Monthly Archives: January 2015

Organisation Agroscope Reckenholz Tänikon, Research Station ART is the Swiss Federal Research Station for Agriculture. We conduct research for an environmental friendly, competitive agriculture. We combine ecology, economy and agricultural technology in an integrated research approach and develop scientific-based decision support for farmers, government authorities and society. At the Research Group Climate / Air Pollution, a position is available for a postdoctoral researcher with background in soil science and scientific modelling. Position Your research will be assigned to two research projects funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation, which combine experimental and modelling work. In these projects, the effects of land-use change and agricultural management on current and future soil and ecosystem carbon storage and dynamics are being assessed.You will be involved in the overall activities of two research clusters comprising c. 5-7 individuals and ongoing soil modelling activities. You will be using existing soil carbon models (e.g. RothC, Yasso) that need to be substantially extended in their functionality and applied to various field situations from different countries. The simulations will be based on i) existing data and ii) data collected by other members of these projects. The research includes i) simulation and model development using data from controlled experiments, incorporating 14C data; and ii) model applications to gradients in land-use and management intensity, and various management scenarios. Requirements University degree (diploma, MSc) and PhD in environmental sciences, geography, agriculture or forestry. In-depth expertise in process-based soil carbon modelling, statistics, and good understanding of the suitability of radiocarbon as a tracer. Profound knowledge of R and computer languages (e.g., Fortran, C). Good communication and publication skills. Fluency in spoken and written English, knowledge of German is advantageous. Conditions PostDoc salary according to the regulations of the Swiss National Science Foundation (min. CHF 85’000 p.a.).Working in a lively and international research group with cross-cutting experimental and modelling work.Appointment for a minimum of 1.5 years The working place will be at Agroscope in Zurich-Affoltern. The position should start as soon as possible. Application Closing date: 31. January 2015. Please mention the keyword “SOC-modelling” in your cover letter and send your application as one single pdf-file including letter of motivation, CV, publication list, copies of your two most important papers, copies of degrees, and names and contact details of at least two referees by e-mail to:AgroscopePD Dr. Jens Leifeld Reckenholzstrasse 191 CH 8046 Zurich jens.leifeld@agroscope.admin.ch

Read more