Your Job:

The yield decline of second wheat is often attributed to root senescence caused by infection with Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici (take-all). However, recent research indicates that additional rhizosphere processes and microbial shifts may also contribute to reduced root performance and yield in successive wheat rotations.

In this project, we investigate the effects of crop rotation and take-all infection of wheat root system architecture under controlled greenhouse conditions. Using rhizobox systems, wheat will be grown in different rotational contexts (e.g. wheat after wheat and wheat after an alternative crop) with and without inoculation of the take-all fungus. Root growth and architecture will be monitored and compared with previous field observations to better understand the mechanisms underlying yield decline in continuous wheat systems.

Your tasks:

• Assist with greenhouse experiments using rhizobox systems to study wheat root development
  
• Conduct experiments under different crop rotation and pathogen treatments
  
• Cultivate and maintain plants in greenhouse conditions
  
• Monitor and document root growth throughout the experiment
  
• Sample plant and soil material for further analysis
  
• Support data organization and analysis of experimental results

Your Profile:

• Currently enrolled as a BSc or MSc student in environmental science, agronomy, soil science, plant science, biology, or related disciplines
  
• Interest in plant–soil–microbe interactions and crop production systems
  
• Careful and reliable working style with the ability to work independently after instruction
  
• Willingness to participate in greenhouse and laboratory work
  
• Very good command of written and spoken English (at least B2 level according to the CEFR: https://go.fzj.de/languagerequirements )
  

Our Offer:

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We support you in your work with:

• This position is intended as preparation for a possible thesis project (Bachelor or Master). A specific topic has not yet been determined and will be developed jointly later on.
  
• An interesting and socially relevant topic for your thesis with future-oriented themes
  
• Ideal conditions for gaining practical experience alongside your studies
  
• An interdisciplinary collaboration on projects in an international, committed and collegial team
  
• Excellent technical equipment and the newest technology
  
• Qualified support through your scientific colleagues
  
• The chance to independently prepare and work on your tasks
  
• Flexible working hours as well as a reasonable remuneration
  
• A large research campus with green spaces, offering the best possible means for networking with colleagues and pursuing sports alongside work
  
• Flexible work (location) arrangements, e.g. partly remote work
  
• Fair remuneration and a duration of 6 months
  

In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial working environment, we offer you much more: https://go.fzj.de/benefits

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.

The following links provide further information on diversity and equal opportunities: https://go.fzj.de/equality and on specific support options: https://go.fzj.de/womens-job-journey