UFS Postdoctoral Researcher: greenhouse gas fluxes from agicultural soils
Postdoctoral Researcher: greenhouse gas fluxes from agricultural soils
Department of Soil, Crop and Climate Sciences
University of the Free State
Bloemfontein, South Africa
We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to measure and model greenhouse gas fluxes from agricultural soils in South Africa. The researcher will have access to state-of-the-art equipment such as gas analysers, automatic soil gas chambers, and eddy covariance systems to measure fluxes of CO2, N2O and CH4 in agricultural lands (both cropped lands and rangelands). These measurements will be scaled up over space and/or time using models. The aim of the research is to quantify greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural lands in South Africa, assess the impact of land management on emissions, and gain insights in the underlying mechanisms that drive fluxes. This research is highly relevant in the context of quantifying and reducing the carbon footprint of South Africa’s agricultural sector, and the role of soils in this.
The postdoctoral researcher should have a PhD degree in soil science, agrometeorology, agronomy, or a closely related field. The candidate should have experience with the implementation of field work and affinity with the operation of complex equipment. In addition, the researcher should have experience with the analyses of large data sets and the use of models. The candidate should possess a valid driving license.
This postdoctoral position is part of the 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.
Expected starting date: November 1 2025, or soon thereafter
More information about the position can be obtained by contacting Prof Linus Franke (FrankeAC@ufs.ac.za).
Interested candidates are invited to send a copy of their CV, their academic record, and a motivation letter to Ms. Minnie Mbokazi (MbokaziZM@ufs.ac.za) before September 5 2025. Applicants from outside South Africa are also welcome to apply.