In the framework of the EU-project DeepHorizon, we are looking for a (non-belgian resident) postdoc candidate on Subsoil Health and Ecosystem Services, who will develop research on subsoils and help coordinate the project.
Scientific context
Although extensive research has been conducted on top soil layers, subsoils (i.e. soil horizons below 30 cm depth) remain largely unexplored. In the framework of the DeepHorizon project (see below), we aim at investigating subsoil functions and threats and how to improve their management. Your role will be to conduct your own research on subsoil ecosystem services and optimal management as well as help coordinate the project..
Your responsabilities:
Develop research on Subsoil health and Subsoil optimal management :
Help develop and validate holistic indices of subsoil health based on actual and potential functions in seminatural ecosystems as predicted by models (like ECOSYS).
Investigate current and potential sustainable subsoil practices. Quantify how these practices improve/affect their ecosystem service benefits.
Work with the project PhD student on the interactions between subsoil properties and root development.
Write scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals and present results in international conferences.
Help the coordinator of the project with the following tasks:
Coordinate and organise the project-related agendas, deliverables, milestones, and deadlines.
Manage the communication between the team and the project partners regarding project progress.
Planning, editing and submission of scientific common review manuscripts.
Co-organize scientific and teaching events such as small workshops, courses and conferences.
Your profile:
PhD degree in plant/soil/environmental physics and a track-record of qualitative academic publishing.
Excellent communication (both oral and written), problem solving and analytical skills.
Ability to effectively collaborate with project partner teams in an international, multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary environment.
Significant experience in quantitative analysis of environmental datasets and/or modeling (e.g., utilizing Matlab, R, or Python).
Excellent oral and written skills in English is essential. Additional knowledge of French is desirable.
You cannot have been a belgian resident for the last 3 years.
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 4-year postdoc position at the Earth and Life Institute of UCLouvain. The starting date is October 1st, 2024.
Application
Candidates must send a detailed CV, Academic transcripts of your degrees, a motivation letter, and two reference letters (all included in one pdf file) to Mathieu Javaux (mathieu.javaux@uclouvain.be) as soon as possible.
DeepHorizon project at a glance
DeepHorizon is Horizon2020 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.
Comentarios