FZ Juelich Master Thesis - Calibration of a Soil-Plant Model 2026

The BMFTR-funded project CROP (Combining Root Contrasted Phenotypes for More Resilient Agro-Ecosystems) aims to assess the benefits of combining contrasting wheat root phenotypes within the same field. The project focuses on the impact of root phenotypes on water, carbon, and nitrogen fluxes and cycles, microbial activity, and crop yield. In the first phase of the project, laboratory experiments were conducted and a soil–plant-microbiome model based on the functional-structural plant modeling framework CPlantBox was developed. The experimental dataset now provides the basis for model calibration and validation.

FZ Juelich seeking a motivated student to work on the calibration of this soil–plant model using existing experimental data. You will first become familiar with the experimental setup and the model structure. For each component of the model, you will then perform both direct calibration of model parameters using statistical analysis and indirect calibration by adapting existing scripts. Finally, model outputs will be visualized and analyzed to identify and understand discrepancies between simulations and experimental observations. The number of model components to be calibrated (root system structure, shoot structure, water flow, and carbon flow) will be adjusted to fit the timeframe of the Master’s project.

Your responsibilities / tasks

• Become familiar with the experimental setup and the soil–plant model
• Perform statistical data analysis for model calibration
• Adapt and extend existing scripts to run and evaluate the model
• Visualize and analyze model outputs
• Optionally, process remaining laboratory samples

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineNot Specified
• Study LevelMasters
• SponsorForschungszentrum Julich
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• 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
• Onboarding & teamwork: You can look forward to working in a dedicated, international, and collegial team. It is important to us that you quickly settle into the team and are given structured training for your tasks. We also support you from the very beginning and make your start easier with our Welcome Days and Welcome Guide
• 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
• Health & well-being: Your health is important to us. You can look forward to a comprehensive company health management programme with a wide range of options, including a beach volleyball court, running groups, yoga classes and much more. In addition, our company medical service and an experienced social counselling team are available to assist you on site
• Campus experience: Our research campus in the countryside creates 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 for your thesis

Requirements

• Enrolled in a Master’s program in plant science, soil science, applied mathematics/ modelling, or a related field
• Experience with Python
• Experience with using (biological or environmental) models
• Well-organized, reliable, and proactive
• Strong communication skills and ability to work in a team
• Very good command of written and spoken English with extensive vocabulary is required (at least B2 level according to the CEFR), ideally supported by a certificate confirming the language level.

Check also:
2026 Fully Funded Humboldt Research Fellowship
2026 Eutopia PhD Co-tutelle Call

Application Deadline

How To Apply

For more information, kindly visit FZ Juelich webpage.