Temporary contract | up to 48 months (14 months initial contract) | Belvaux

Are you passionate about research? So are we! Come and join us

The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) is a Research and Technology Organization (RTO) active in the fields of materials, environment and IT. By generating relevant scientific knowledge and converting knowledge into technologies, smart data and tools, LIST empowers citizens in their choices, public authorities in their decisions and businesses in their strategies.

To address the urgent societal need for science-based management recommendations for forests under increasing pressure, and to leverage on the fast-developing expertise in multi-disciplinary forest research in Luxembourg, LIST, in collaboration with the University of Luxembourg and the Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research, has formed a dedicated doctoral training unit (DTU) on “Forest function under stress” (FORFUS). It consists of 4 inter-linked research clusters, focusing on below-ground processes, tree and canopy processes, remote sensing observations, and prediction and valuation of forest functions, providing a holistic view on forests as complex systems. See the project website to find out more about the FORFUS doctoral training unit.

Do you want to know more about LIST? Check our website: https://www.list.lu/

How will you contribute?

The mechanism by which drought and heat damages trees is poorly understood. It is known that water depletion from plant tissues and the associated low water potential values can result in destructive embolism inside water transport tissues, hence reducing their potential to resume water supply after the drought. To prevent such damage, trees can close their stomata when water supply from the root system is inadequate. However, this reduces CO2 uptake and photosynthesis, potentially leading to carbon starvation over extended time periods.

Experiments suggest that water preservation is more crucial than CO2 uptake during drought, but stomatal closure, especially during a heat wave, also carries the risk of reaching lethal leaf temperatures in sun-exposed leaves. The objectives of this project are to (a) develop methods to quantify heat and drought damage to trees, and (b) gain a better understanding of the vulnerability of different tree species at different sites to hydraulic failure and heat damage during heat/drought waves. You will leverage on LIST's extensive network of monitoring sites and a new rain exclusion experiment carried out in collaboration with colleagues within FORFUS and the associated project FORLUX. You will conduct a comprehensive literature review, employ mathematical modelling to formulate hypotheses, develop a research plan, use state-of-the-art techniques to detect and monitor water and heat stress in trees, and apply open data science techniques to evaluate a wide range of data, including statistical methods to test hypotheses. You will interact with your extended supervision team and other colleagues within FORFUS, FORLUX and LIST to address your own research questions and contribute to the research of others. You will explain and present your research internally and at international conferences, and publish papers, code, and datasets resulting from your research. More information about your research topic can be found here: https://www.list.lu/en/research/project/forfus-rt21

You will follow the rules and curriculum set out by the Doctoral School in Science and Engineering (https://www.uni.lu/research-en/doctoral-education/dsse/) and engage in courses and activities organised by the doctoral training unit FORFUS.

Is Your profile described below? Are you our future colleague? Apply now!

Education

•  You hold a MSc or equivalent in Biology, Environmental Science, or a related discipline

Experience and skills

• You have a strong interest for plants and Physics. A background in plant ecophysiology would be ideal, but is not required.
• You enjoy field observations and data analysis. Programming experience is a plus.
• You like working in a team, explaining and presenting research ideas and results.

Language skills

•  Very good level of written and spoken English.

Your LIST benefits

• An organization with a passion for impact and strong RDI partnerships in Luxembourg and Europe that works on responsible and independent research projects
• Sustainable by design, empowering our belief that we play an essential role in paving the way to a green society
• Innovative infrastructures and exceptional labs occupying more than 5,000 square metres, including innovations in all that we do
• An environment encouraging curiosity, innovation and entrepreneurship in all areas
• Personalized learning programme to foster our staff’s soft and technical skills
• Multicultural and international work environment with more than 50 nationalities represented in our workforce
• Diverse and inclusive work environment empowering our people to fulfil their personal and professional ambitions
• Gender-friendly environment with multiple actions to attract, develop and retain women in science
• 32 days’ paid annual leave, 11 public holidays, 13-month salary, statutory health insurance
• Flexible working hours, home working policy and access to lunch vouchers

Apply online

This position is part of the doctoral training unit FORFUS, associated with the FORLUX research project, both of which together will include 13 doctoral candidates and 4 postdoctoral researchers. We seek candidates with a strong potential to excel in a collaborative and multidisciplinary environment, and use their skill for the benefit of society in the long term.

Your application must include:

• A motivation letter oriented towards the position and detailing your experience
• A scientific CV with contact details
• List of publications and patents (if applicable)
• Contact details of 2 references

Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by email will not be considered.

Application procedure and conditions

We kindly request applicants to provide their nationality for statistical purposes only, as part of our commitment to promoting diversity and ensuring equal opportunities in our workforce. This information will be kept confidential and will not be used for any discriminatory purposes.

LIST is dedicated to maintaining an inclusive work environment and is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to attracting, hiring, and retaining a diverse workforce. All applicants will be considered for employment without discrimination based on national origin, race, colour, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, religion, age, or disability.

Applications will be continuously reviewed until the position is filled. An assessment committee will thoroughly evaluate applications, adhering to guidelines designed to ensure equal opportunities. The primary criteria for selection will be the alignment of the applicant's existing skills and expertise with the requirements mentioned above.

PhD additional conditions:

• Supervisor at LIST: Stan Schymanski (stanislaus.schymanski@list.lu)
• Work location: Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Belvaux, Luxembourg
• PhD enrolment: University of Luxembourg, Belval, Luxembourg

Candidates shall be available for starting their position in winter 2024/2025. Please note that university enrolment fees (currently 200 EUR per semester) must be covered by the successful applicant. Your master diploma has to be recognized in Luxembourg. Please refer to:

https://www.uni.lu/en/admissions/diploma-recognition/

https://guichet.public.lu/fr/citoyens/enseignement-formation/etudes-superieures/reconnaissance-diplomes.html