrastructures including access to Europe`s leading supercomputing center of Jülich.
  • The PhD student will be encouraged to attend international conferences and can be selected and funded for a three-month research stay abroad.
  • Continuous formation through summer schools, specialized courses, and seminars held by renowned experts.
  • Continuous and professional support by your scientific supervisors.
  • Usually a contract for the duration of 3 years
  • Pay in line with 75 % of pay group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund) is offer to attract high-profile candidates

To apply, please submit a complete CV, motivation letter, university degree records (both Bachelor’s and Master’s degree), as well as two reference letters.

Forschungszentrum Jülich aims to employ more women in this area and therefore particulary welcomes applications from women.

We also welcome applications from disabled persons.