PhD position in Microbial methane consumption in contrasting ocean environments

Project Title
Microbial methane consumption in contrasting ocean environments: effects of elevated seepage and
geochemical boundary conditions

Job Description 
A 3-year PhD position within the framework of a joint Swiss-German research project on microbial methane consumption in the ocean. The candidate will be based at the University of Basel, Switzerland (Department of Environmental Sciences, Stable Isotope Geochemistry and Aquatic Biogeochemistry Group), but extended sojourns at the Helmholtz Center for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR) are planned. The focus of the position will be to assess microbial methane oxidation in ocean sediments and the water column in relation to (changing) biogeochemical boundary conditions. The research will involve field sampling onboard international, seagoing research vessels as well as laboratory work in Basel and Kiel. The candidate will be exposed to (and trained in) a wide range of analytical methods including lipid biomarker-, radio-tracer- and stable isotope assays as well as microbiological techniques for determining pathways and rates of methane oxidation, and the microbial communities involved. Students with a background in Environmental- /Geo-Sciences, Biogeochemistry, Biology or Analytical Chemistry, and with interests in a highly multidisciplinary work environment are encouraged to apply.

Academic requirement 
Masters/Diploma degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate subject for the project.

Application 
Applicants should submit a CV, a statement of research interests, and the names and contact information for two references via e-mail to Dr. H. Niemann, Dept. of Environmental Sciences, University of Basel, Switzerland (helge.niemann@unibas.ch).

Application Deadline: 20th February 2012
Interview Date: beginning of March 2012
Start Date: April 2012

Contact 
Dr. Helge Niemann
Dept. Environmental Sciences, University of Basel
Bernoullistrasse 30, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
phone: ++41-61-2673615
e-mail: helge.niemann@unibas.ch
http://pages.unibas.ch/environment/index_e.html

Prof. Dr. Tina Treude
Department of Marine Biogeochemistry
Helmholtz Center for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)
Wischhofstr. 1-3, 24148 Kiel, Germany
phone: ++49-4316002837
e-mai: ttreude@geomar.de
www.ifm-geomar.de/~ttreude

Post-Doc Position at the University of Uppsala, Sweden

The primary objective of the work is to develop and validate remote sensing based method for estimating surface water pCO2 and CO2 exchange between water and atmosphere using other satellite products.

The position involves downloading and work with various satellite products, developing methods for in-situ observation in the Baltic Sea region and developing satellite algorithms. The applicant should have experience in using remote sensing data and knowledge in air-sea interaction processes. This is primarily a research position. Teaching will be included to a maximum of 10% of full time.

 

Eligibility: To be eligible for a position as Post-doc, the applicant must hold a PhD or equivalent. The applicants PhD degree must have been obtained no more than three years prior to the application date. The PhD can be older than three years if there are special circumstances. Such special circumstances can be periods of sick leave, parental leave etc, which are deducted from the three-year period. The requirement for this position is a PhD in meteorology/oceanography or corresponding competence.

 

Ranking criteria: In ranking eligible candidates, special importance will be given to scientific skills in relation to the subject area specified. Special weight will be given to earlier experiences in analysing remote sensing data and of working with air-sea interaction processes. In filling this position the university aims to recruit the person who, in the combined evaluation of competence, skills and documented qualifications, is judged most suitable to carry out and develop the work-in-hand and to contribute to a positive development of the department.

 

How to apply: The application should be written in English and should include a short description of the applicant and his/her research interests. It should also include a CV, copies of relevant examination certificates, a copy of the PhD Thesis and publications as well as other relevant documents (e.g. letters of recommendation or names of reference persons).
Uppsala University is striving to achieve a more even gender balance and women are especially encouraged to apply. For more details please visit:

http://www2.personalavd.uu.se/ledigaplatser/486postdokeng.html