PhD Position, Marine Biogeochemistry

PhD Position available in Marine Biogeochemistry at the Leibniz Institut für Meereswissenschaften in Kiel (IfM-Geomar), Germany as part of a DFG funded IPY GEOTRACES project.

Topic:“The influence of Fe on the distribution and kinetic speciation of Zn, Cd, Co and Ni in the Southern Ocean”.

Recent research has clearly demonstrated the role of iron supply in controlling primary productivity in the Southern Ocean and in turn the cycling of other key bio-elements (Co, Ni, Cd and Zn). It is now also clear that these other elements play a role in controlling the species composition of phytoplankton and importantly the rates at which macronutrients are consumed by phytoplankton. These changes in rates of uptake are then reflected as differences in the nutrient ratios, or metal to nutrient ratios, of the phytoplankton themselves. Understanding of these processes is thus critical for investigations into the primary productivity of the Southern Ocean and the sources and sinks for major nutrients. This project forms part of a comprehensive IPY GEOTRACES program and is focused on the chemical speciation and distribution of the key bio-elements (Co, Ni, Cd and Zn) over a range of different Fe and macronutrient conditions.

The PhD student will utilize state of the art techniques (FIA-chemiluminescence, Voltammetry) for laboratory and shipboard determination of trace metal speciation in the Southern Ocean, starting with a cruise in early 2008. While experience in analytical chemistry would be an advantage, applications from students with bioscience or geoscience background are also welcome.

Applications close September 14, 2007, and the candidate should be able to commence the project shortly thereafter. Candidates should have a good knowledge of either English or German. For general information on research at the Leibniz Institut für Meereswissenschaften und CAU-Kiel, see http://www.ifm-geomar.de

Please apply in writing, enclosing curriculum vitae and the names and addresses of two referees, to:

Dr Peter Croot
Fachbereich 2: Marine Biogeochemie
Diesntgebäude Westufer
Leibniz Institut fuer Meereswissenschaften
24105 Kiel
Germany
Or email (also for informal enquiries): pcroot@ifm-geomar.de

Online Education

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Graduate Assistantship (M.S., Ph.D.)

Opportunities for teaching and research assistantships are available for qualified graduate students for the 2008-2009 academic year at the USM Department of Marine Science. Annual stipends range from $20,400 to $21,600 and include full tuition waivers. The department has active ongoing basic and applied research programs in all emphasis areas (geological, chemical, biological and physical oceanography and hydrographic science), with strong field- and lab-based components. Departmental resources include extensive laboratory and state-of-the-art analytical and computational facilities. Particular research strengths are in sedimentology, isotope geochemistry, biogeochemistry, trace metal geochemistry, large scale ocean and coastal circulation studies, paleooceanography, marine technology, hydrographic science, remote sensing-ocean observing, acoustics, phytoplankton ecology and microbiology. The location of the department at the John C. Stennis Space Center provides ready access to coastal systems and collaborative opportunities with a myriad of federal agencies (NASA, NOAA, NRL, NAVO, USGS, EPA). Applicants should visit http://www.usm.edu/marine/ for additional information and application instructions.