Job Announcement

The University of Potsdam was founded in 1991 and has firmly established itself within the scientific landscape and
developed into an outstanding economic factor and growth engine for the region. The University of Potsdam excels
in acquiring third-party funds, has received multiple teaching awards, has a very service-oriented administration,
and has been honored several times for its family-friendly culture. About 21,000 students and 3,000 employees
study and work at three campuses – Am Neuen Palais, Griebnitzsee and Golm – at one of Germany’s most scenic
institutions of higher education.

The Faculty of Science/Institute of Environmental Science and Geography, Chair of Soil
Sciences and Geoecology at the University of Potsdam invites applications for the following
position limited to 3 years, which will be filled as soon as possible:

Academic Staff Member
ID no. 378/2024

The successful candidate will work 30 hours per week (75%). The position is classified within
remuneration group 13 of the collective wage agreement among the German states (TV-L).
The fixed term of employment is in accordance with Section 2 subsection 1 of the German Act
on Limited Scientific Contracts (Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz or WissZeitVG.

Your Field of Work:
We invite applications for a PhD candidate position to join our interdisciplinary research project
„Sustainable and climate adapted water management in mining of the Southern African Region
– WaMiSAR“ funded by the German Ministry of Education and Research. The project aims to
develop and implement innovative solutions for sustainable mining water management, ad-
dressing climate adaptation, water quality, environmental pollution, and socio-economic im-
pacts. The successful candidate will work on exploring reclamation (revegetation) strategies
for mine residue deposits using mine water resources for irrigation in diverse Namibian and
South African climates. The thesis includes on site field and lab work. (https://www.uni-pots-
dam.de/de/umwelt/forschung/ag-bodenkunde-und-geooekologie)

The Scope of Your Responsibilities:
• Organizing the tasks of the project part of Potsdam University

• Conducting fieldwork for crop and soil data collection at various mining sites in Namibia and

South Africa

• Supporting the development of low-cost soil moisture sensors
• Analysing water and soil quality in labs at Potsdam University and at labs of project partners
• Developing and implementing concepts for greening of mine residue deposits under various

climates in the Southern African Region

• Publishing research findings in scientific journals and present at conferences

Further scientific qualification (doctorate or post-doctoral thesis (Habilitation)) is possible. At
least one-third of working hours is available for in-depth scientific work.

Your Qualifications:
• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Ecology, Biology, Geosciences, Agricultural Science, or a related field

• Drivers licence for cars
• Ability to fluently interact in English language, both written and spoken
• Comprehensive knowledge of the soil-plant-water nexus

• Proven experience in laboratory as well as fieldwork related to soil investigations and plant

growth

• Basic experience in electronics and a keen interest in developing soil moisture sensors is

advantageous

• High proficiency in English, both written and spoken for scientific publications and presen-

tations; proficiency in German is advantageous

• Motivation to work in interdisciplinary and inter-cultural teams and ability to work inde-

pendently

• Willingness to spend extended periods in Namibia as well as in Karlsruhe

What We Offer:
As a university, we combine the developmental strength of a teaching and research institution
with the attractive working conditions of the public sector. The University of Potsdam is a
reliable employer that supports its employees with a variety of offers and benefits:

• Develop yourself and your professional as well as interdisciplinary competencies in various

continuing education and networking opportunities offered by the University of Potsdam.

• All locations have good transport connections. They can receive a monthly subsidy for the

public transport job ticket and use campus bicycles.

• Benefit from a company pension plan, a special annual payment and asset-building ser-

vices.

• Take advantage of the diverse offers from occupational health management as well as uni-

versity sports.

• To improve work-life balance, the University of Potsdam offers its employees flexible work-

ing hours and proportional home office hours. You have 30 vacation days per year and are
also exempt from work on December 24 and 31. Our service for families can advise you on
issues relating to the reconciliation of work and family life.

You can find more information about working at the University of Potsdam at
https://www.uni-potsdam.de/de/arbeiten-an-der-up/arbeitgeberin/uebersicht

For more information about this position, please contact Prof. Stefan Norra by email:
stefan.norra@uni-potsdam.de.

Your Application
Please send us your application by the deadline of January 6, 2025 and provide the ID no.
378/2024,preferably by email to stefan.norra@uni-potsdam.de or through the postal system
to the University of Potsdam, Chair of Soil Sciences and Geoecology, Institute of Environmen-
tal Sciences and Geography, Potsdam University, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 24-25, 14476 Potsdam.

The University of Potsdam values the diversity of its community and pursues the goals of equal
opportunity regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion/belief, disability,
age, and sexual orientation and identity. Applications from abroad and from persons with an
immigrant background are expressly encouraged. The university strives for a balanced gender
ratio in all employment groups; in areas where women are underrepresented, women are given
preference in case of equal suitability (Section 7 paragraph 4 of the Brandenburg Higher
Education Act). People with disabilities are given preferential consideration in cases of equal
qualifications. In aptitude tests and selection interviews, individual disadvantage
compensations are granted that are appropriate to their disability. If a person with a disability
would like to make use of individual disadvantage compensation, please state this in the
application letter.

If you would like for us to return your application documents, please enclose a self-addressed
stamped envelope with sufficient postage.

Potsdam, 21.11.2024