PhD Position: Reconstructing Holocene methane oxidation pathways in the Beaufort Sea
100% //Start 1st of August 2023
The Aquatic and Isotope Biogeochemistry Research Group at the Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Basel (https://duw.unibas.ch/de/bgc/) invites applications for one PhD position in the field of paleoclimatology (methane oxidation/ biogeochemistry in marine environments). The student will be located at the University of Basel, and research is planned in collaboration with scientists from ETH Zurich, The Netherland Institute of Sea Research (NIOZ) and Harvard University. The project investigates Holocene methane processes (oxidation and production) in the Canadian Beaufort Sea using organic biogeochemistry in sedimentary record.
Your position
You will be responsible for extracting and analyzing biomarkers from sedimentary records, as well as building an age model for sedimentary cores from the arctic study region. Additional tasks include measurements of dissolved methane concentration... The research will involve intensive laboratory work including the use of gas-chromatographic and stable isotope methods (GC, GC-IRMS, GC-MS), as well as molecular/genetic techniques. It will also provide ample opportunities for fieldwork in summer and winter in the Canadian Arctic.
Your profile
We are looking for a motivated candidate with a MSc in environmental sciences, geoscience, chemistry, or a related discipline, preferentially with previous experience with stable isotope measurements and/or the analysis of organic compounds. Ideally, the candidate has a solid background in one or several of the following research fields: paleoclimatology, oceanography, (bio-) geochemistry in aquatic systems. An interest in paleoclimatology / methane biogeochemistry is expected. The ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and good communication skills including fluency in English are essential.
We offer you
The PhD project (100%) will be part of a research project funded for 4 years by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNF). We offer an international, multidisciplinary work environment and excellent research infrastructure. Compensation will be according to the guidelines of the Swiss National Science Foundation (https://snf.ch). Expected starting date is 1st August 2023 or shortly after.
Application / Contact
Please submit your complete application documents, including a letter stating your motivation, experience and skills, a CV, and contact details of two references as a single pdf file via our online recruiting platform.
For further information please contact Dr. Julie Lattaud (Julie.lattaud@erdw.ethz.ch) or Prof. Dr. Moritz Lehmann (moritz.lehmann@unibas.ch). Review of applications will begin 1st February 2023 and will continue until the position is filled.
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