Intern in “novel engineering approaches for steering soil life”

Background Soil and its properties are crucial for agricultural productivity, nutrient cycling, and environmental sustainability, but management towards maximum productivity diminishes soil health globally. Despite its importance, it is not known how land use impacts the deterioration of soil properties, and to what extent this differs among agricultural soils across the northern part of the Netherlands and Germany. Soil properties determine the development of crops and other life in the soil. When soil life is disrupted, soils lose resilience and fertility, impacting crop yield. By developing methods to support soil life, we aim to provide farmers with tools to steer soil health.   Research goals The aim of the project is to determine the physicochemical properties of soils in the north of the Netherlands and Germany. You will work in the field to sample soils and in the laboratory to conduct standard soil analytical techniques. Together with our team you will visit farms across the North of the Netherlands and Germany to collect soil samples. Back in the lab, you will take part in preparing sampling for further analysis and you will participate in the analysis of soil biological, chemical and physical properties. Through this internship, you will gain hands-on experience in soil sampling and laboratory methods, data handling, and interpretation of soil indicators in an agricultural and environmental context. The project contributes to broader research on sustainable soil and water management across European agro-ecosystems.   Your profile:

• You are studying in the Netherlands (any nationality)
• You are a Bachelor student in soil science, agricultural sciences, environmental sciences or a related field
• Good communication skills in English
• Dutch and/or German knowledge is a plus
• Driver’s license is a plus
• Interest in soil science and field work

  Your benefits:

• Hands-on experience in applied soil research
• Practical training in soil sampling and laboratory techniques and data analysis
• Exposure to interdisciplinary research at a multinational research organization
• Contribution to research supporting sustainable agriculture and water technology
• Allowance of up to 425 €/month. Grant holding students (i.e. Erasmus or others) receiving financial support of less than €425 per month can apply for a top-up supplement to the maximum allowance.

  How to apply:

• Please upload your CV (max 2 pages, A4) and motivation letter (max. 1 page, A4) and a list of the relevant courses attended and the equivalent ECTS via the application form provided (in English) here .
• Feel free to contact Brenda Speek ( [staat bij de werkgever] ) or Dr. Ángel Velasco Sánchez ( [staat bij de werkgever] ) if you have further questions or need more information.