2 PhD scholarships are available within the project “Carbon cycling from a catchment perspective: an integrated approach to terrestrial-aquatic linkages in the Tana River basin (Kenya)”. This project (2009-2012) is funded by the Research Foundation – Flanders, and involves a collaboration between the Department of Earth & Environmenal Sciences at the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (Steven Bouillon, Roel Merckx) and the Department of Analytical and Environmental Chemistry at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Filip Meysman, Frank Dehairs). Both positions involve a 4 year PhD research program and are available from January 2009 onwards.
PhD 1: Stable isotope biogeochemistry of the Tana River Basin (Kenya)
The goal of this PhD project is to study the role of catchment land-use, vegetation patterns and soil characteristics on the origin and processing of organic matter in the Tana river system. The PhD will be based at KUL, and the research will involve various biogeochemical measurements during field campaigns together with in situ and laboratory 13C and 15N tracer experiments. The focus will be on the characterization of different carbon pools in the Tana river basin (incl. 13C and 14C on POC, DOC, DIC, and compound-specific stable isotope work on PLFA and n-alkanes), as well as quantification of the CO2 source/sink strength and aquatic metabolism throughout this tropical river basin. The laboratory experiments will focus on the exchange and partitioning of organic matter between dissolved and particulate phases.
Profile and qualifications: We seek a creative person with a broad interest in biogeochemistry and the functioning of ecosystems, who is motivated to work in a multidisciplinary research environment. Candidates must hold a Master degree in biology, geochemistry, geology, geography, or a related field in the environmental sciences. Previous experience with organic matter characterization and/or stable isotope techniques are strong advantages. Several fieldwork campaigns in Kenya will be required. Salary and employment terms are set in accordance with the university regulations at the time of appointment. Further information can be requested from Steven Bouillon ( steven.bouillon@ees.kuleuven.be).
PhD 2: An integrated modeling approach to carbon cycling in the Tana River Basin (Kenya)
The focus of this PhD project is to arrive at a quantitative understanding of the organic matter dynamics within the Tana River basin. The PhD will be based at VUB and the work will be a combination of experiments and modelling. In the modeling part, the applicant will use existing models as a template, in order to develop a reactive transport model for the downstream part of the Tana river (~700 km segment). This model needs to better constrain the source, transport and fate of suspended matter, particulate organic carbon, and dissolved organic matter along the flowpath of the Tana river system. Simulations will be carried out in an R-based biogeochemical modeling environment. The experimental part involves the joint 13C- and 15N-labelling studies that target the microbial processing and preservation of organic matter along the river continuum. The applicant will also assist with the biogeochemical measurements in the field campaigns.
Profile and qualifications: We seek a creative person with a broad interest in biogeochemistry and the functioning of ecosystems, who is motivated to work in a multidisciplinary research environment. Candidates must hold a Master degree in biogeochemistry, oceanography, geology, geography, chemical engineering, or a related field in the environmental sciences. Quantitative skills and experience with mathematical modelling are a plus. Salary and employment terms are set in accordance with the university regulations at the time of appointment. Further information can be requested from Prof. Filip Meysman (filip.meysman@vub.ac.be ).
To apply for either of these positions, please send a motivation letter, CV and and names of three references to Steven Bouillon (PhD1) or Filip Meysman (PhD2), before 31 th of December.
PhD 1: Stable isotope biogeochemistry of the Tana River Basin (Kenya)
The goal of this PhD project is to study the role of catchment land-use, vegetation patterns and soil characteristics on the origin and processing of organic matter in the Tana river system. The PhD will be based at KUL, and the research will involve various biogeochemical measurements during field campaigns together with in situ and laboratory 13C and 15N tracer experiments. The focus will be on the characterization of different carbon pools in the Tana river basin (incl. 13C and 14C on POC, DOC, DIC, and compound-specific stable isotope work on PLFA and n-alkanes), as well as quantification of the CO2 source/sink strength and aquatic metabolism throughout this tropical river basin. The laboratory experiments will focus on the exchange and partitioning of organic matter between dissolved and particulate phases.
Profile and qualifications: We seek a creative person with a broad interest in biogeochemistry and the functioning of ecosystems, who is motivated to work in a multidisciplinary research environment. Candidates must hold a Master degree in biology, geochemistry, geology, geography, or a related field in the environmental sciences. Previous experience with organic matter characterization and/or stable isotope techniques are strong advantages. Several fieldwork campaigns in Kenya will be required. Salary and employment terms are set in accordance with the university regulations at the time of appointment. Further information can be requested from Steven Bouillon ( steven.bouillon@ees.kuleuven.be).
PhD 2: An integrated modeling approach to carbon cycling in the Tana River Basin (Kenya)
The focus of this PhD project is to arrive at a quantitative understanding of the organic matter dynamics within the Tana River basin. The PhD will be based at VUB and the work will be a combination of experiments and modelling. In the modeling part, the applicant will use existing models as a template, in order to develop a reactive transport model for the downstream part of the Tana river (~700 km segment). This model needs to better constrain the source, transport and fate of suspended matter, particulate organic carbon, and dissolved organic matter along the flowpath of the Tana river system. Simulations will be carried out in an R-based biogeochemical modeling environment. The experimental part involves the joint 13C- and 15N-labelling studies that target the microbial processing and preservation of organic matter along the river continuum. The applicant will also assist with the biogeochemical measurements in the field campaigns.
Profile and qualifications: We seek a creative person with a broad interest in biogeochemistry and the functioning of ecosystems, who is motivated to work in a multidisciplinary research environment. Candidates must hold a Master degree in biogeochemistry, oceanography, geology, geography, chemical engineering, or a related field in the environmental sciences. Quantitative skills and experience with mathematical modelling are a plus. Salary and employment terms are set in accordance with the university regulations at the time of appointment. Further information can be requested from Prof. Filip Meysman (filip.meysman@vub.ac.be ).
To apply for either of these positions, please send a motivation letter, CV and and names of three references to Steven Bouillon (PhD1) or Filip Meysman (PhD2), before 31 th of December.
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