a post doc for the research project: “Functional Role of the Rhizobiome in Ecosystem Processes”. The rhizobiome is the microbial community densely populating the immediate environment of plant roots. Plant roots fuel and select their rhizobiome through root exudates. Modern molecular techniques allow for description of the rhizobiome species composition but current studies leave open how the interplay between plant roots, root exudates and rhizobiome translates to ecosystem functioning, such as plant productivity and soil C cycling. This project aims to study the consequences at ecosystem level of this interplay in diverse plant communities – either natural or agricultural. The postdoc will investigate plants in different species mixtures and will analyse root exudate composition, their rhizobiomes and rhizosphere C turnover in order to evaluate organic C decomposition, soil fertility and plant growth. A range of techniques will be applied, including qPCR, pyrosequencing, physiological profiling and chemical fractionation of rhizophere dissolved organic matter.

We ask

Successful applicants will have a PhD degree in a relevant discipline and have a background or interest in (molecular) plant ecology, soil (microbial) ecology and soil chemistry. S/he is expected to be an independent early-career researcher able and willing to work on an interdisciplinary project, linking expertise from several research groups. S/he has evidence of the ability to develop a track record of excellent publications and research proposals. S/he will have to create a firm basis for future applications for follow-up projects. Excellent communicative skills are required since three different research groups are involved.

We offer

The start date of the post will be no later than 1 October 2013 and is a 0.8 fte 20 month fixed-term contract. Salary depends on knowledge and experience with a minimum of

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