PhD on Redefining a plant ideotype to reduce nitrogen pollution

 

Applications are invited for a PhD fellowship/scholarship at Graduate School of Technical Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark, within the Agroecology programme. The position is available from 01 August 2022 or later.

Title:
Redefining a plant ideotype to reduce nitrogen pollution

Research area and project description:
Domesticated crops yield more with high inputs of nitrogen (N) fertilizer. Yet, this practice is not efficient: a large fraction of the applied N is lost in the form of the powerful greenhouse gas nitrous oxide and as nitrate leaching. A new generation of crops with roots adapted to reduced fertilizer inputs is necessary to develop a more sustainable agriculture. Using barley as model system, this project will combine greenhouse and field experiments to identify root traits that increase plant N uptake and reduce N losses in a context of low fertilizer inputs. We will use domesticated, wild and mutant varieties to establish a gradient of within-species root trait variation, allowing a mechanistic understanding of the links between phenotypic traits, soil microbial communities and N dynamics. Ultimately, this project will identify root ideotypes and genetic targets to (re)domesticate the crop cultivars of our future.

The PhD project will involve a series of experiments and laboratory analyses. The prospective candidate will be part of the Climate and Water section at the Department of Agroecology. The research will be done in close cooperation with researchers from INRAE-Dijon (France), and from The James Hutton Institute (Scotland).

Project description. For technical reasons, you must upload a project description. Please simply copy the project description above, and upload it as a PDF in the application.

Qualifications and specific competences:
Candidates should have a Master’s degree in soil science, soil or plant ecology, agronomy, biology, genetics, environmental science or any relevant field of study. Experience in relevant laboratory and field work and a basic knowledge on soil nutrient transformations, plant-soil interactions, plant genetics, soil microbial ecology, greenhouse gas emissions and/or functional biodiversity (trait-based approaches) are appreciated. A flair for planning and statistical treatment of data is also highly relevant. The candidate should have good command of oral and written English, be able to write scientific publications, be independent, and should be enthusiastic about working in an interdisciplinary international academic environment.

Place of employment and place of work:
The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Blichers Allé 20, 8830 Tjele, Danmark.

Contacts:
Applicants seeking further information are invited to contact:

• Professor Jørgen E. Olesen, jeo@agro.au.dk
• Tenure-Track Researcher Diego Abalos, d.abalos@agro.au.dk

How to apply:
Please follow this link to submit your application. Application deadline is 01 May 23:59 CEST. Preferred starting date is 01 August 2022.

For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see our application guide.

Please note:

• The programme committee may request further information or invite the applicant to attend an interview.
• Shortlisting will be used, which means that the evaluation committee only will evaluate the most relevant applications.

Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background. Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with applicable collective agreement.