The work will take place in the division of Soil and Water Management, which is part of the faculty of Bioscience Engineering of KU Leuven. The research group has long standing experience in research on the bioavailability and mobility of nutrients and contaminants in soil. The lab is well-equipped with a range of advanced analytical instruments and plant growth facilities required for these research topics. At the same time, you will become part of a large, interdisciplinary team of motivated students/researchers that jointly strives to unravel applied and fundamental questions related to soil science.
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Project
This PhD project is part of the ERC project EXPOSOIL, which aims to determine effect of soil structure on the bioavailability of nutrients and metals. It is speculated that traditional soil tests underscore the physical non-equilibrium of nutrients and contaminants in soil due to disturbances in the soil’s pore size structure. This PhD project will specifically focus on the uptake of trace metals by plant roots. A combination of isotope labelling, different soil structure manipulations and different aging times will be used to determine the effect of soil structure on the metal bioavailability.
Profile
- You obtained a Master degree in soil science, agronomy, environmental chemistry, plant science, bio-engineering or equivalent
- You are highly motivated, critical and can work independently.
- Good communicative skills and a collaborative attitude.
- Excellent knowledge of English is required, both written and spoken (knowledge of Dutch is not required).
- Any prior experience with experimental soil science or pot trials is a plus.
Offer
- A 4-year PhD position with great scientific potential.
- You will get excellent guidance and supervision at a top-ranked university with excellent education and learning opportunities in a young, international and motivated team.
- This project includes funding for soil sampling across Europe.
- You will be stimulated and supported to integrate your own research ideas and goals within the project.
- Funding is warranted but the successful candidate will be encouraged to apply for fellowships, such as those by the Flemish funding agency (FWO).
- Living in the beautiful medieval university town Leuven, a lively city situated in the heart of Europe, 20 km from Brussels.
- We offer a competitive salary, scale barema 43.
Interested?
For more information please contact Erik Smolders: erik.smolders@kuleuven.be or Toon van Dael: toon.vandael@kuleuven.be.
Applicants should submit a detailed CV and a cover letter expressing their motivation and interest in the position. KU Leuven seeks to foster an environment where all talents can flourish, regardless of gender, age, cultural background, nationality or impairments. If you have any questions relating to accessibility or support, please contact us at diversiteit.HR@kuleuven.be.
You can apply for this job no later than July 31, 2023 via the online application tool
KU Leuven seeks to foster an environment where all talents can flourish, regardless of gender, age, cultural background, nationality or impairments. If you have any questions relating to accessibility or support, please contact us at diversiteit.HR@kuleuven.be.
