Doctoral Researcher in Tree-Soil Systems

About us

The University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character.

The Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine (FSTM) at the University of Luxembourg contributes multidisciplinary expertise in the fields of Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Life Sciences and Medicine.
Through its dual mission of teaching and research, the FSTM seeks to generate and disseminate knowledge and train new generations of responsible citizens in order to better understand, explain and advance society and environment we live in.

Your role

The University of Luxembourg invites applications for a fully funded doctoral position in mathematical and computational modelling within the framework of the doctoral training unit Forest Function Under Stress (FORFUS).

Forests are essential to climate regulation, water cycling, biodiversity and human wellbeing. Yet increasing drought, heatwaves and environmental pressures threaten their resilience. While much attention is given to visible canopy decline, the long-term stability of forests is strongly determined by processes occurring below ground. Trees allocate a substantial proportion of their carbon below the surface to sustain roots and symbiotic mycorrhizal fungi, forming a dynamic exchange network that governs water and nutrient uptake. Despite its importance, this underground system remains insufficiently understood from a mechanistic and modelling perspective.

This PhD project aims to develop innovative mathematical and computational models that describe how trees exchange carbon, water and nutrients with the soil through adaptive root and fungal networks. The successful candidate will design and implement a modelling framework based on Partial Differential Equations (PDEs) to represent the coupled dynamics of roots, mycorrhizal fungi and soil resources under varying environmental conditions. The work will integrate concepts from applied mathematics, computational mechanics and biological network modelling, contributing to a new generation of mechanistic tree and ecosystem models.

The position offers the opportunity to work at the interface of mathematics and environmental science in a highly interdisciplinary research environment. The doctoral researcher will collaborate closely with experimental soil scientists, ecologists and forest modellers within the FORFUS consortium, and will be embedded in the Doctoral Programme in Complex Systems Science at the University of Luxembourg. The modelling approaches developed in this project share conceptual similarities with adaptive network and multiscale modelling strategies used in other domains within the computational mechanics group of Prof. Stéphane Bordas (www.legato‐team.eu, www.uni.lu), offering broad methodological training and transferable expertise.

Your Responsibilities:

• Conduct research in the field of Multiscale Computational Methods for novel metamaterials as described above
• Develop theories, methods and computational tools
• Participate in project meetings / secondments
• Collaborate with external industrial and academic partners
• Disseminate research findings through publications and conference presentations

For further information please contact Prof. Stéphane Bordas () with CC to Dr. Jakub Lengiewicz ().

Your profile

• A Master's degree in Applied Mathematics, Computational Science, Physics, Engineering, or a closely related discipline
• Strong background in differential equations and numerical methods
• Solid programming skills e.g. Python, C++, Julia or similar
• Interest in interdisciplinary research bridging mathematics and environmental systems
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an international environment

Language Requirements:

Applicants must demonstrate at least B2-level proficiency in the language of their thesis. For details and accepted certificates, please visit the Application for admission - Doctoral Candidates.

We offer

• Multilingual and international character. Modern institution with a personal atmosphere. Staff coming from 90 countries. Member of the "University of the Greater Region" (UniGR)
• A modern and dynamic university. High-quality equipment. Close ties to the business world and to the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban site with excellent infrastructure
• A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and with numerous non-academic partners such as ministries, local governments, associations, NGOs …

How to apply

Applications should include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter presenting your motivation for this doctoral thesis topic, and explaining how your qualifications and aspirations align with its academic focus
• Transcript of all modules and results from university-level courses taken

Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by Email will not be considered.

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. In line with our values, the University of Luxembourg promotes an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are dedicated to upholding equality and respect for our employees and students.

General information:

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 36 Month
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Belval Campus
• Internal Title: Doctoral Researcher
• Job Reference: UOL08037

The yearly gross salary for every PhD at the UL is EUR 41976 (full time).