Faculty of Applied Computer Science at the University of Augsburg, Institute of Geography Vacancy As of 01.02.2026 to

Jobs for PhD Student in Soil Erosion (M/F/D)

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Each is limited to 65% of regular working hours in fixed-term employment which is initially limited to three years.

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The positions are part of the DFG Emmy Noether project “Pathways of erosion-induced soil change on tropical arable land” (TASC) It will address the following topics:

• Position 1: Identifying and describing pathways of erosion-induced soil change in the Brazilian Cerrado over the past 1960s, using Fallout radionuclide tracking
• Position 2: Development and testing of a process-oriented model of erosion-induced soil change, specifically designed for tropical soils.

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Description of situations

Successful candidates will join the first phase of the TASC project. They will participate in an extensive soil sampling campaign in central Brazil and lead a series of field and laboratory experiments using rainfall simulators, fluorescent tracers, and drone surveys. Position 1 will focus on elucidating how accelerated erosion on arable land has changed the soils of the Brazilian Cerrado over the past 1960s, using dangling radionuclide tracking and data from long-term erosion plot experiments. Position 2 will use fluorescent tracers to track the movement of individual soil particles in simulated and natural rainfall experiments in Brazil, which will be used to develop a new model of erosion-induced soil change based on a travel distance approach specifically designed for tropical soils. More information is provided on the project website (https://www.uni-augsburg.de/en/fakultaet/fai/geo/prof/georwa/projects/tasc).

The PhD students (M/F/D) will be integrated into the Soil and Water Resources Research Working Group – a team involved in several erosion-related projects in Europe, Africa and Brazil. In addition to dynamic exchange within its vibrant working group, the Institute of Geography offers a comprehensive program of postgraduate courses for doctoral students.

If the requirements of the personal and collective agreement are met, the remuneration will be based on the TV-L 13 salary group.

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requirements:

We are looking for highly independent and independent researchers with a strong interest in soil science, fieldwork and experimental methods. We are looking for applicants with:

• Master’s degree in soil science, physical geography, agronomy or related field.
• Experience in soil sampling and laboratory work (advantage).
• Good knowledge of statistics and basic programming skills.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English (required); Knowledge of German and/or Portuguese (an asset).
• Driving license (Class B) is desirable.
• Prepare to spend 3-6 months in Brazil for field work and experiments.

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Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Augsburg promotes professional equality for women. Women are expressly encouraged to apply. Augsburg University is exceptionally committed to family and work-life compatibility. For more information, please contact the women’s representative at the college. Applicants with severe disabilities (M/F/D) will be given preference if their suitability, qualifications and professional performance are equal.