2 PhD Positions and 1 Postdoc Position in Ecohydrology We are seeking motivated PhD candidates and a Postdoc to work within our interdisciplinary team. The PhD positions (50% BAT IIa or TV-L equivalent) are funded for 3 years and start 1st October 2007. The Postdoctoral position (100% BAT IIa or TV-L equivalent) is funded for 2 years and start 1st March 2008 although there is some flexibility. The work is part of the project "Linking spatial patterns of anecic earthworm populations, preferential flow pathways and agrochemical transport in rural catchments: an ecohydrological model approach" financed by the German Science Foundation (DFG). The overall objective of the project is to develop a coupled eco-hydrological model that allows predictions of - the spatiotemporal distribution and population dynamics of anecic earthworms, - the related pattern of connective preferential flow pathways, and - the space-time pattern of infiltration and travel times distribution of solutes.
PhD Position 1 - Ecology This project will cover field work and ecological modelling in two experimental sites. It aims at explaining and predicting the spatiotemporal patterns of anecic earthworms and their burrows depending on environmental factors and population dynamics. Therefore, a multi-scale earthworm distribution model as well as a stage-structured population dynamic model will be constructed on the basis of extensive field studies in two experimental sites. PhD Position 2 - Hydrology This project will cover field work and hydrological modelling in two experimental sites. It will focus on a stochastic model for predicting infiltration and the distribution of travel distance of tracers and pesticides. Simulation of soil water dynamics and tracer transport will be carried out with the 2D-hillslope module of CATFLOW. Postdoctoral position - Ecohydrology The coordinative and integrating work will focus on an the eco-hydrological model that couples earthworm distribution and dynamics and the resulting burrow distribution with water and solute infiltration, transport, and sorption. This model will be used to simulate scenarios regarding management practices, tillage regimes, and application of different agro-chemicals. Requirements Applicants for the PhD positions must have an above-average Diploma or MSc or equivalent in Natural Sciences and a strong background in modelling or statistics, as well as field methods. Training in soil ecology or catchment hydrology would be advantageous. Applicants for the Postdoctoral position should have a PhD in Geoecology, Ecology, Hydrology, Soil Science or related fields and combine strong expertise in innovative field methods, data analysis and modelling preferably both in ecology and hydrology. Candidates should be team-players, fluent in English, and will be expected to publish results in peer-reviewed international journals. The willingness to do interdisciplinary research is a prerequisite for the applications. Applications To apply, please send a cover letter describing your research interests, a complete CV and names with email addresses and phone numbers of two referees by email as a single pdf-file to the address below. Review will start on 6th August and will continue until the position is filled. For informal enquiries please contact Dr. Boris Schröder or Prof. Dr. Erwin Zehe. Interviews are anticipated for the 24th August, 2007. Contact Dr. Boris Schröder | Prof. Dr. Erwin Zehe Institute of Geoecology, University of Potsdam Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 24-25, 14476 Potsdam Tel. +49 (0)331 977-2480 (BS) | +49 (0)331 977-2675 (EZ) email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] | [EMAIL PROTECTED]
