PhD position – Soil–plant Hydraulics and Drought
Study soil‑plant water relations and drought adaptation using mechanistic modelling and field data.
Best for:Ideal for candidates with a strong quantitative background who are interested in plant physiology, hydrology and computational modelling.
Overview
The Institute of Bio- and Geosciences – Agrosphere (IBG-3) at Forschungszentrum Jülich is offering a four‑year PhD project on soil‑plant hydraulics and drought. The doctoral candidate will combine mechanistic soil‑root‑plant modelling with experimental observations from the TERENO SoilCan lysimeter network. Work will focus on quantifying how soil texture, root hydraulic traits and stomatal regulation control water uptake under varying climatic conditions. The position provides access to state‑of‑the‑art facilities, international conference participation and flexible working arrangements. Supervision will be provided by senior researchers within the institute.
What you'll do
- Investigate the relationships between transpiration, effective soil water potential and leaf water potential under contrasting soil and climate conditions.
- Develop and apply mechanistic soil‑root‑plant models using the CPlantBox framework.
- Analyse experimental data from the TERENO SoilCan lysimeter network, including soil moisture, evapotranspiration, sap flow and leaf water potential.
- Quantify how soil texture and root hydraulic traits control water uptake.
- Assess hydraulic adaptation mechanisms to drought and the role of stomatal regulation.
- Integrate heterogeneous soil water potentials across root systems in model simulations.
Requirements
Degree required: MSc (or equivalent) in bioscience engineering, soil science, hydrology, plant science, environmental science, physics, engineering, applied mathematics or a related field
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English (minimum CEFR B2, certificate preferred)
Instruction: English
- Strong quantitative and analytical abilities
- Experience or willingness to develop programming skills (e.g., Python, C++)
- Ability to work with mechanistic modelling and data analysis
- Good English communication (minimum CEFR B2, certificate preferred)
Funding & terms
How to apply
Submit your application through the online recruitment portal using the link provided below. Upload all required documents, including your CV, cover letter, academic transcripts and proof of English proficiency (if available). Ensure the application is complete before the posting is closed. For any questions, contact the recruitment team via the portal.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of English proficiency (if available)
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