Master Thesis Project - Department of Computational Landscape Ecology
Topic: The effects of nutrient additions on cropland yield
The job
Food security is a major issue for modern society. Farmers all over the world use fertilizers in order to increase cropland yield. However, an exaggerated dosage and long-term application might bring the opposite results, due to, indicatively, a decrease in soil fertility. In addition, climate change might also affect the production of existing varieties, ultimately decreasing the effectiveness of fertilizers.We aim to explore the potential applications of network meta-analyses on the effectiveness of different fertilizer types on yield.
Place of work
LeipzigWorking time
19h / weekContract limitations
limited contract / 6 monthsContact
Your contact for any questions you may have about the job:
Dr. Elina Takola, email: elina.takola@ufz.de, Twitter(X): @ElinaTakola
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
Food security is a major issue for modern society. Farmers all over the world use fertilizers in order to increase cropland yield. However, an exaggerated dosage and long-term application might bring the opposite results, due to, indicatively, a decrease in soil fertility. In addition, climate change might also affect the production of existing varieties, ultimately decreasing the effectiveness of fertilizers.
We aim to explore the potential applications of network meta-analyses on the effectiveness of different fertilizer types on yield.
Your tasks
- Search and identify literature related to network meta-analyss and critically reflect on its potential to address ecological problems
- Write an extensive review on the applications of network meta-analyses on ecological issues
- Compile a dataset on the effects of fertilizers on yield
- Conduct a network meta-analysis on the dataset
We offer
- Great insights into work of a leading research institute
- Individual supervision with the possibility to work independently
- A topic with high chances of future scientific outcomes
- Work in international teams in a well-equipped institute
Your profile
- Creative thinking and willing to explore uncharted territories of Ecology, through a high-risk project
- Holding a BSc degree on Ecology, Biology, Environmental or Earth Sciences
- Very good written and oral communication skills in English (working language is English)
- Ability to work independently
- Good knowledge of R programming
- Good knowledge of statistics
- Experience or demonstrable knowledge of meta-analysis will be beneficial
If you are interested, please submit as one pdf file:
- a CV (max. 2 pages, please do not include any certificates)
- a cover letter (please describe your understanding of the topic, e.g. why you think it is important to address the issue of network meta-analyses in ecological questions and how you can address issues that may arise during the project, in maximum 2 pages)
- an academic transcript (BSc and if available, MSc)