Postdoctoral Researcher (m​/f​/d) in the field of "Reactive Nitrogen, Food Security and Sustainab

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) – The University in the Helmholtz Association

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The division “Landscape Biogeochemistry- of the Institute of Meteorology and Climate Research / Atmospheric Environmental Research (KIT/IMK-IFU) at Campus Alpin in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d). Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) in the field of “Reactive Nitrogen, Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture” Institute of Meteorology and Climate Research Atmospheric Environmental Research (IMKIFU) 3 years with the possibility of extension for another 2 years as soon as possible Full-time 66,000.00 to 84,000.00 EUR gross per year

The announced position is embedded in the newly funded international research platform AgNUE. The platform is based on a network of twelve intensively monitored field sites across Europe and the United States and represents the first large-scale assessment of nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) across major EU and US cropping systems.

To support the development of more sustainable nitrogen management in agricultural systems, full nitrogen balances will be determined by means of field measurements using state-of-the-art technologies for gas flux monitoring, isotope measurements and environmental sensing. These comprehensive data sets will allow the identification of pertinent nitrogen management strategies, and will be further used to improve process and AI based simulation models of nitrogen cycling, emissions, and crop uptake.

• Conduct 15N isotope tracing experiments to quantify the fate of fertilizer-derived nitrogen across the soil–plant–atmosphere continuum.
• Quantify total soil denitrification losses (N2 + N2O) through 15N gas flux measurements in the field and controlled He/O- incubation experiments in the laboratory.
• Identify and quantify pathways of N-O production and consumption using isotopic tracers and N-O isotopomer analysis.
• Assess NO emissions, NO:
  
  N2O partitioning, their environmental drivers, and mitigation options across key agricultural systems.
• Lead scientific publications and collaborate with an international network of researchers.

We are looking for a highly motivated and curious researcher who enjoys addressing complex scientific questions and working in a collaborative team environment.

• A PhD in environmental sciences, biogeochemistry, geoecology, soil science, chemistry, physics, or a related discipline.
• Experience with stable isotope measuring techniques, including IRMS and/or laser spectroscopy.
• A profound understanding of biogeochemical nutrient cycling in soil–plant systems.
• Experience in field and/or laboratory experimentation related to nitrogen cycling.
• Excellent English communication skills and a strong publication record relative to career stage.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills.

Science for Impact Engage with topics of societal relevance-in an excellent scientific environment that enables change.

• Flexible Working Hours Take advantage of flexible hours schemes, remote work options, part time models, and…