Research Assistant (EG 13 TV-H) - in the Department of Grassland Science and Renewable Resources

Part-time with half the regular working hours of a full-time employee, limited for 3 years (§ 2 Abs. 2 WissZeitVG), to work in the joint project "SIGNAL II: Sustainable intensification through agroforestry systems, TP 2.2: Management effects on the biomass development of an agroforestry system of grassland and pastures; determination of biomass using remote sensing methods."

SIGNAL II is a BMBF-funded joint project with an interdisciplinary focus that deals with various approaches to agroforestry systems as a strategy for sustainable intensification of agriculture. One focus of the work is the investigation of different grassland stands in combination with short rotation plantations (pastures) with regard to their productivity and competitive behavior. In addition to the recording of above-ground material flows, the focus is on plant cultivation issues and the determination of an animal-based or energetic utilization of the biomass.

In a second focal point, the influence of forestry on neighbouring agricultural crops is investigated at all trial sites of the joint project by using remote sensing methods to determine biomass yield, dry matter and nitrogen content as well as stand height.      

The main place of work is Witzenhausen; regular visits to project partners lasting several days are required. There is the possibility of a doctorate.

Your tasks:

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• independently conducting field experiments at the Reiffenhausen site of the University of Kassel
• carrying out remote sensing surveys at all test sites of the project network
• Independent data evaluation and interpretation
• Cooperative collaboration with other sub-projects of the overall network
• Preparation of scientific publications in international journals
• Presentation of results at scientific conferences
• Integration of project content into existing and planned courses

Your requirements:

• Above-average academic degree (MSc or diploma) in the field of agricultural science
• Ability to work independently in a scientific capacity, particularly in the implementation and evaluation of field trials
• Experience in dealing with extensive data sets - Good knowledge of statistical methods of data evaluation
• Experience in the application of remote sensing methods for the collection of plant cultivation parameters. In particular, knowledge of Lidar and spectral sensors should be available.
• Agricultural science background as well as knowledge of and interest in practical agriculture.
• Extensive experience in grassland science and management
• Open-mindedness and creativity with regard to interdisciplinary cooperation in the joint project - Ability to work in a team
• Willingness to engage in project-related teaching at the Department of Organic Agricultural Sciences

If you have any questions, please contact Prof. Dr. M. Wachendorf, phone: 05542-981334, e-mail mwach[at]uni-kassel[dot]de.

The protection of your personal data is important to us, which is why we will handle your personal data with care. If you provide us with your data, you authorize us to store and use it in accordance with the Hessian Data Protection and Freedom of Information Act. You can object to this at any time. Your personal data will then be deleted.

In the interests of equal opportunities, the University of Kassel endeavors to offer women and men the same development opportunities and to counteract existing disadvantages. The aim is to significantly increase the proportion of women in research and teaching. Qualified women are therefore expressly encouraged to apply. Severely disabled applicants with equal aptitude and qualifications will be given preference. Please only send us copies of your application documents (no folders), as these cannot be returned after the selection process has been completed; they will be destroyed in accordance with data protection regulations. Applications with informative documents should be sent to the President of the University of Kassel, 34109 Kassel or bewerbungen[at]uni-kassel[dot]de, quoting the reference number, also in electronic form.