The Chair of Hydrology and the Chair of Ecosystem Physiology in the Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources of the University of Freiburg are looking for 2 Doctoral Researchers (m/f/a): Ecohydrology, Ecophysiology, Isotopehydrology
In the DFG project “Impact of recurrent droughts on ecohydrological feedbacks and drought legacies of key European tree species”, which will be carried out in a cooperation of the Chairs of Hydrology and Ecosystem Physiology, we will investigate ecohydrological feedbacks with water stable isotopes. A new measurement system will be implemented to measure water stable isotopes in-situ and continuously with the aim to elucidate important belowground processes on a daily basis, such as water uptake depth of roots and their influence on legacy effects. To investigate the drought response and legacy effects of five important tree species (beech, spruce, silver fir, sessile oak, Douglas fir), we will simulate different drought regimes and timings with rainout shelters. In the project, the isotope measurement system will be improved to quantify legacy effects and ecohydrological feedbacks with a series of experiments to enhance existing ecohydrological models. Both doctoral researchers will work together to establish the field site, to conduct the (tracer) experiments and data-based analysis. The doctoral researcher in Hydrology will focus on the methodological development of the in-situ analysis of water stable isotopes and ecohydrological feedbacks, including root water uptake and modelling with the model RoGeR. The doctoral researcher in Ecosystem Physiology will focus on the tree ecophysiology and legacy effects of the studied tree species in response to different drought regimes (spring vs summer drought), including the analysis of dynamic root water uptake patterns under drought with water stable isotopes.
We are looking for two doctoral researchers (75% TV-L 13) with extraordinary motivation and pleasure in interdisciplinary work, especially at the interface of experimental ecohydrology, water stable isotope research and hydrological modelling. The applicant needs to have an excellent, completed master in one of the following or comparable areas: Hydrology, Environmental Sciences, Environmental Engineering or Geoecology. Excellent English skills (written and oral), experience in hydrological and statistical modelling, programming, ecophysiology, stress physiology, isotope hydrology and demanding field work are advantageous. A driver’s license (class B) is required. For the realization of the project, a high degree of autonomy, responsibility, flexibility, team spirit and organizational skills are required.
We offer participation in an exciting, interdisciplinary scientific project at the interface of hydrology, ecophysiology and forest science in a dynamic team without a classical hierarchy. You will work in well-connected groups with strong third-party funding in Freiburg in close cooperation with other scientists involved in the project. You will be able to develop your own research ideas, but also find support to qualify for a scientific career. The faculty offers the possibility to graduate in a formal PhD-program (www.gs.esgc.uni-freiburg.de). Women are explicitly asked to apply for the position.
Your application, including cover letter, scientific interest, CV, transcript of records, example of own scientific work (in English) and contact information of at least 2 references, should be sent as one PDF document under the identification number WE 4598/22-1 (Hydrologie) to hydrology@hydrology.uni-freiburg.de or under the identification number HA 9974/1-1 (Ecosystem Physiology) to sabine.pregger@ctp.uni-freiburg.de until 14 April 2025. For more information, please contact us directly under markus.weiler@hydrology.uni-freiburg.de (Hydrology) or simon.haberstroh@cep.uni-freiburg.de (Ecosystem Physiology).
It is a fixed-term position of 3 years. The salary will be determined in accordance with TV-L 13.
We will be particularly pleased to receive applications from women for the position advertised here.
Please send your application in English including supporting documents mentioned above citing the reference number 00004217, by 14. April 2025 at the latest. Please send your application to the following address in written or electronic form:
Dr. Simon Haberstroh Ecosystem Physiology (CEP) Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources University of Freiburg Georges-Köhler-Allee 053/054 79110 Freiburg (Germany) Tel.: +49(0)761/203-8303
For further information, please contact Herr Dr. Simon Haberstroh on the phone number +49 761 203-8303 or E-Mail simon.haberstroh@mail.cep.uni-freiburg.de.