Germany: PhD Position on Climate Change Adaptation in African Agriculture, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research

We are seeking to fill a PhD position to work on climate change adaptation in African agriculture. The goal is to apply an existing vegetation and hydrology model for assessing impacts of climate change on agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa (in cooperation with GTZ and international partners).

Specifically, the position involves further development of the vegetation/crop model LPJmL, including representation of crop water requirements and evaluation of yield estimates. The model will be used for analyzing future scenarios for Sub-Saharan Africa under diverse climatic, economic, water and land use change conditions, including extensive sensitivity studies. Experience with computer programming and handling of large datasets is a prerequisite for these studies; a background in (geo-) ecology, agronomy, plant physiology, hydrology or a related discipline is advantageous. Work experience in Sub-Saharan Africa would be an asset.

Applicants should enjoy working in an international and interdisciplinary team. All PhD candidates at PIK enroll in the PhD program of one of the PIK partner universities in Potsdam or Berlin and must fulfill requirements specified there. Salary and benefits are according to a public service position in Germany (TV- L Ost, E 13/2).

The position is open now, initially until 30 April 2011.

Deadline for application is September 23, 2008.

Applications, including curriculum vitae, a letter describing relevant experience and interests, the name and address of two referees, and the reference number (hlc/03), should be written in German or English and sent to:

Prof. Dr. Hans-Joachim Schellnhuber
Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research
P.O. Box 60 12 03
14412 Potsdam, Germany

For further information, contact Dr. Hermann Lotze-Campen (lotze-campen[ at ]pik-potsdam.de, +49-331-288-2699). Information about PIK can be found at www.pik-potsdam.de.

Qualifications:
Experience in programming (preferably C), fluency in English language, experience in simulation modeling.