Student Assistant (with the possibility of a Bachelor- / Master Thesis) - Analysis of root traits from a field experiment

In the coming decades, climate change and shifts in land use will have a significant impact on the productivity of terrestrial ecosystems in terms of the services they provide (food, feed, fiber, energy), as well as on the challenges society must address. At the Institute of Bio- and Geosciences – Agrosphere (IBG-3), we develop solutions to safeguard ecosystem services based on an improved understanding of hydrological and biogeochemical processes in terrestrial systems. Our focus is on agricultural and forest systems, which are coming under increasing pressure due to global change. Innovative observation technologies are combined with laboratory experiments and modeling to investigate and predict terrestrial processes across scales (from the pore scale through the field scale to the continental scale), thereby contributing to the sustainable use of the natural resources water, soil, and atmosphere.

Your Job

Your main task will be to analyze root samples from a field experiment with wheat, in which we are investigating the effects of genotype and nitrogen treatments on root traits.

This consists of three main activities: (i) preparation of root crown samples for scanning (i.e. separating crown and seminal roots and arranging them for image acquisition); (ii) root scanning with a high-resolution scanner and image analysis of root architectural traits; and (iii) annotation of root anatomical traits from previously processed images and data analysis of genotype × treatment effects on root traits.

Your Tasks in Detail:

• Preparation of root crown samples
• Root image analysis using scientific software
• Data processing and annotation of root anatomical traits

Your Profile

• Interest in plant science
• Advanced bachelor or master student in Agriculture/Plant Science/Biology or other natural science
• Self-organized way of working
• Experience in working with scientific data is an advantage
• Experience with scientific image analysis software (e.g. ImageJ, SmartRoot, RhizoVision) is advantageous.
• Language skills: English (C1/C2 according to the ), ideally supported by a certificate confirming the language level) and / or German

Our Benefits for You

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We support you in your work with:

• Meaningful Tasks: Your thesis deals with a future-oriented, socially relevant topic with direct practical relevance in an international environment
• Practical relevance: With us, you will gain valuable practical experience alongside your studies and actively participate in interdisciplinary projects
• Scientific environment: You can expect excellent scientific equipment, modern technologies, and qualified support from experienced colleagues
• Personal responsibility: You organize your tasks independently—from preparation to implementation
• Teamwork: You can look forward to working in a dedicated, international, and collegial team.
• Work-life balance: We offer flexible working hours to help you balance your professional and personal life. You also have the option of flexible working (in terms of location), which is generally possible after consultation and in line with upcoming tasks and (on-site) appointments
• Flexibility: Flexible working hours make it easier for you to balance work and study. Remote work (for the image analysis and data analysis tasks of the project)
• Campus experience: Our research campus in the countryside offers ideal conditions for collegial exchange and sporting activities right on site. Our cafeteria offers a wide range of options—you can enjoy a relaxing lunch break with a lake view
• Fair remuneration: We will pay you a reasonable remuneration
• Duration: The position is limited to a period of 2 months, with 9-19 h per week

In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial working environment, we offer you much more:

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.

The following links provide further information on diversity and equal opportunities: and on specific support options for women:

Place of Employment: Jülich

Start Date: To the next possible date

Salary: We will pay you a appropriate remunerationfor your thesis

Application Deadline: The position will be advertised until it is successfully filled.

Index number: 2026M-0628