Internship – Wheat Mixture Root Water Uptake

The CROP (Combining ROot contrasted Phenotypes for more resilient agro-ecosystem) project aims to estimate the beneficial impact of combining contrasting wheat root phenotypes in the same field. We aim to assess the benefits of the combination on water, carbon and nitrogen fluxes and cycles, microbial activity and yield. During the second stage of the project, experiments are carried out in field conditions.

The samples can now be processed to extract water to analyze it’s stable isotopic composition and estimate root water uptake patterns.

We are looking for a motivated intern to work on the cryogenic vapor distillation of soil and plant samples. The intern will also have the opportunity to participate in eventual ongoing field sampling campaigns.

Your responsibilities / tasks in detail:

• Conduct laboratory processing of water extraction
• Assist in ongoing field sampling campaigns
• Conduct basic data analysis
• Experiments using biological markers and isotopic methods
• Collaborate with PhD researchers from the modelling and experimental teams to link data and model components

Your Profile:

• You are enrolled as a student at a German university
• You study Biology or a related field in natural sciences
• You are organized, reliable, and proactive
• You are a good communicator and enjoy teamwork
• You are comfortable working in English (at least B2 level according to the CEFR)
• Bonus:
  Background in agriculture, environmental or geosciences, and some understanding of soil/plant systems

Our

Offer:

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We support you in your work with:

• Opportunity to acquire scientific and technical training that are at the root of plant phenotyping
• A dynamic, international work environment at one of Germany’s leading research centers
• Flexible supervision—autonomous or guided, depending on your preference
• Potential to contribute to sustainable agriculture and climate resilience
• Duration:
  Gain 3 months of practical experience alongside your studies

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.