Soil microbial carbon metabolism, microbial turnover and necromass formation

Terrestrial Ecosystem Research (TER) @ Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, University of Vienna - http://ter.csb.univie.ac.at/

We are looking for a highly motivated PhD student interested to work at the interface between soil microbial ecology, biogeochemistry and soil metabolomics.

The 3.5 yr PhD thesis will focus on central aspects and controls of soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration, i.e. (i) how labile organic matter inputs in soils, such as root exudates, are metabolized by the soil microbial community, and (ii) how this influences microbial turnover and necromass production and thereby soil organic matter sequestration. Isotope tracing will be applied to study the microbial metabolism of specific organic compounds, and necromass formation. The PhD candidate will work at the interface between soil/microbial ecology and analytical chemistry, applying high end methods of soil organic matter characterization and isotope measurements (fluxomics), such as LC-MS (Orbitrap), LC-IRMS or GC-MS/IRMS, in combination with novel soil solution sampling techniques (microdialysis).

Profile:
Ideal candidates should have a solid background in ecosystem research, soil microbial ecology and in analytical chemistry (Master or diploma degree in biology/ecology, environmental sciences, or analytical chemistry; expertise in at least two of the following fields: microbial physiology, soil biogeochemistry, soil microbial ecology, ecosystem research).

Applicants must have the ability to work in an international team, have good communication skills and should be highly motivated and committed to pursuing interdisciplinary research. Excellent English in speaking and writing is mandatory.

Hands-on experience in analytical techniques such as liquid/gas chromatography and/or mass spectrometry is a benefit.

We are committed to conduct excellent research in a motivating and intellectually stimulating environment, and to train our students to become independent and internationally competitive scientists who enjoy research and contribute to society as conscientious citizens.

Documents:
- Motivation letter (1 page maximum)
- CV (including scientific publication and presentation activities, if any)
- Contact details of two possible references

Applications including a letter of motivation (German or English) should be submitted via the Job Center to the University of Vienna (http://jobcenter.univie.ac.at) no later than 27.02.2019, mentioning the reference number 9294. The University pursues a non-discriminatory employment policy and values equal opportunities, as well as diversity (http://diversity.univie.ac.at/). The University lays special emphasis on increasing the number of women in senior and in academic positions. Given equal qualifications, preference will be given to female applicants.

For further information please contact the principal investigators, Wolfgang Wanek ([Email Address Removed]) and Christina Kaiser ([Email Address Removed]), and find more details here: http://ter.csb.univie.ac.at/open-positions