Trajectories of erosion-induced soil change on tropical arable land

The University of Augsburg is offering two PhD positions in the Emmy Noether project 'Trajectories of erosion-induced soil change on tropical arable land' (TASC), led by Prof. Pedro Batista at the Institute of Geography. The project investigates soil erosion and its impacts on tropical soils, with a particular focus on Brazilian agricultural systems. Position 1 will reconstruct erosion-induced soil change in the Brazilian Cerrado over the past 60 years using fallout radionuclides and long-term erosion plot data. Position 2 will develop and test a process-oriented model of erosion-induced tropical-soil change using tracer experiments under natural and simulated rainfall. The project aims to fill major knowledge gaps about soil degradation in the tropics and develop new tools for anticipating and managing erosion-induced soil change. The positions are funded for three years at 65% TV-L 13, starting February 2026, and are supported by the German Research Foundation (DFG). Applicants should have a relevant Master's degree and skills in environmental science, geography, or related fields. The application deadline is October 31, 2025. Interested candidates should apply by email to Prof. Pedro Batista and consult the job offer and project information links for further details.