In the framework of the EU-project DeepHorizon, we are looking for a PhD candidate on subsoil hydraulic properties and their relationship with roots.
Scientific context
Although extensive research has been conducted on the topsoil layer, the subsoil remains largely unexplored. In the framework of the DeepHorizon project (see below), we aim at collecting subsoil samples across Europe down to 2m-depth in 40 sites, representative of the European pedoclimatic diversity. This unique sampling campaign will allow us to analyze in depth biological, physical, and chemical properties of a broad range of subsoil horizons. Your PhD will focus on quantifying the physical and hydraulic properties of these horizons and how these affect root development.
Your responsabilities:
Participating to subsoil sampling campaigns in cooperation with international partners and colleagues at UCLouvain
Measuring hydraulic and physical properties of subsoil samples at UCLouvain and analyzing their properties
Developing/improving subsoil-specific pedotransfer functions
Investigating the links between subsoil characteristics and root growth
Writing scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals and presenting results in international conferences
Your profile:
Master degree whose training focuses primarily on (bio)physics, bioscience engineering, mathematics, or soil/environmental physics.
knwoledge of Soil Physics
Coding skills: R, Matlab or Python
Aptitude for teamwork
Good spoken and written English. French is appreciated.
Our offer:
The project is funded by Horizon-Europe through the project DeepHorizon. It includes funding to cover competitive salary, lab, and conference expenses for a 48-month PhD program towards the completion of a Ph.D. degree at the Earth and Life Institute of UCLouvain. Starting date is October 1st, 2024.
Application
Candidates must send a detailed CV, Academic transcripts of your Master, a motivation letter, and one reference letter (all included in one pdf file) to Mathieu Javaux (mathieu.javaux@uclouvain.be) as soon as possible.
DeepHorizon project at a glance
DeepHorizon is Horizon-EUROPE project gathering 18 partners to improve our understanding and management of subsoil properties, functions and ecosysteme services. DeepHorizon aims to unlock knowledge of the subsoil in the critical zone by bringing together key experts and practitioners. This will enable the deployment of ecosystemic solutions to improve subsoil functions for soil health. The goal of DeepHorizon is to develop tools that enable practitioners, land managers, and policymakers to access subsoil properties, functions, subsoil health indicators, and financial decision support tools to promote sustainable subsoil management. DeepHorizon will collect and use existing data on subsoils and generate new data through a multi-actor approach from farmers to policymakers. The DeepHorizon project aims to improve subsoil functions across Europe through four main strategies: (1) identifying and mapping subsoil properties and functions; (2) developing innovative tools and technologies to monitor and manage subsoil health; (3) establishing subsoil health indicators; and (4) involving practitioners and stakeholders to co-create, test and deploy solutions. By creating a community of end-users and key stakeholders, DeepHorizon will promote sustainable management practices.
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