The International Research Training Group 1070 "Modeling Material Flows and Production Systems for Sustainable Resource Use in Intensified Crop Production in the North China Plain", funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, is seeking a highly qualified and motivated candidate for a PhD scholarship in the subproject “Regionalization of N-Deposition in the North China Plain“ under supervision of Prof. Dr. Andreas Fangmeier, research area Plant Ecology and Ecotoxicology.

The position is open from 1 July 2007 for 2 years with an option for a third year, subject to prolongation of funding by DFG. The PhD grant amounts to 1,103 € net per month (+ allowances for family and stays in Beijing).

The interdisciplinary research and education program is jointly conducted with China Agricultural University, Beijing. Analysis and sustainable improvement of cropping systems in the North China Plain are the main objectives of the research. The accompanying study program focuses on modeling of agricultural systems.

The North China Plain represents a hotspot with regard to atmospheric nitrogen load with N deposition reaching up to 100 kg N ha-1 yr-1 (for publications from the subproject: www.uni-hohenheim.de/fangmeier). Based on previously performed measurements of N deposition, the subproject aims to achieve a regionalization of N deposition in the North China Plain by means of modeling approaches.

Applicants must have an above-average Master’s degree or equivalent in Environmental Sciences, Agricultural Sciences or a related field. The willingness, both to do interdisciplinary research in China (including research stays of up to several months) and to actively participate in the IRTG activities, is a prerequisite for the application. Candidates should not be older than 28 years and are expected to take up their residence in Stuttgart or the vicinity.

Applications, preferably in electronic form, should include a CV, copies of degree certificates, and possibly a letter of recommendation from a university professor, and be forwarded to the subproject leader, Prof. Dr. Andreas Fangmeier, Institute for Landscape and Plant Ecology (320), University of Hohenheim, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany, email: afangm@uni-hohenheim.de . Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

For further information, please refer to the project website or contact:

Dr. Diana Ebersberger
(+49 (0)711 45924077
email: rtgchina@uni-hohenheim.de
website: http://rtgchina.uni-hohenheim.de

Application has to be received by 30 June 2007