Reference: 22FUBPDIFCTCE6003

Type: New appointment

Title: PhD position in the field of soil and nutrient management and applied ecology

Type of position: FUB

Faculty: ----------

Teaching and research staff hours:

Description:
The BETA Technology Centre consists of a young multidisciplinary team of 70 researchers and is looking to incorporate a dynamic person who wants to be part of this venture. We are looking for a predoctoral researcher with knowledge in agronomy and soil sciences, in the fields of cropping systems and nutrient management.

The selected candidate will participate in several projects in the area of soil and nutrient management and applied ecology, specifically with a relevant role in the Horizon Europe project NUTRIBUDGET, where s/he will be able to complete her/his doctoral thesis on the application of mitigation measures to optimise the flows of nutrients from three agricultural pillars (livestock, crops and agro-processes). Mitigation measures include the use of (i) catch crops (e.g. perennial cereal varieties), (ii) novel fertiliser products (incl. additives and tailor-made fertilisation) and (iii) floating plants (e.g. duckweeds or algae) as green manure or alternative protein source for animal feed (or nutrition). It is important to note that the doctoral thesis will be carried out in collaboration with the University of Ghent, where the candidate will do a research stay of 6 months during the thesis period and finally obtain a double doctorate University of Ghent / University of Vic-University Central of Catalonia.

Functions and duties:
• Planning and execution of biochemical, biotechnological and/or microbiological lab assays for the agronomic evaluation of mitigation measures
• Planning and execution of field experiments on the application of mitigation measures
• Analysis, interpretation, and scientific communication of obtained results
• Participation in knowledge transfer activities

University degree in the field
Agronomy, Biotechnology, Plant Production, Environmental Sciences or similar

European driving licence

• Good skills in laboratory tasks
• Good skills in data management and analysis
• Good communication skills (written and oral
• Ability to work independently and with internal and external teams in multidisciplinary and multicultural environments

Success orientation

Teamwork and cooperation

Self-control

Empathy

Learning and use of knowledge

3 year contract to do the PhD thesis.