PhD in Geobiosshere science at Lund University
Overview
Type of employment: Limit of tenure, 2012-08-14
Extent: 100 %
Location: Department of Earth and Ecosystem Sciences (Geology Unit), Lund
First day of employment: 2011-08-15
Official Records Number: NPA 2011/199
Job assignments
Biogeochemical cycling of silica in Arctic ecosystems
High latitude continental ecosystems are well known as important reservoirs of organic carbon in tundra and boreal soils. Sedges and grasses account for an important part of these circumpolar carbon stores and are also recognized as accumulating vast quantities of amorphous silica. Information about the quantity, quality and characteristics of the amorphous silica accumulated in high latitude ecosystems is lacking.
These ecosystems are hypothesized to contain globally significant quantities of amorphous silica. In a warming climate as we are experiencing today, the area of permafrost is likely to be significantly reduced with potentially large quantities of dissolved silicate released during organic matter decomposition along with the nutrients N and P. Knowledge concerning changes in the flux of Si, N and P from the continents have a major bearing on ocean productivity and eventual burial of carbon in the deep ocean.
The Ph.D. project will investigate the amorphous silica content from Arctic ecosystems, particularly in boreal and tundra ecosystems. In addition, the project will link these amorphous silica stocks to those of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus. The Ph.D. thesis will ultimately revolve around the concept of carbon and silica stocks in Arctic ecosystems, the interpretation of these stocks in the context of climate change and permafrost thawing and the interactions with other nutrient cycles.
The project will be carried out within the framework of DEFROST, a Nordic Center of Excellence http://www.ncoe-defrost.org and is financed by the Swedish Science Council (VR).
Eligibility/Entry Requirements
The applicants are expected to hold a university degree (preferably MSc. or equivalent) in natural sciences. A degree in subjects like Geology, Geochemistry, Geography or Aquatic Ecology is preferable. Documented experience in field studies is an advantage. Experience of scientific publication in English is an asset.
Basis of Assessment
Regulations for Ph.D. positions will be found in SFS regulations 1998:80 (in Swedish). This position can only be appointed to a person eligible for postgraduate studies. Particular emphasis for admission shall be placed upon the applicant`s ability to successfully complete postgraduate studies, as indicated by academic qualifications and merits. Apart from postgraduate education, the successful applicant may be assigned other duties within undergraduate teaching, research, and administrative work according to special regulations.
Additional Information
The Ph.D. studies are 4 years full time. The starting date is negotiable, but the project should commence during spring. Applications for this position should include a letter stating the reasons why you are applying to this particular position and a statement of motivation on why you want to undertake a Ph.D., a CV with general personal information and details of previous study/work record.
Deadline : May, 20th 2011
