PhD position in biogeochemical vegetation modelling

We are looking for an enthusiastic and qualified MSc, with a degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, physics, mathematics, or equivalent and experience in modelling and/or computational analysis, who wishes to pursue a PhD at the Systems Ecology section which is part of the Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment (A-LIFE).

Tropical forest response to rising atmospheric CO2, climate change, and disturbances depends on their ability to acquire nutrients. Tropical trees have evolved various mechanisms to overcome the inherent soil infertility, such as the symbiosis and interactions with soil microorganisms. Key mechanisms of this interplay are not yet accounted for in global models, and the response of tropical forests to unprecedented climatological conditions remains thus uncertain. This project sets out to utilize field and experimental knowledge from state-of-the-art monitoring programs and forest manipulation experiments in the Amazon rainforest to improve representations of tropical forests in land surface models to inform on effective adaption and mitigation measures.

You will develop novel formulations of plant-soil interactions that integrate trait-based processes of belowground ecology into vegetation models, with a focus on carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycles in tropical forest ecosystems. Your code developments, model evaluations, and applications will focus on the multifunctionality of plant roots and their response to global change.

During your 4-year-long PhD, you will dive into the details of plant physiology, root and fungi ecology, soil organic matter dynamics, ecosystem ecology, community ecology, and climate change. You will engage with various aspects of trait-based modelling, Earth System science, biogeochemistry, and atmosphere-biosphere interactions. You will be supervised by Dr. Katrin Fleischer and Dr. Sebastiaan Luyssaert. The position benefits from strong international collaboration, in Europe, the US, and Brazil, so that you will work with an international and multi-faceted team of researchers.

Requirements:

• MSc in biology, ecology, environmental science, physics, mathematics, or equivalent
• Affinity for mathematics, programming, geo-ecology, and forest ecosystems
• You bring enthusiasm for learning
• You work well in a team, and are keen to work with researchers from diverse backgrounds

We recognize that diversity takes many forms and are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We realize that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise, and mindset. Therefore, we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply.

Salary Benefits:

Your position will contribute to research, and that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

• a salary of minimum €2,872.00 (PhD) and maximum €3,670.00 (PhD) gross per month, on a full-time basis. This is based on UFO profile PhD candidate.
• a full-time position (1.0 FTE). Your employment contract will initially last 1 year. If there is sufficient perspective, this will be extended to a total of 4 years.

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and regulations. Some examples:

• A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• contribution to commuting expenses
• optional model for designing a personalized benefits package
• a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge

De Boelelaan 1108