🔗 Project Summary

The overarching question of this doctoral research will be:

How does the presence or absence of full trophic chains affect carbon and nutrient cycling in natural ecosystems, in the present day and under future climate change?

Lines of research include:

• Familiarize yourself with the ecosystem models LPJ-GUESS and Madingley
• Further develop key processes in Madingley (e.g. selective or height-dependent feeding; introduction of detritivores, etc.)
• Explore literature and other data sources to support parameterization and model evaluation
• Conduct simulations and evaluate output against observations
• Develop ideas for model applications, simulation set-up, analysis and publications
• Document code development and performance

🌟 Why This Scholarship Stands Out

This PhD is unique because it focuses on a largely overlooked component of ecosystem modeling: animals. Most carbon cycle models only consider plants and microbes, yet animals – from insects to large herbivores – profoundly affect nutrient cycling through grazing, trampling, and waste deposition. You will work with two complementary models: LPJ-GUESS (a dynamic global vegetation model) and Madingley (a mechanistic model of animal populations). The position includes a one-year research stay at the University of Melbourne, where you will collaborate with the Quantitative Ecology Group. This is rare – most ecosystem modeling PhDs are purely plant-focused. The skills you develop in C++ and model development are highly transferable to both academic research and climate tech careers. For someone who wants to understand whole ecosystems, not just trees, this is ideal.

✅ Candidate Profile and Eligibility

📝 My Application Strategy

1. Demonstrate your C++ skills – Even if from coursework, provide specific examples of projects or assignments. Model development requires this language
2. Show interest in animal ecology – Read papers on trophic cascades, rewilding, or herbivory impacts on carbon cycling. Mention them in your motivation letter
3. Familiarize yourself with LPJ-GUESS and Madingley – Both models are open-source. Download the user guides and mention your initiative in the application
4. Highlight the Australia connection – Explain why collaborating with Melbourne’s Quantitative Ecology Group excites you (they are world leaders in animal movement and population modeling)
5. Prepare a 5-minute explanation of why animals matter for carbon cycling – most ecologists overlook this, so showing understanding sets you apart

💼 What They Offer

🎓 Who Should Apply

This scholarship is perfect for an M.Sc. graduate who is passionate about ecosystem modeling but wants to move beyond plant-only approaches. If you enjoy coding (especially C++) and are curious about how animals shape landscapes, this project offers a unique niche. Candidates with ecology backgrounds who want to develop advanced quantitative skills are especially encouraged. The ideal candidate is someone who sees forests not just as trees, but as dynamic systems where animals are active ecosystem engineers.

Useful Links

• PhD Forest Vulnerability Hotter Droughts Germany | KIT
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