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 here.

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

How will you contribute?

Drought changes plant carbon (C) inputs and microbial C cycling; it consistently increases tree root C exudates and alters multiple soil microbial community traits that influence C cycling. Persistent forest soil C contains a large proportion of microbial necromass, especially fungal necromass, and the size and stability of these necromass contributions is determined by tree C inputs, microbial physiology and necromass and tree root spatial interactions with soil minerals. It is unclear how drought-induced changes to tree root C inputs and root architecture will influence the microbial mechanisms that control long-term soil C persistence.

The objectives of this project are to (a) characterize how drought influences tree roots and C release, and forest soil microbial diversity, microbial biomass C turnover, and necromass C persistence; and (b) investigate how drought influences the life strategies and traits of fungi that drive interactions with tree roots, reactive soil minerals and fungal necromass persistence.

The doctoral candidate will leverage on LIST's extensive network of monitoring sites and a new rain exclusion experiment. This project will use passive rain shelters to impose soil drought. Microbial diversity, physiology and traits may be assessed during drought and rewetting cycles (in the field and in the laboratory), using metabarcoding, metagenomics and DNA-stable isotope probing. Microbial physiology and necromass carbon persistence may be determined with stable isotope incubations with native fungal necromass. The relative contribution of microbial necromass and root exudates to persistent soil organic matter may be developed using several GC-MS techniques. Root exudates and architecture changes will be investigated in collaboration with Universities of Tartu (Prof Ivika Ostonen) and Luxembourg (Prof Stéphane Bordas). 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 in soil microbial ecology and biogeochemistry. A background in stable isotope ecology is a plus but not required.
You enjoy field observations, designing creative lab experiments and data analysis. Bioinformatics 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: Kate Buckeridge (kate.buckeridge@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

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