PhD in the relationship between drought and pollution deposition in forests

The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology is looking for a PhD researcher to work in the unit “Forest function under stress”, to study the relationship between drought and pollution deposition in forests.

The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) is a Research and Technology Organisation active in the fields of materials, environment and IT. Their goal is to empower citizens in their choices, public authorities in their decisions and businesses in their strategies. How? By generating relevant scientific knowledge and converting it into technologies, smart data and tools.

The Project

To address the urgent societal need for science-based management recommendations for forests under increasing pressure, and to leverage the fast-developing expertise in multi-disciplinary forest research in Luxembourg, a dedicated doctoral training unit (DTU) on “Forest function under stress” (FORFUS) has been formed. It consists of 4 inter-linked research clusters, focusing on below-ground processes, tree and canopy processes, remote sensing observations, and prediction and valuation of forest functions, providing a holistic view on forests as complex systems. This is a joint effort from LIST, the University of Luxembourg and the Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research.

The increase in the frequency and intensity of droughts and heatwaves due to climate change will likely decrease the resilience of forests to cope with toxic atmospheric inputs (e.g., those of ammonia and ozone). Dry deposition fluxes of these compounds are linked to transpiration and photosynthesis (stomata uptake and release). These are the result of supply-demand interactions (net radiation, atmospheric dryness, and soil moisture) and the ecophysiological response of trees. Additionally, climate change-induced trends in precipitation patterns are likely to modify the partitioning between wet and dry deposition nitrogen budgets.

This project aims to explore the signatures of stress episodes on the diurnal and seasonal variability of O3 and NH3 dry deposition fluxes to better understand the coupling between foliage responses and reactive trace gas fluxes in relation to supply-demand interactions.

Your Tasks

You will:

  • conduct a comprehensive literature review
  • employ mathematical modelling to formulate hypotheses
  • develop a research plan
  • use novel open data science techniques to evaluate a wide range of data, including statistical methods to test hypotheses
  • combine existing field data sets of NH3-O3-CO2-H2O fluxes from different forest ecosystems in Europe with the application of big-leaf resistance models and drought indices under various meteorological conditions
  • explore the influence of biophysical characteristics (e.g. epicuticular processes) on the exchange fluxes and budgets at various timescales
  • use data science methods to identify interacting variables contributing to uptake resistances and drought signatures in the exchange fluxes
  • conduct field experiments to monitor the partitioning between dry and wet deposition as well as their dependency on the frequency of droughts and heat stress episodes in Luxembourg
  • assess the interactive effects of changing air quality and climate on N deposition budgets
  • interact with your extended supervision team and other colleagues within FORFUS, FORLUX and LIST
  • explain and present your research internally and at international conferences, and publish papers, codes, and datasets resulting from your research.
  • follow the rules and curriculum set out by the Doctoral School in Science and Engineering and engage in courses and activities organised by the doctoral training unit FORFUS.

Your Profile

  • You hold a MSc or equivalent in Meteorology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, or a related discipline in the Geosciences.
  • You have a strong interest in the interaction of air quality, climate and the biosphere. A background in micrometeorology would be ideal, but is not required. Experience in data science methods or artificial intelligence would be a strong asset.
  • You enjoy both data analysis and field observation. Scripting and programming experience are essential.
  • You like working in a team, explaining and presenting research ideas and results.
  • You have a very good level of written and spoken English (C1).

What you can expect

  • An organisation with a passion for impact and strong RDI partnerships in Luxembourg and Europe that works on responsible and independent research projects;
  • Sustainable by design, empowering our belief that we play an essential role in paving the way to a green society;
  • Innovative infrastructures and exceptional labs occupying more than 5,000 square metres, including innovations in all that we do;
  • An environment encouraging curiosity, innovation and entrepreneurship in all areas
    Personalised learning programme to foster our staff’s soft and technical skills;
  • Multicultural and international work environment with more than 50 nationalities represented in our workforce;
  • Diverse and inclusive work environment, empowering our people to fulfil their personal and professional ambitions;
  • Gender-friendly environment with multiple actions to attract, develop and retain women in science;
  • 32 days’ paid annual leave, 11 public holidays, 13-month salary, statutory health insurance;
  • Flexible working hours, home working policy and access to lunch vouchers;
  • You will have a temporary contract of up to 48 months, with a 14-month initial contract.

How to apply

This position is part of the doctoral training unit FORFUS associated with the FORLUX research project. Both together will include 13 doctoral candidates and 4 postdoctoral researchers. We seek candidates with a strong potential to excel in a collaborative and multidisciplinary environment and use their skills for the benefit of society in the long term. The Job location is Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg

Your application must include

  • A motivation letter oriented towards the position and detailing your experience
  • A scientific CV with contact details
  • List of publications and patents (if applicable)
  • Contact details of 2 references

Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system (Job vacancy IDPES_LU_741707). Applications by email will not be considered.

Application procedure and conditions

We kindly request applicants to provide their nationality for statistical purposes only, as part of our commitment to promoting diversity and ensuring equal opportunities in our workforce. This information will be kept confidential and will not be used for any discriminatory purposes.
LIST is dedicated to maintaining an inclusive work environment and is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to attracting, hiring, and retaining a diverse workforce. All applicants will be considered for employment without discrimination based on national origin, race, colour, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, religion, age, or disability.
Applications will be continuously reviewed until the position is filled. An assessment committee will thoroughly evaluate applications, adhering to guidelines designed to ensure equal opportunities. The primary criteria for selection will be the alignment of the applicant’s existing skills and expertise with the requirements mentioned above.