Student Assistant (with the possibility of a Bachelor- / Master Thesis) - Root and Soil Sample Analysis
In the coming decades, climate change and shifts in land use will have a significant impact on the productivity of terrestrial ecosystems in terms of the services they provide (food, feed, fiber, energy), as well as on the challenges society must address. At the Institute of Bio- and Geosciences – Agrosphere (IBG-3), we develop solutions to safeguard ecosystem services based on an improved understanding of hydrological and biogeochemical processes in terrestrial systems. Our focus is on agricultural and forest systems, which are coming under increasing pressure due to global change. Innovative observation technologies are combined with laboratory experiments and modeling to investigate and predict terrestrial processes across scales (from the pore scale through the field scale to the continental scale), thereby contributing to the sustainable use of the natural resources water, soil, and atmosphere.
Your Job
You will contribute to a unique research project that compares non-invasive in-situ measurements of root development with data obtained through destructive sampling in an agricultural field experiment. The aim is to establish, for the first time, a robust reference for non-invasive root measurement methods.
Your work will focus primarily on the preparation and analysis of root and soil samples in the laboratory. You will quantify crop root traits and relevant soil properties and support the analysis of the resulting data using modern scientific software and AI-based methods. The project also offers the opportunity to carry out a bachelor’s or master’s thesis.
Your tasks:
- Scientific preparation and analysis of root and soil samples in the laboratory
- Quantification of root traits and relevant soil parameters
- Analysis of image data using scientific software and AI-supported methods
- Structuring, documenting and managing scientific data
Your Profile
- Advanced Bachelor's or Master's studies in agricultural sciences, crop sciences, biology or a comparable natural science discipline
- Interest in plant, soil or agricultural sciences
- Structured and independent working style
- Interest in practical laboratory work and scientific data analysis
- Initial experience with biological, soil science or agricultural samples is an advantage
- Initial experience with scientific methods or data processing is desirable
- Very good command of German and/or English (at least B2 level according to the CEFR: https://go.fzj.de/languagerequirements ), ideally supported by a certificate confirming the language level.
Our Benefits for You
We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We support you in your thesis with:
- Meaningful Tasks: Your thesis deals with a future-oriented, socially relevant topic with direct practical relevance in an international environment
- Practical relevance: Gain valuable practical experience alongside your studies and actively participate in interdisciplinary projects. Training in modern methods of root, soil, and image analysis will also be provided
- Scientific environment: You can expect excellent scientific equipment, modern technologies, and qualified support from experienced colleagues. You will be part of Interdisciplinary collaboration at the intersection of plant sciences, soil sciences, and data science
- Personal responsibility: You organize your tasks independently—from preparation to implementation
- Onboarding & teamwork: You can look forward to working in a dedicated, international, and collegial team. It is important to us that you quickly settle into the team and are given structured training for your tasks. We also support you from the very beginning and make your start easier with our Welcome Days and Welcome Guide
- Work-life balance: We offer flexible working hours to help you balance your professional and personal life. You also have the option of flexible working (in terms of location), which is generally possible after consultation and in line with upcoming tasks and (on-site) appointments
- Flexibility: Flexible part-time employment of up to 19 hours per week
- Health & well-being: Your health is important to us. You can look forward to a comprehensive company health management programme with a wide range of options, including a beach volleyball court, running groups, yoga classes and much more. In addition, our company medical service and an experienced social counselling team are available to assist you on site
- Campus experience: Our research campus in the countryside creates ideal conditions for collegial exchange and sporting activities right on site. Our cafeteria offers a wide range of options—you can enjoy a relaxing lunch break with a lake view
- Perspective: If you have the appropriate qualifications and funding is available, the institute offers the opportunity to do your PhD after completing your master's thesis
- Fair remuneration: We will pay you a reasonable remuneration for your thesis
- Duration: The position is limited to 6 months with 9-19 h / week
Applications in German are also welcome.
In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial working environment, we offer you much more: https://go.fzj.de/benefits
We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.
The following links provide further information on diversity and equal opportunities: https://go.fzj.de/equality and on specific support options for women: https://go.fzj.de/womens-job-journey
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