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Open positions

Post-Doctoral, PhD and technical positions in Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning Research

Two Post-Doctoral positions, seven Ph.D positions and two technical positions are available within the multidisciplinary Chinese-European DFG Research Unit BEF China (FOR 891): "The role of tree and shrub diversity for production, erosion control, element cycling, and species conservation in Chinese subtropical forest ecosystems". The positions are available for a period of three years, starting with May 1st, 2008.

Project Description:The newly established Chinese-European DFG Research Unit "BEF China" (FOR 891) seeks to set up a new forest Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning (BEF) experiment in subtropical forests in China. The objective of this experiment is to analyze the influence of tree and shrub species diversity on ecosystem functioning and services in one of the most prominent diversity hotspots in the northern hemisphere. Using a species pool of about 100 native tree and shrub species we will plant experimental forest stands, varying in both tree and shrub species richness, on a total area of about 100 ha. A range of biodiversity and ecosystem variables will be measured to assess community dynamics and its relation to primary productivity, carbon and nitrogen storage, nutrient cycling, and prevention of soil erosion. In addition, the experimental approach will be combined with comparative studies in existing forests.The project will be carried out in a close collaboration between Chinese and European researchers with complementary interests and skills. The joint research will help to resolve one of the most central issues in ecology and global change biology: how plant diversity may be used to establish forests that stabilize the environment and maintain vital ecosystem services in the face of multiple stresses. For further information see http: www.botanik.uni-halle.de/bef-china.On the European side, the project involves scientists from Germany and Switzerland from a variety of disciplines such as ecology, botany, zoology, mycology, forestry, soil science, statistics and informatics:

Speaker:

  • - Helge Bruelheide, Prof. Dr. rer. nat., Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (Z 1, SP 3, SP 11)

Principal investigators (PIs) und participating researchers (Co-PIs):

  • - Jürgen Bauhus, Prof. Dr., University of Freiburg (Z 1)
  • - Thorsten Behrens, Dr. rer. nat., University of Tuebingen (SP 6)
  • - François Buscot, Prof. Dr. rer. nat., UFZ Centre for Environmental Research (Leipzig-Halle) (SP 7)
  • - Walter Durka, Dr. rer. nat, Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ Halle (SP 4)
  • - Alexandra Erfmeier, Dr. rer. nat., Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (SP 11)
  • - Markus Fischer, Prof. Dr. rer. nat., University of Potsdam / University of Bern (SP 4)
  • - Werner Härdtle, Prof. Dr. rer. nat., University of Lueneburg (Z 1, SP 2)
  • - Andy Hector, Prof. Dr., University of Zurich (SP1, SP 5)
  • - Peter Kühn, Dr. rer. nat., University of Tuebingen (SP 6)
  • - Uwe Langer, Dr. rer. nat., Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ Halle (SP 7)
  • - Goddert von Oheimb, PD Dr. rer. nat., University of Lueneburg (SP 2)
  • - Michael Scherer-Lorenzen, Dr. rer. nat., ETH Zurich (SP 5)
  • - Bernhard Schmid, Prof. Dr., University of Zurich (Z1, SP 1)
  • - Thomas Scholten, Prof. Dr. rer. nat., University of Tuebingen (Z 1, SP 6)
  • - Jens Schumacher, Dr. rer. nat., MPI for Biogeochemistry (Z 2)
  • - Erik Welk, Dr. rer. nat., Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (SP 3)
  • - Christian Wirth, Dr. rer. nat., MPI for Biogeochemistry (Z 2, SP 3)

The open positions are dealing with the following subprojects:

1. Central project (Z 1), CoordinationPost-doc Position as Scientific Coordinator of the DFG Research Unit (DFG-Forschergruppe 891)(Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Institute of Biology / Geobotany and Botanical Garden)
Specific tasks of the Post-doc PositionAdministrative tasks of the Scientific Coordinator include the coordination of activities to establish the experiment (such as documentation and supervision of the nursery supervision of the planting procedure, supervision of Chinese and German technicians, organization of accommodation and transport, preparation of workshops) and management of communication within the Consortium as well as outreach. The scientific responsibilities comprise supervision of undergraduate and graduate students who will be working in the comparative and experimental plots, and the collection of data (e.g.recording of vegetation, collection of plant and soil data) and participation in the final synthesis of results).
Requirements: The candidate should hold a Ph.D. Degree in Ecology, Biology, Botany, Biodiversity Studies or a similar discipline and should have a very good publication record. The successful candidate should further have experience in biodiversity research and community ecology, profound taxonomic knowledge of plant species, solid skills in statistics and experimental design, excellent communication and organizational skills and fluency in English; knowledge of Chinese and German language is desirable but no prerequisite. The person must be very mobile and willing to to spend long periods in the field. ,.Place of employment will be the Institute of Biology / Geobotany and Botanical Garden in Halle / Saale. Payment will be according to the German standard tariff for public services (TvöD 13-O). Start date will be the 1st of May, 2008. The position is for three years. Women are explicitly encouraged to apply to increase their share in science and research. Application: Candidates should send the following documents to Prof. Dr. Helge Bruelheide (Institute of Biology / Geobotany and Botanical Garden, Martin Luther University Halle Wittenberg, Am Kirchtor 1, 06108 Halle; Germany; ; Tel. ++49-345-55-26222) by March, 8th, 2008.Applicants should send their CV, a statement on motivation for biodiversity research (short summary of research interests, experiences, key skills, qualifications for the position), copies of certificates, list of publications, name and address (including email) of two referees.


2. Central project (Z 2), Data management Post-doc Position in ecological statistics and eco-informatics in the DFG Research Unit (DFG-Forschergruppe 891)(The junior research group "Organismic Biogeochemistry" at the Max-Planck-Institute for Biogeochemistry)
Specific tasks of the post-doc positionThe candidate will take a central position in the German-Chinese consortium and will be responsible for implementing and maintaining the project database and for supporting the statistical analysis of the project data. In addition, the candidate is encouraged to develop and pursue his own research agenda in ecological statistics and functional biodiversity research within the framework of the project.
Requirements: The applicants should have a strong background in informatics, biomathematics and advanced statistics and a keen interest in ecological questions. They should be familiar with a professional database language (preferably MySQL) and the statistical language R. They are excellent team-players, fluent in English and have successfully published in the past. They are prepared to travel to China at least once a year. Language skills in Chinese would be a plus. Application: We offer an international and interdisciplinary research environment. The position is available as soon as May 1, 2008.  The envisaged duration of employment is three years. Salary and benefits are commensurate with those of public service organizations in Germany. 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.For best consideration, please send your application, including a statement of your research interests and qualifications, curriculum vitae, copies of your certificates, and contact details of three academic referees before 31.03.2008 to: Max-Planck-Institut für Biogeochemie; Personalabteilung; Postfach 100164; D-07701 Jena, or via e-mail as a single pdf-file to For questions contact Dr. Christian Wirth (++49-3641-576225)

3. Primary production (Subproject 1)
PhD-position (Institute of Environmental Sciences, University of Zurich)
Subproject descriptionA central question in the planned forest Biodiversity-Ecosystem Functioning (BEF) experiment (DFG-Forschergruppe 891) is how experimental manipulations of plant diversity affect primary productivity. Together with the subproject of the Chinese partner this subproject will obtain estimates of different components of primary productivity at ecosystem level and relate them to observed or experimentally manipulated species richness, functional richness and single or joint occurrences of particular tree and shrub species. Whereas the subproject on the Chinese side will focus on belowground biomass production, the present subproject will focus on aboveground biomass production, estimated via cover, basal stem area and plant height data.
Specific tasks of the PhD-position: During the first three years of the project phase, diversity-productivity relationships will be analyzed in three parallel studies: A, in comparative study plots, B, in harvested plots and C, in the main experiment. Specific tasks will be:- to develop measurement protocols and logistic organization for the data collection,- to carry out the field measurements together with collaborating subprojects and other staff (planters, helpers, master students),- to analyze the data back in the lab in Europe and to prepare them for presentation.
Requirements: The candidate should hold a Diploma or a Masters Degree in Biology, Botany or Ecology. The student will enroll in the PhD program Ecology of the Life Science Zurich Graduate School but will also be associated with the University of Halle (Helge Bruelheide and his research group). We are looking for a highly motivated and collaborative person with a Master degree (or equivalent) in Biology/Ecology, Forest Science or Environmental Science. Applicants should have a background in plant ecology and forest ecology. Further skills required are a good knowledge of plant species, a background in statistics, the ability to spend long periods in the field, and fluency in English. The successful applicant is highly motivated for serious, cooperative scientific work in the field, lab and at the computer, able to organize and perform fieldwork together with other groups.The doctoral thesis will be done as a series of English manuscripts to be published in international journals. Payment will be equivalent to the German standard tariff (1/2 TVöD-E13). The start of the project is May 2008. The position is for three years. Women are explicitly encouraged to apply to increase their share in science and research.
Application: Applicants should send their CV, copies of certificates, a statement on motivation for studying diversity-productivity relationships and two references to Prof. Dr. Bernhard Schmid (Institute of Environmental Sciences, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zürich, Switzerland; ; Tel. ++41 44 635 5205) by March, 15th, 2008.

4. Plant growth and demography (Subproject 2)
PhD-position (University of Lüneburg, Institute of Ecology and Environmental Chemistry)
Subproject descriptionWithin the above mentioned DFG Research Unit (DFG-Forschergruppe 891) 1 PhD-position. is available in the Subproject "Plant growth and demography". This subproject addresses the influence of tree and shrub species richness on aboveground plant growth and plant competition on the individual- and population level. The person holding the position will be responsible for the analyses and interpretation of tree growth patterns in relation to different levels of species richness. Results will contribute to a better understanding of mechanisms underlying the coexistence of woody species in a highly diverse, subtropical forest ecosystem.
Specific tasks of the PhD-position: Most of the work will be done in the field and in close collaboration with other scientists involved in the Research Unit. Specific tasks will be- to quantify the variability of growth and mortality of tree and shrub species,- to relate growth rates of different tree species to functional traits, and- to analyse local neighbour interactions in terms of branch demography and individual tree growth.
Requirements: We are looking for a highly motivated and collaborative person with a Master degree (or equivalent) in Biology/Ecology, Forest Science or Environmental Science. Applicants should have a background in plant ecology, population ecology, and forest ecology/dynamics. Further skills required are a good knowledge of plant species and a basic knowledge in statistics. The doctoral thesis will be done as a series of English manuscripts to be published in international journals. Payment will be according to the German standard tariff (1/2 TVöD-E13). The start of the project is May 2008. The position is for three years.
Application: Candidates should send their application and CV, copies of certificates, including a letter of motivation and two references, until March/20/2008 to Prof. Dr. Werner Härdtle (Institute of Ecology and Environmental Chemistry, Scharnhorststr. 1, University of Lüneburg, 21335 Lüneburg, Germany; , 0049-4131-6772842).The University of Lüneburg is an equal opportunity employer and encourages the application of woman, who will - within the framework of legal options - be considered with priority when adequately qualified.

5. Plant traits and functional diversity (Subproject 3)
PhD-position (Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Institute of Biology / Geobotany and Botanical Garden)
Subproject description: In the planned forest Biodiversity-Ecosystem Functioning (BEF) experiment (DFG-Forschergruppe 891) traits of tree and shrub species will be analysed with the aim to use them both as predictor and response variables. Traits for prediction of ecosystem functioning will be used to quantify the functional diversity of plots. Functional diversity, in addition to species richness, will be used as alternative explanatory variable for biodiversity effects. Response traits will be analysed as a function of species richness and species composition of the experimental ecosystems in later stages of the project.
Specific tasks of the PhD-position: We aim at compiling a comprehensive trait dataset of 48 tree and 48 shrub species at different ontogenetic stages and under different environmental conditions (light, diversity of neighbours). The traits will be recorded on adult tree and shrub individuals in field plots, on seedlings in the nursery and on saplings in the Main Experiment. In addition, experiments manipulating the light conditions will be set up in the field and in the glasshouse. Specific tasks will be:- to record morphological and anatomical traits of tree and shrub species,- to analyse traits for interrelationships and trade-offsusing phylogenetically independent contrasts - to compare traits among different ontogenetic stages - to quantify how much plasticity does contribute to complementarity.
Requirements: The candidate should hold a Diploma or a Masters Degree in Biology, Botany or Ecology. Special skills required include a solid knowledge of plant taxonomy, anatomy and morphology, the ability to spend long periods in the field, a good knowledge in statistics and fluency in English. The doctoral thesis will be done as a series of English manuscripts to be published in international journals. Place of employment will be the Institute of Biology / Geobotany and Botanical Garden in Halle / Saale. Payment will be according to the German standard tariff (1/2 TVöD-E13). The start of the project is May 2008. The position is for three years. Women are explicitly encouraged to apply to increase their share in science and research.
Application: Applicants should send their CV, copies of certificates, a statement on motivation for studying plant traits and two references to Prof. Dr. Helge Bruelheide (Institute of Biology / Geobotany and Botanical Garden, Martin Luther University Halle Wittenberg, Am Kirchtor 1, 06108 Halle; Germany; ; Tel. ++49-345-55-26222) by March, 8th, 2008.

6. Plant traits and functional diversity (Subproject 3)
Position of a technical assistant (TA) (Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Institute of Biology / Geobotany and Botanical Garden)
Subproject description: In the planned forest Biodiversity-Ecosystem Functioning (BEF) experiment (DFG-Forschergruppe 891) traits of tree and shrub species will be analysed with the aim to use them both as predictor and response variables. Traits for prediction of ecosystem functioning will be used to quantify the functional diversity of plots. Functional diversity, in addition to species richness, will be used as alternative explanatory variable for biodiversity effects. Response traits will be analysed as a function of species richness and species composition of the experimental ecosystems in later stages of the project.
Specific tasks of the position of a technical assistant: The tasks will comprise the analysis of various traits, in particular:- to measure morphological and anatomical traits of tree and shrub species,- to analyse C, N, P, base cation contents of leaves,- to carry out anatomical wood analysis,- to supervise glasshouse experiments,- to analyse roots, shoots and leaves from the glasshouse experiment.
Requirements: We are looking for a highly motivated and collaborative person with a technical degree (Abschluss als Technische Assistentin/Technischer Assistent) and experience in plant analysis (AAS, CN, leaf area, root anlysis, wood anatomy etc.). Place of employment will be the Institute of Biology / Geobotany and Botanical Garden in Halle / Saale. Payment will be according to the German standard tariff (TVöD-E6). The start of the project is May 2008. The position is for three years. Women are explicitly encouraged to apply to increase their share in science and research.
Application: Applicants should send their CV and copies of certificates to Prof. Dr. Helge Bruelheide (Institute of Biology / Geobotany and Botanical Garden, Martin Luther University Halle Wittenberg, Am Kirchtor 1, 06108 Halle; Germany; ; Tel. ++49-345-55-26222) by March, 8th, 2008.

7. Genetic diversity and plant performance (Subproject 4)
PhD-position in plant molecular ecology (Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, Halle)
Genetics of trees and shrubs and their relevance for fitness and the biodiversity-ecosystem functioning relationship in a Chinese subtropical forest ecosystemSubproject description
The underlying hypothesis of the subproject is that species diversity, genetic diversity of the compound species and ecosystem function are mutually interrelated. We will use the multispecies experiment and phytometer plants to assess the role of genetic variation of shrubs and trees for plant performance. Genetic variation in quantitative traits may determine plant performance. Additionally, species diversity may affect genetic variation via differential selection. Furthermore in comparative study plots in natural established forests we will analyse patterns of genetic variation and species diversity and determine seed- and pollen driven gene flow as drivers of population structure.
Specific tasks- assistance in the setup of the experiment - determination of early performance traits in tree nursery and experiment (e.g. growth, survival, pathogen resistance)- analysis of genetic variation in these traits (quantitive genetics) - assessment of molecular variation in experiment and reference sites (population genetics) - presentation of results at conferences and publication in peer reviewed journals  
Requirements Applicants should have a University degree (MSc or similar) in Biology or Forestry, with majors in Botany, Plant Ecology and/or Population Genetics. They should be fluent in English and have experience in several of the topics population genetics, community ecology, population biology, forest genetics. The work comprises both extended periods of field work in subtropical China and work in Germany. The successful applicant is highly motivated for serious, cooperative scientific work in the field, lab and at the computer, able to organize and perform fieldwork together with other groups.
For further information please contact:
Dr. Walter Durka (Phone  +49 345 558 5314, ) or Prof. Markus Fischer  (Phone  +41 31 631 4943, )
The position will start 1.5.2008 and is for 3 years. The primary place of work is Halle, Germany. Salary will be according to the appropriate civil service level (TVöD-O 13/2). The PhD students will have the opportunity to participate in the newly established Graduate School HIGRADE (http://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=11429   ). Women are explicitly encouraged to apply to increase their share in science and research.Please send the full application (cover letter, curriculum vitae, copies of certificates, and the names and e-mail addresses of at least two references) under code 18/2008 to the Personnel department of the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, PO Box 500136, 04318 Leipzig, Germany, or by e-mail to , additionally send letter, CV and references by email to Walter Durka (cc to Markus Fischer). Closing date is 15.03.2008.

8. Carbon storage and nutrient cycling (Subproject 5)
PhD-position (Institute of Plant Sciences, ETH Zurich and Institute of Environmental Sciences, University of Zurich, Switzerland)
Subproject description In the planned forest Biodiversity-Ecosystem Functioning (BEF) experiment (DFG-Forschergruppe 891), subproject 5, together with Chinese partners, aims to identify impacts of forest diversity on C and N pools. This will be done through small-scale satellite experiments and measurements in both the experimental and comparative plots.
Specific tasks of the PhD-position This PhD project will focus on (i) tree diversity effects on litter N pool dynamics, decomposition and mineralization; on (ii) the relationship between tree/shrub diversity and standing plant N pool sizes and soil N pool sizes, and their temporal variations. Finally, it will (iii) mechanistically investigate N use complementarity among coexisting species with 15N tracers.Tasks include:- determination of N pools and fluxes in the soil-plant system,- performance of litter decomposition experiments,- setup of an additional mixture experiment with seedlings,- presentation of results at conferences and publication in peer reviewed journals.
Requirements The job requires a serious, highly motivated, dynamic and communicative person, willing to spend several months each year in China. He/she should be capable of managing a small team of student helpers and master students, and organizing joint field campaigns and information exchange with other working groups. The applicant should be ready to work in the field under any weather conditions so as enjoying working in the laboratory and at the computer. Applicants must hold a University degree (MSc or similar). A background in ecology, biology, soil science and/or forestry is expected, preferably with a strong focus on biodiversity and nutrient fluxes in ecosystems. Previous experience in analytical chemistry (processing of plant and soil samples) is particularly welcomed; experience with stable isotope methods will be considered an advantage. The applicant should be able to independently plan and undertake field sampling, and process the samples in an accurate and strictly reproducible manner. Good statistical background and experience with appropriate software is expected. Fluency in English is indispensable. The doctoral thesis will be done as a series of English manuscripts to be published in international journals. Place of employment will be the Institute of Plant Sciences, ETH Zurich. Payment will be according to the German standard tariff (1/2 TVöD-E13). The start of the project is May 2008. The position is for three years. Women are explicitly encouraged to apply to increase their share in science and research.
Application Applicants should send their CV, copies of certificates, a statement on motivation for studying nutrient dynamics and two references to Dr. Michael Scherer-Lorenzen (Institute of Plant Sciences, ETH Zurich, Universitaetsstrasse 2, CH-8092 Zurich; or via e-mail as a single pdf-file to ) by March, 8th, 2008. For further details contact Dr. Michael Scherer-Lorenzen +41-44-632 79 80.

9. Soil properties and soil erosion (Subproject 6)
PhD-position (University of Tübingen, Institute of Geography / Physical Geography and Soil Science)
Subproject descriptionIn the planned forest Biodiversity-Ecosystem Functioning (BEF) experiment (DFG-Forschergruppe 891) soil properties and soil erosion aim on a better understanding of the mechanisms that control soil erosion under forest. Two process systems will be analysed, (a) modification of kinetic energy of precipitation by its pass through the tree canopy and the shrub layer, and (b) connection between surface runoff, sediment transport and changing intrinsic soil properties as a function of biodiversity gradients. In the framework of the Research Unit, this project will also be responsible for spatial and pedological aspects of soil genesis, substrate characteristics, landscape development, and land use history.
Specific tasks of the PhD-position In the first phase of the soil erosion project, splash measurements and experiments on soil erosion under different types of vegetation will be carried out under natural rainfall. Another task is to collect soil data on all plots. A routine soil survey will be carried based on drilling points and representative soil profiles. Additionally, a detailed survey of soil erosion features will be carried out. Digital photogrammetry will be used to generate small-scale microtopographical DEMs of single erosion features like rills. To measure erosion rates, runoff plots will be installed. Splash cups will be used to measure rainfall erosivity. Data mining techniques will be used to extrapolate the results of measurements on single plants, diversity levels, soils and terrain units to the plot scale and the catchment scale.
Requirements The candidate should hold a Diploma or a Masters Degree in Soil Science, Physical Geography or Geoecology. Special skills required include a solid knowledge of soil development and substrate characteristics, soil mapping and soil erosion experiments, the ability to spend long periods in the field, a good knowledge in statistics and fluency in English. The doctoral thesis will be done as a series of English manuscripts to be published in international journals. Place of employment will be the Institute of Geography / Physical Geography and Soil Science in Tübingen. Payment will be according to the German standard tariff (1/2 TVöD-E13). The start of the project is May 2008. The position is for three years. Women are explicitly encouraged to apply to increase their share in science and research.
Application Applicants should send their CV, copies of certificates, a statement on motivation for studying soil science, geoecology or physical geography and two references to Prof. Dr. Thomas Scholten (Institute of Geography / Physical Geography and Soil Science, University of Tübingen, Rümelinstrasse 19-23, 72070 Tübingen; Germany; ; Tel. ++49-7071-29-72400) by March, 15th, 2008.

10. Soil properties and soil erosion (Subproject 6)
Position of a technical assistant (TA) (University of Tübingen, Institute of Geography / Physical Geography and Soil Science)
Subproject description
In the planned forest Biodiversity-Ecosystem Functioning (BEF) experiment (DFG-Forschergruppe 891) soil properties and soil erosion aim on a better understanding of the mechanisms that control soil erosion under forest. Two process systems will be analysed, (a) modification of kinetic energy of precipitation by its pass through the tree canopy and the shrub layer, and (b) connection between surface runoff, sediment transport and changing intrinsic soil properties as a function of biodiversity gradients. In the framework of the Research Unit, this project will also be responsible for spatial and pedological aspects of soil genesis, substrate characteristics, landscape development, and land use history.
Specific tasks of the position of a technical assistant The tasks will comprise the analysis of various soil properties at a large set of soil samples, in particular:- to carry out sample preparation,- to analyse soil texture, pore size distribution, and hydraulic conductivity- to analyse SOM (C, N), P-CAL, K-CAL, CEC, exchangeable cations, pH, - to supervise student helpers.
Requirements We are looking for a highly motivated and collaborative person with a technical degree (Abschluss als Technische Assistentin/Technischer Assistent) and experience in soil analysis (ICP-OES, elementar analysis, ion chromatography, etc.). Place of employment will be the Institute of Geography / Laboratory of Soil Science and Geoecology in Tübingen. Payment will be according to the German standard tariff (TVöD-E6). The start of the project is May 2008. The position is for three years. Women are explicitly encouraged to apply to increase their share in science and research.
Application Applicants should send their CV and copies of certificates to Prof. Dr. Thomas Scholten (Institute of Geography / Physical Geography and Soil Science, University of Tübingen, Rümelinstrasse 19-23, 72070 Tübingen; Germany; ; Tel. ++49-7071-29-72400) by March, 15th, 2008.

11. Mycorrhizal and soil fungi (Subproject 7)
PhD-position in molecular soil microbial ecology (Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, Halle)
Interplay of tree and shrub diversity with diversity and biomass of soil micro-organisms and mycorrhizal fungi in subtropical forests of China
Subproject description
Within the research unit FOR 891, the project aims at characterizing the relationship between key groups of soil microorganisms, vegetation structure and soil erosion risk It will develop DNA arrays to monitor the diversity of mycorrhizas and other microorganisms in field plots on which the tree and shrub diversity will be manipulated. The arrays will be developed from metagenomic libraries constructed with DNA from highly diverse reference plots. Underlying soil microbial ecological characterization will be achieved for example by biomass measurements via PLFA and strain isolation. The project is implemented with Chinese cooperation and integrated in complex correlation analyses with the further participating projects.
Specific tasks- participation to the choice of reference plots and their gross soil biological characterization - DNA extraction from soil and construction of metagenomic banks- screening of the banks for two target groups, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and genes encoding exo-oxidases by hybridization.- confirmation of the positive clones by PCR and sequence analysis.- construction of arrays harbouring molecular probes for the key players identified in the banks.- beginning of using the arrays in selected plots on which plant diversity is manipulated.
Requirements Applicants should have a University degree (MSc or similar) in Biology, with majors in Microbial and Soil Ecology and Molecular Biology. They should be fluent in English and have experience in several of the topics mycorrhizal research, fungal molecular systematics, bioinformatic and metagenomics and a solid background in statistic. The work comprises some periods of field work in subtropical China but also a great lab work in Germany. The successful applicant is highly motivated for interdisciplinary, cooperative scientific work and treatment of huge molecular data set at the computer, able to organize and perform fieldwork and common experiments with other groups of the research unit and to integrate a team working on a parallel subject on field sites in Germany . For further information please contact:
Prof. Dr. Francois Buscot (Phone  ++49 345 558 5221, ).The position will start 1.5.2008 and is for 3 years. The primary place of work is Halle, Germany. Salary will be according to the appropriate civil service level (TVöD-O 13/2). The PhD students will have the opportunity to participate in the newly established Graduate School HIGRADE (http://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=11429   ). Women are explicitly encouraged to apply to increase their share in science and research.Please send the full application (cover letter, curriculum vitae, copies of certificates, and the names and e-mail addresses of at least two references) under code 25/2008 to the Personnel department of the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, PO Box 500136, 04318 Leipzig, Germany, or by e-mail to , additionally send letter, CV and references by email to Francois Buscot. Closing date is 15.03.2008.

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