Student Assistant - Calibration of a Soil-Plant Model using experimental data

In the coming decades, climate change and shifts in land use will have a significant impact on the productivity of terrestrial ecosystems in terms of the services they provide (food, feed, fiber, energy), as well as on the challenges society must address. At the Institute of Bio- and Geosciences – Agrosphere (IBG-3), we develop solutions to safeguard ecosystem services based on an improved understanding of hydrological and biogeochemical processes in terrestrial systems. Our focus is on agricultural and forest systems, which are coming under increasing pressure due to global change. Innovative observation technologies are combined with laboratory experiments and modeling to investigate and predict terrestrial processes across scales (from the pore scale through the field scale to the continental scale), thereby contributing to the sustainable use of the natural resources water, soil, and atmosphere.

Your Job

The BMFTR-funded project CROP (Combining Root Contrasted Phenotypes for More Resilient Agro-Ecosystems) aims to assess the benefits of combining contrasting wheat root phenotypes within the same field. The project focuses on the impact of root phenotypes on water, carbon, and nitrogen fluxes and cycles, microbial activity, and crop yield. In the first phase of the project, laboratory experiments were conducted and a soil–plant-microbiome model based on the functional-structural plant modeling framework CPlantBox was developed. The experimental dataset now provides the basis for model calibration and validation.

We are seeking a motivated student to work on the calibration of this soil–plant model using existing experimental data. You will first become familiar with the experimental setup and the model structure. For each component of the model, you will then perform both direct calibration of model parameters using statistical analysis and indirect calibration by adapting existing scripts. Finally, model outputs will be visualized and analyzed to identify and understand discrepancies between simulations and experimental observations. The number of model components to be calibrated (root system structure, shoot structure, water flow, and carbon flow) will be adjusted to fit the timeframe of the Master’s project.

Your responsibilities / tasks

Become familiar with the experimental setup and the soil–plant model
Perform statistical data analysis for model calibration
Adapt and extend existing scripts to run and evaluate the model
Visualize and analyze model outputs
Optionally, process remaining laboratory samples

Your Profile

Enrolled in a Master’s program in plant science, soil science, applied mathematics/ modelling, or a related field
Experience with Python
Experience with using (biological or environmental) models
Well-organized, reliable, and proactive
Strong communication skills and ability to work in a team
Very good command of written and spoken English with extensive vocabulary is required (at least B2 level according to the ), ideally supported by a certificate confirming the language level.

Our Benefits for You

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:

Meaningful Tasks: Your thesis deals with a future-oriented, socially relevant topic with direct practical relevance in an international environment
Practical relevance: With us, you will gain valuable practical experience alongside your studies and actively participate in interdisciplinary projects
Scientific environment: You can expect excellent scientific equipment, modern technologies, and qualified support from experienced colleagues
Onboarding & teamwork: You can look forward to working in a dedicated, international, and collegial team. It is important to us that you quickly settle into the team and are given structured training for your tasks. We also support you from the very beginning and make your start easier with our
Work-life balance: We offer flexible working hours to help you balance your professional and personal life. You also have the option of flexible working (in terms of location), which is generally possible after consultation and in line with upcoming tasks and (on-site) appointments
Flexibility: Flexible working hours make it easier for you to balance work and study
Health & well-being: Your health is important to us. You can look forward to a comprehensive company health management programme with a wide range of options, including a beach volleyball court, running groups, yoga classes and much more. In addition, our company medical service and an experienced social counselling team are available to assist you on site
Campus experience: Our research campus in the countryside creates ideal conditions for collegial exchange and sporting activities right on site. Our cafeteria offers a wide range of options—you can enjoy a relaxing lunch break with a lake view
Fair remuneration: We will pay you a reasonable remuneration for your thesis

In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial working environment, we offer you much more:

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: and on specific support options:

Place of Employment: Jülich

Start Date: To the next possible date

Salary: We will pay you a appropriate remuneration for your thesis

**Application Deadline:**The position will be advertised until it is successfully filled.