Project H5
The UWI PhD positions are organised in four areas and this PhD position belongs to the area “Interface Urban Hyporheic Zones”. The interface between streams and groundwater (so-called hyporheic zone, HZ) can significantly contribute to the impressive self-purification capacity of streams regarding nutrients and trace organic compounds (TrOCs). The relative contribution of the HZ to in-stream, reach scale TrOC removal is not only dependent on the biogeochemical milieu in the HZ but also on the physical exchange rate between surface water and hyporheic pore water (i.e. the intensity of hyporheic exchange) and thus the reach-scale hyporheic residence time distribution. Thus, river restoration methods aiming at increasing hyporheic exchange are likely to increase the self-purification capacity of urban streams with respect to TrOCs. However, process- and effect-based field evidence with respect to different management strategies to improve HZ exchange is widely lacking.
Your profile
The successful candidate holds an excellent MSc degree in hydrology, hydrogeology, geoecology, geochemistry, environmental sciences or a related field, is looking forward to challenging fieldwork, is experienced in data evaluation and interpretation, has very good oral and written English skills including scientific writing and is excited about the prospect of working in a collaborative team.
Our offer
Salary is paid according to the German salary scheme for the public sector (TVöD Bund). It is a 75% position for doctoral research (salary grade E 13 TvÖD) for three years. We foster your career development by providing qualification and training opportunities. We actively support the reconciliation of work and family life. Applicants are treated equally regardless of gender. Qualified women are particularly encouraged to apply. Severely disabled applicants with equal qualification and aptitude will be given preferential consideration.