The Faculty of Applied Computer Science of the University of Augsburg, the Institute of Geography has vacancy as of 01.02.2026 for 

two PhD student positions (m/f/d) 

each covering 65% of regular working hours in fixed-term employment initially limited to three years.

The positions are part of the DFG Emmy Noether project “Trajectories of erosion-induced soil change on tropical arable land” (TASC) and will address the following topics:

• Position 1: Identifying and describing trajectories of erosion-induced soil change in the Brazilian Cerrado over the last 60 years, using fallout radionuclide tracers
• Position 2: Developing and testing a process-oriented model of erosion-induced soil change, tailored to tropical soils.

Description of the positions

The successful candidates will join the first phase of the TASC project. They will participate in an extensive soil sampling campaign in Central Brazil and lead a series of field and laboratory experiments using rainfall simulators, fluorescent tracers, and UAV surveys. Position 1 will focus on elucidating how accelerated erosion on arable land has changed the soils from the Brazilian Cerrado over the last 60 years, using fallout radionuclides tracers and data from long-term erosion plot experiments. Position 2 will use fluorescent tracers to track the movement of individual soil particles in simulated and natural rainfall experiments in Brazil, which will be used to develop a novel model of erosion-induced soil change based on a travel-distance approach specifically tailored to tropical soils. More information is provided on the project website ( https://www.uni-augsburg.de/en/fakultaet/fai/geo/prof/georwa/projects/tasc).

The PhD students (m/f/d) will be integrated into the Water and Soil Resources Research working group – a team engaged in several erosion-related projects in Europe, Africa, and Brazil. In addition to the dynamic exchange within this vibrant working group, the Institute of Geography offers a comprehensive program of graduate courses for PhD students.

Requirements:

We are looking for highly motivated and independent researchers with a strong interest in soil science, fieldwork, and experimental methods. We look for applicants with:

• A Master’s degree in soil science, physical geography, agronomy, or a related field.
• Experience in soil sampling and laboratory work (an advantage).
• Good knowledge of statistics and basic programming skills.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English (required); knowledge of German and/or Portuguese (an asset).
• Driver’s license (category B) is desirable.
• Willingness to spend 3–6 months in Brazil for fieldwork and experiments.

Equal opportunity statement

The University of Augsburg promotes professional equality for women. Women are expressly encouraged to apply. The University of Augsburg is exceptionally committed to family and working life compatibility. For more information, please get in touch with the Faculty's Women's Representative. Applicants with severe disabilities (m/f/d) will be given preference if their suitability, qualifications and professional performance are equal.

Application deadline: October 31, 2025

Please submit your application as a single PDF file including:

• Motivation letter including the position (1 or 2) you wish to apply for
• CV with at least two references
• Bachelor’s and Master’s certificates

Send your application to:

Dr Pedro Batista
University of Augsburg
Institute of Geography
E-mail: pedro.batista@geo.uni-augsburg.de

Review of applications will start on 01.11.2025 and continue until the position is filled.
For further information, see the project webpage (add link) and contact Dr Pedro Batista.

Please note that only the German version of the job advertisement is legally binding, which can be found on the website:

This English translation of the job advertisement is provided to help you understand the original German one.