Two Master´s thesis positions in soil ecology/ plant biogeochemistry (m/w/d)

Topic: Investigations on undersown crops to mitigate manure-based hazards to corn production

The UFZ

The Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) with its 1,100 employees has gained an excellent reputation as an international competence centre for environmental sciences. We are part of the largest scientific organisation in Germany, the Helmholtz association. Our mission: Our research seeks to find a balance between social development and the long-term protection of our natural resources.

The job

Manure is a valuable resource in agriculture, but can contain harmful metals and antibiotics, posing risks to plant health, spread of resistance genes, and contaminated food. Additionally, although the permissible amount of manure that can be applied depends primarily on its nitrate content, differences in soil mineralization rates can lead to an excess of nitrate in the soil from manure amendment, resulting in nitrate leaching to groundwater.
The use of undersown plants refers to the cultivation of plants simultaneously to the main crop with the aim of reducing soil erosion and evaporation and increasing the soil biota biodiversity. These plants may also offer potential for managing risks associated with manure, as they could potentially extract or immobilize metals, degrade antibiotics or take up excess nitrate. Although there have been studies on the potential of agricultural plants to remove single groups of pollutants from the soil, no study has yet investigated the potential of undersown crops to reduce the risk of combined pollution for cash crops.

Your tasks

Both Master ́s theses will be carried out in the setup of a 6-hectare field experiment with the cash crop corn in close collaboration with farmers who own the field. The aim of the experiment is to compare three agronomically new undersown species in terms of their potential to reduce nitrate leaching and mitigate metal and antibiotic hazards posed by manure to corn. In order to assess whether the cultivation of undersown crops impairs corn health and growth, plant physiological parameters of corn with and without undersown crops will be compared. These studies can provide farmers with important information for selecting an undersown crop for fields on which manure-based hazards represents a threat.

While both Master's students will focus on aspects of plant physiology, research into the mitigation of manure-based contaminants will be split into two areas: we are looking for a Master's student with a background in geochemistry who will focus on the analysis of nitrate and metals, and another Master ́s student with a background in molecular biology who will focus on the quantification of antibiotic resistance genes.
The field experiment will run from March to September in Rheinland-Pfalz, with 4-5 sampling events taking place during this period. The Master ́s students will participate in the sampling (travel and accommodation will be covered by the UFZ) and subsequently process their respective samples in the UFZ labs in Halle (Salle) and in Leipzig, depending on the applied tool.
Next to performing the field and lab work, the Master ́s students will learn how to process, integrate and interpret the data and receive guidance on writing their thesis. The Master ́s students will be full and valued members of both the Soil Ecology Working Group in Halle (Saale) and the Plant Biogeochemistry Working Group in Leipzig, with opportunity to participate in meetings/lectures and present their work.

The positions are expected to start in March or April 1st 2026 and are limited to 6 months. Supervisions will be either in English or in German. These are unpaid positions.

We offer

• Excellent supervision that supports your personal and professional development
• Exciting insights into the work of a leading research institute
• The chance to work in interdisciplinary, international teams and benefit from a wide range of perspectives
• The opportunity to contribute and actively shape your own ideas and impulses
  right from the start
• Modern technical equipment and IT service to optimally support your work

The job

Manure is a valuable resource in agriculture, but can contain harmful metals and antibiotics, posing risks to plant health, spread of resistance genes, and contaminated food. Additionally, although the permissible amount of manure that can be applied depends primarily on its nitrate content, differences in soil mineralization rates can lead to an excess of nitrate in the soil from manure amendment, resulting in nitrate leaching to groundwater.
The use of undersown plants refers to the cultivation of plants simultaneously to the main crop with the aim of reducing soil erosion and evaporation and increasing the soil biota biodiversity. These plants may also offer potential for managing risks associated with manure, as they could potentially extract or immobilize metals, degrade antibiotics or take up excess nitrate. Although there have been studies on the potential of agricultural plants to remove single groups of pollutants from the soil, no study has yet investigated the potential of undersown crops to reduce the risk of combined pollution for cash crops.

Contract limitations

limited contract

Contact

Your contact for any questions you may have about the job:
Lena Mellin (lena.mellin@ufz.de)

Your application

Please submit your application via our online portal with your cover letter, CV (please omit your photo, age, or marital status) and relevant attachments.

Diversity and Inclusion

The UFZ has a strong commitment to diversity and actively supports equal opportunities for all employees regardless of their origin, religion, ideology, disability, age or sexual identity.
We look forward to applications from people who are open-minded and enjoy working in diverse teams.

Application deadline: 31.10.2025