Advert Postdoc Soil carbon from fields to watersheds

Postdoctoral Researcher: soil carbon from fields to watersheds

Department of Soil, Crop and Climate Sciences University of the Free State
Bloemfontein, South Africa

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to study soil carbon (C) sequestration in agricultural lands and its interactions with soil water dynamics from field to watershed level. Soil C sequestration is important for soil functioning and hydrology, and contributes to climate change mitigation. A good quantification of the ability of agricultural lands to store soil C, the impact it has on soil functions, and on soil hydrology at wider scales is lacking, particularly in Southern Africa where a semi-arid climate makes water availability a key plant growth limiting factor. This study field requires a combination of practical field studies, the upscaling of field data to wider regions, and simulation modelling, for instance using soil C models, crop growth models, or watershed hydrological models. The position oDers opportunities to implement case studies in this field in South Africa and elsewhere in Africa.

The postdoctoral researcher should have a PhD degree in soil, crop or rangeland sciences, or a closely related field, and a good understanding of soil C and soil-water-plant interactions at various scales. The candidate should be prepared to carry out field work in remote rural places. Hands-on experience with the operation of simulation models, or the use of remote sensing data for digital soil mapping is an advantage for this position.

This postdoctoral position is part of a newly established Research Chair in the field of Climate Change and Agriculture on the Bloemfontein campus of the University of the Free State in South Africa. Being part of the team, you will be engaged in the (co-)supervision PhD and MSc students, and you will be given ample opportunity to develop yourselves as an academic. The position will initially be for two years with opportunities for extension.

Interested candidates are invited to send a copy of their CV, their academic record, and a motivation letter to Prof. Linus Franke (FrankeAC@ufs.ac.za), before October 31 2024. Applicants from outside South Africa are also welcome to apply.