Wageningen University, Department of Soil Quality
PhD Soil Biology / Soil Fertility
Wageningen, (Gelderland) , 38 hours per week
Wageningen University, Department of Soil Quality
Job description
In a concerted action, two PhD students and a post-doc will study how plants, in particular genetically modified (GM) plants, can change their own soil ecosystem. Plants can have profound effects on soil organisms, because the great majority of carbon input in soils originates from living plants (root exudates) and from dead plant material. It needs to be tested if GM plants have such influence too, and if yes, if this influence is different from non-GM plants. Crops with e.g. GM-increased
resistance against pathogens and herbivores, can have side-effects on beneficial rhizosphere- inhabiting organisms; residues of crops with GM-altered tissue composition may have different decomposition rates, and thereby affect soil decomposer communities. Given the importance of the soil community for soil carbon and nitrogen cycles, effects of GM plants on non-target soil organisms and processes have to be evaluated properly prior to their admission. The research program aims to deliver a tool for risk assessment of GM plants based on soil nematodes that will enable evaluation of risks of these plants for soil fertility functions.
The major research question for the PhD Soil Quality is: To what extent do plants affect soil fertility functions, and is this affect mirrored by nematode community shifts that can be measured easily? Initially, we will use non-GM Brassica species because they produce glucosinolates with a broad spectrum effect on soil life. Varieties that produce more or less glucosinolates are used to test effects on nematodes and C and N dynamics in soil. Nematodes are a species-rich soil fauna group with great bioindicator potential. Changes in nematode community structure will be experimentally linked to soil fertility functions such as organic matter decomposition and nitrification. Results will be used to develop an Ecological Risk Assessment guidance for GM crops.
Requirements
Required education/skills: University Graduate
We are looking for a candidate with an MSc degree, specialized in soil biology or soil fertility, who feels challenged by the aims of this project and has a strong drive for experimental research.
Further requirements include:
- critical attitude
- a good command of written and spoken English
- excellent writing and presentation skills
- proven ability to organize laboratory- and/or field experiments
- team player
Job type: Research / Advising
Workfield(s) :
- Post-doctorates( Scientific discipline: Agriculture)
Organization
Wageningen University, Department of Soil Quality
The candidate will work in the chairgroup 'Soil Biology and Biological Soil Quality', of Wageningen University. Url: http://www.soq. wur.nl/UK/ . The group has a strong tradition in research on the role of soil organisms in cycling of elements. It offers excellent facilities in a stimulating environment where scientific and
social interactions are highly appreciated. The candidate will work together with scientists from the Laboratory of Nematology of Wageningen University and the Laboratory for Ecological Risk Assessment of the RIVM.
Conditions of employment
Employment basis: Temporary for specified period
Duration of the contract: one year initially with a possibility of extension to 4 years.
Maximum hours per week: 38
Additional conditions of employment:
Full time positions for a period of one year initially with a possibility of extension to 4 years. Gross salary will be 2.000 per month in the first year rising to 2.558 per month in the fourth year, according to the collective labor agreement of the VNSU.
Additional Information
Additional information about the vacancy can be obtained from:
Dr. Ron de Goede
Telephone number: 31 317485048
E-mail address: ron.degoede@ wur.nl
Or additional information can be obtained through one of the following
links:
* About the organization
Application
You can apply for this job before 10-04-2008 (dd-mm-yyyy) by sending your application to:
Plant Sciences Group
Department Personnel and Organization
D. Wissink
P.O. Box 16
6700 AA Wageningen
The Netherlands
E-mail: vacaturemeldingen. psg@wur.nl
When applying for this job always mention the vacancynumber AT: DPW 08-10.
[sursa beasiswa]
If you want to receive academic resources in your e-mail on daily basis, please subscribe to 10resources-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.
