Stelle

Biogeochemical Cycling

Streams are among the ecosystems particularly affected by climate change. Long periods of drought (2015, 2016 and 2018) are causing problems in the nutrient and oxygen balance due to extremely low discharges, up to the formation of completely oxygen-free zones in the hyporheic interstitial. Conversely, heavy precipitation leads to nutrients and soil particles entering streams, often with negative consequences for all those organisms that rely on an oxygenated hyporheic interstitial.

In this project we aim at studying the temporal dynamics of the hyporheic exchange and redox processes of the iron (and nitrogen) cycle at the interface between groundwater and surface water at different hydrological conditions. The project is integrated into the Bavarian Research Network “aquaklif” studying the effect of climate stressors on freshwater ecology.

We will work both at the field and laboratory scale and use a combination of state-of-the-art spectroscopic and microscopic techniques in the lab and in-situ monitoring tools for field studies.

Multiple PhD projects are available to join our diverse, interdisciplinary, international and dynamic team of aquatic geochemists, freshwater ecologists and hydrologists which will provide many opportunities for the candidate to be creative and innovative, and to work on a challenging and environmentally relevant topic combining various fields.
Ideal candidates should have a strong background in Bio- or Hydro-Geochemistry. Applicants must have the ability to work independently and in a team, have excellent management and communication skills, and be highly motivated to pursue interdisciplinary research. Good computer and language (English) skills are necessary, and field work experience highly beneficial.

Start for successful applicants is at the earliest date possible or early 2019. The positions are open until filled. Employment (TVL E13, 75%, 3-4 years) will be arranged by the University of Bayreuth. Disabled persons will be preferred in case of equal qualification.

For more information and to apply, please send a CV, motivation letter and overview of techniques and methods used in the past by email to: Prof. Dr. Stefan Peiffer (S.Peiffer@uni-bayreuth.de) Department of Hydrology, Bayreuth Center for Ecology and Environmental Research, University of Bayreuth, Germany.

More information, including recent publications can be found on our website:
www.hydro-uni-bayreuth.de