Germany: Senior Scientist in Soil Microbial Ecology and Processes, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research–UFZ

Senior Scientist / Group Leader (m/f) in the area of Soil Biology and Ecology with emphasis on Structure and Function of Soil Microorganisms

Under the challenging influence of global change the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ performs significant scientific work to safeguard the basic requirements of life and the opportunities for individual development also for future generations. In this way the UFZ contributes towards a sustainable development.

The Department of Soil Ecology (http://www.ufz.de/index.php?de=6181) offers a position for

1 Senior Scientist / Group Leader (m/f) in the area of Soil Biology and Ecology with emphasis on Structure and Function of Soil Micro organisms

The starting date is 15.10.2008 or earlier.

The candidate will join a team comprising the department head, 6 senior scientists, 1 Postdoc, 8 PhDs and 6 technicians. He will be given a well equipped lab with an experienced technician to develop his own group focusing on soil microbial biomass and physiological activity parameters. Therefore he will have to acquire third party projects to supplement the Helmholtz support. He is expected to integrate his analyses with those performed by department colleagues who study soil element pools and turnover as well as the diversity and function of soil, litter, and wood microorganisms, primarily of fungi, mycorrhizae and associated bacteria.

The department is also co-supervising a 13 hectare field experimental station with a staff of 8 employees on which a large field experimental facility surveying the impact of land use and climate scenarios on soil functions will be implemented. The candidate will contribute to this project and cooperate with other UFZ departments and Helmholtz Association centres in this frame. A moderate participation in teaching soil ecology to graduate students is expected.

Terms and conditions:
This staff position supported by the UFZ is for 2 years initially and will be prolonged, including a tenure option.

Requirements:
Applicants should hold a Ph.D. or Dr. rer. nat. in Biology, Microbiology or Soil Science with excellent grades, international postdoctoral experience and proven publication record as first or senior author in international peer reviewed journals. An experience in acquisition of third party founding will be appreciated. We expect a sound expertise in general soil microbial ecology using routine techniques such as substrate induced respiration, fumigation extraction, enzyme tests (e.g. Biolog), etc. Special expertise in the field of PLFA analysis and associated statistics is an absolute requirement, including competence in experimental design, multivariate and explorative statistics, and modelling notions. Experience with stable isotope probing is desired. Ideally, the candidate should have in addition a knowledge of molecular biological techniques and their applications to soil science. Candidates must be fluent in English; knowledge of German is appreciated.

For further information, please contact:
Prof. Dr. François Buscot (Tel: +49 (0)345-558-5221; francois.buscot[ at ]ufz.de)

Salary will be according to the appropriate civil service level (TVöD-O).
Women are explicitly encouraged to apply to increase their share in science and research.
Physically handicapped persons will be favored if they are equally qualified.

Applicants should send their C.V., including a list of publications, a short summary of research interests, and the names (and e-mail address) of at least two references to the Personnel Department under the code digit 64/2008 of the UFZ-Centre for Environmental Research (Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany) using the reference number.

Closing date is 15.09.2008