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?

The increase of the frequency and intensity of droughts and heatwaves due to climate change will likely decrease the resilience of forests to cope with toxic atmospheric inputs (e.g., those of ammonia (NH₃), but also ozone (O₃)). Dry deposition fluxes of reactive nitrogen, including O₃ are linked to transpiration and photosynthesis (stomata uptake and release), which are the result of supply-demand interactions (net radiation, atmospheric dryness, and soil moisture) and the ecophysiological response of trees. Additionally, climate change-induced trends in precipitation patterns are likely to modify the partitioning between wet and dry deposition nitrogen budgets.

This project aims to explore the signatures of stress episodes on the diurnal and seasonal variability of O₃ and NH₃ dry deposition fluxes to better understand the coupling between foliage responses and reactive trace gas fluxes in relation to supply-demand interactions. You will conduct a comprehensive literature review, employ mathematical modelling to formulate hypotheses, develop a research plan, use novel open data science techniques to evaluate a wide range of data, including statistical methods to test hypotheses. This will be based on combining existing state-of-the art field data sets of NH₃-O₃-CO₂-H₂O fluxes from different forests ecosystems in Europe with the application of big-leaf resistance models and drought indices under various meteorological conditions. You will explore the influence of biophysical characteristics (e.g. epicuticular processes) on the exchange fluxes and budgets at various timescales. Data science methods (e.g., information theory) will be used to identify interacting variables contributing to uptake resistances and drought signatures in the exchange fluxes. This will be complemented by field experiments to monitor the partitioning between dry and wet deposition and their dependency on the frequency of droughts and heat stress episodes in Luxembourg, to assess the interactive effects of changing air quality and climate on N deposition budgets. 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, codes, and datasets resulting from your research.

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 Meteorology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, or a related discipline in the Geosciences

Experience and skills

• You have a strong interest in the interaction of air quality, climate and the biosphere. A background in micrometeorology would be ideal but is not required. Experience in data science methods or artificial intelligence would be a strong asset.
• You enjoy both data analysis and field observation. Scripting and programming experience are essential.
• 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.

Please note that by applying you consent to share your application outside of LIST with Christophe Ley (University of Luxembourg), Jordi Vila-Guerau de Arellano (Wageningen University & Research, Netherlands) and Margreet van Zanten

(National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Netherlands).

PhD additional conditions:

• Supervisor at LIST: Ivonne Trebs (ivonne.trebs@list.lu)
• Work location: Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Belvaux, Luxembourg
• PhD enrolment: University of Luxembourg, Belval, Luxembourg in coordination with Wageningen University & Research, Netherlands

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