PhD researcher in Climate modeling on orbital timescales (1,0 fte)

The Faculty of Geosciences offers education and research concerning the geosphere, biosphere, atmosphere and anthroposphere. With a population of 2200 students (BSc and MSc) and 575 staff, the faculty is a strong and challenging organisation. The Faculty is organised in four Departments: Innovation and Environmental Sciences, Earth Sciences, Physical Geography, and Human Geography and Urban and Regional Planning.

Currently, we are looking to fill the following position in a joint project between the Departments of Physical Geography and Earth Sciences:

PhD researcher in Climate modeling on orbital timescales (1,0 fte)

Job description

In this project we aim to advance our understanding of the mechanisms of orbital climate forcing, going from geological timescales to causal links.

Many climate records reflect the principal orbital cycles, which are associated with variations in the eccentricity of the Earth's orbit, the angle between the orbital plane and the equator (obliquity) and the date of perihelion (precession). These cycles are routinely applied to construct so-called astronomical timescales for the late Neogene (i.e. the last 14 million years). In this project we will perform climate model experiments in order to test different hypotheses on the causal links between astronomical forcing and climate signals in sedimentary records.

Hypothesized links are tropical monsoons, mid-latitude storm tracks and the large-scale ocean circulation. We will use state-of-the-art climate models, including a representation of the terrestrial biosphere and coupled off-line to a hydrological model of river discharge. Model results will be compared to data in collaboration with another PhD student who works in a matching project, which is part of the 7th EU framework ITN-GTSnext program. There will be a close collaboration with the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) for the modelling work.

The project involves scientists at Utrecht University, KNMI, University of Amsterdam, and various European research groups. Funding is provided by the Focus and Mass program of the Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University.

Qualifications

We are looking for a highly motivated individual with a MSc or equivalent degree in Climate or Atmospheric Sciences, Physical Oceanography, Physical Geography, Physics, Mathematics or related field. Experience, or a strong interest, in climate modeling and programming on UNIX-based computer systems is desirable. He/she communicates easily in English, both verbally and in writing, and has an interest in interdisciplinary research.

Terms of employment

We offer a PhD position (1,0 fte) with an initial 12 month contract. After a positive evaluation this contract can be extended to a maximum of 36 more months (a total of four years maximum) and with the specific intent that it results in a doctorate within this period. The salary for a full time appointment starts at € 2,042 and increases to € 2,612 gross per month in the fourth year of the appointment.

The salary will be supplemented by a holiday allowance of 8% per year and a year-end bonus of 8.3%.

In addition we also offer a pension scheme and flexible employment conditions. Conditions are based on the Collective Labour Agreement of the Dutch Universities.

Further details

For further details contact Prof Dr Nanne Weber at weber@geo.uu.nl.

You may also wish to visit the websites of Utrecht University's Institutes of Physical Geography and Earth Sciences: http://www.geo.uu.nl/pgri and http://www.geo.uu.nl/ivau.

How to apply

Applications, including a motivation for this position, a curriculum vitae and the names and contact details of two referees (with email addresses) should be submitted to:

Faculty of Geosciences,
Personnel Department,
P.O. Box 80.115,
3508 TC Utrecht, the Netherlands
or submitted by e-mail to: PenO@geo.uu.nl

Please mention vacancy number 72148 in all communications.

Applications are accepted until the position is filled, but we prefer to receive your application before August 23, 2009. We seek to appoint before November 1, 2009.

Two PhD positions:Electron transfer processes in anoxic aquifers

The Department of Hydrology at the University of Bayreuth offers two PhD Position for three years within the framework of the DFG Research Unit 580 "Electron Transfer Processes in Anoxic Aquifers". The position is open beginning this summer/autumn.

The dissertation projects focus on the reactivity of iron hydroxides in sulfidic ground waters, their role in the anaerobic sulphur cycle, and the linkage between the involved biogeochemical processes. The work comprises experiments in the laboratory and in the field. Further information about the objectives of the two dissertation projects (SP KNO and SP PEI) and Research Unit 580 can be found at http://www.bayceer.uni-bayreuth.de/fg_ct/.

We are seeking candidates with a background in environmental sciences or geosciences with experience in the field of experimental aquatic geochemistry and mineralogy either in the laboratory or in the field. The candidate should have an interest in teamwork within an interdisciplinary group of researchers that focuses on the identification of biogeochemical processes in ground water. Experience in the use of spectroscopic tools, microscopy, stable isotopes, or modelling of reactive transport is of advantage. Prerequisite for the position is an excellent diploma/master degree.

Applications should include a CV, transcripts/certificates, names of referees and a statement of the candidate´s motivation for the application. They should be sent to Dr. Klaus-Holger Knorr or Prof. Dr. Stefan Peiffer, Department of Hydrology, University of Bayreuth, D-95440 Bayreuth.

The position remains open until filled.

PhD position Biogeochemical Ocean Modeling

The Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University invites applicants for the following position:

PhD researcher in Biogeochemical Ocean Modeling (1,0 fte)

Job description:

The PhD-researcher will be employed in a project on:

Modeling Ocean Biogeochemistry in the mid-Cretaceous: reconstructing the nutrient-biosphere-climate link

Massive amounts of organic matter were buried in ocean sediments during mid-Cretaceous Oceanic Anoxic Events (OAEs). As yet, a quantitative understanding of the mechanisms and feedbacks responsible for the perturbation of the oxygen, carbon and nutrient cycles around OAEs is still lacking. In this project, general circulation modeling for the global ocean will be used to elucidate the triggers for global ocean anoxia during the Cenomanian/Turonian (C/T) boundary event (~94 Myrs BP). In particular, the role of changes in riverine inputs and upwelling intensity in determining nutrient availability and oxygen conditions in the Atlantic ocean will be addressed.

Qualifications

We are looking for a highly motivated individual with an MSc or equivalent degree in Geosciences, Oceanography, Environmental Sciences or a related field. Experience, or a strong interest in biogeochemistry and modeling is desirable. He/she should communicate easily in English, both verbally and in writing.

Terms of employment

Successful candidates will be offered a full-time PhD position for a period of four years, contingent on a (yearly) satisfactory performance, and with the specific intent that it results in a doctorate within this period. Conditions are based on the Collective Labour Agreement of the Dutch Universities. The gross monthly salary starts at € 2,042.- in the first year and increases to € 2,612.- in the fourth year, and is supplemented by a holiday allowance of 8% per year and a year-end bonus of 8.3%. We also offer a pension scheme, a health insurance allowance and flexible employment conditions.

For further details contact Dr Caroline Slomp at slomp@geo.uu.nl or 0031-30-2535514

You may also wish to visit the website of the Faculty of Geosciences: http://www.geo.uu.nl/ and the Geochemistry group: http://www.geo.uu.nl/Research/Geochemistry/

How to apply

Applications, including a statement of your research interests, a curriculum vitae, and the names and contact addresses of two referees (with e-mail addresses), should be sent to: Faculty of Geosciences, Personnel Department
P.O. Box 80.115
3508 TC Utrecht
The Netherlands

or submitted by e-mail to: PenO@geo.uu.nl.

Applications are accepted until the position is filled, but we prefer to receive your application before August 24, 2009. We seek to appoint before November 1, 2009.

Please, mention where you originally saw our advertisement and quote the vacancy number 72149 in all communications.

PhD student Limnology/Biogeochemistry

PhD position in limnology, aquatic biogeochemistry At the Department of Ecology and Evolution at the Evolutionary Biology Centre, in collaboration with the Department of Water and Environmental Studies, Linköping University, Sweden, and the Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability, University of British Columbia, Canada.

The successful applicant will work within a project about natural halogenation of aquatic organic matter and its possible consequences for the recalcitrance of organic matter. There is increasing evidence of wide spread natural formation of halogenated organic matter in terrestrial and marine environments, but freshwaters environments are poorly understood in this regard. Further, theoretical knowledge about chlorination processes suggest that some of the halogenated organic material can become more resistant to degradation. Hence, halogenation could be one key to increase our understanding of organic matter recalcitrance and long term preservation in sediments which is of importance for the global carbon cycle. The project includes close collaboration with the Department of Water and Environmental Studies, Linköping University, and the Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability, University of British Columbia, Canada, and will address questions regarding the presence and formation/degradation rates of organohalogens in lake water and sediment, as well as how these processes affect organic matter degradation rates.

A suitable background is a Bachelor of Science or Master of Science degree in biology, chemistry, geosciences or a related subject. Experiences in one or several of the following fields (in alphabetical order) can be very suitable: analytical inorganic or organic chemistry, aquatic microbiology, biochemistry, limnology, and organic geochemistry. Experiences of various analytical techniques and study
designs is also valuable.

For more detailed information, see http://www.personalavd.uu.se/ledigaplatser/1796dorand_en g.html, or contact Prof. Lars Tranvik, phone +46 18 471 2722, e-mail: lars.tranvik@ebc.uu.se., Dr. David Bastviken, e-mail: david.bastviken@geo.su.se, Prof. Gunilla Öberg, e- mail: goberg@ires.ubc.ca.

We are looking forward to receive your application by August 27, 2009 marked UFV-PA 2009/1796, to the Registrar´s Office, Uppsala University, Box 256, 751 05 Uppsala, fax + 46 18 471 2000 or e-mail registrator@uu.se . Applicants who use fax or e-mail must follow up by sending in original documents no later than a week after the application deadline. The application should include a letter which describes yourself and your research interests, a CV, copies of your exams, degrees and grades, and - if relevant - a copy of your Masters thesis, diploma projects or equivalent. Contact data to reference persons shall be included. Other relevant
material can also be included.

Graduate Student Assistant ship - wetlands and mercury

Our lab’s research focuses on environmental controls regulating the formation and bioaccumulation of methylmercury (MeHg) in prairie wetlands. Water MeHg concentrations can be extremely high in some Type 3 wetland ponds in Saskatchewan and preliminary data suggest that there may be an influence of land use type on MeHg concentrations in water. Wetlands surrounded by land that has been converted to natural grasslands tend to have elevated concentrations of MeHg compared water in wetlands that are cultivated by traditional farming methods. We have also observed very high concentrations of MeHg in water from wetlands ponds surrounded by organically farmed areas. I currently have 1-2 graduate student positions at the M.Sc. or Ph.D. levels available in a new ecosystem-level research initiative examining ecological controls on methylmercury production in prairie wetlands. This position involves both laboratory studies at the University of Regina and field work at the St. Denis National Wildlife Area 40 km east of Saskatoon. I am looking for bright, independent, highly motivated students with a passion for environmental research. Applicants should have a strong background in natural science and strong quantitative skills. Successful applicants will be motivated, have well-developed writing and communication skills, strong work ethics, and the ability to work cooperatively in a team setting. Field and laboratory experience is preferred. Funding will come from a combination of teaching and research assistantships.

To apply, please send a CV to Britt Hall: britt.hall@uregina.ca

PhD opportunity in lake sedimentology/geochemistry

We are seeking for an excellent postgraduate student in order to lead an exciting PhD projet on great perialpine lakes biogeochemistry. This project is part of a pluridisciplinar research program involving sedimentologists, biologists and ecologists in a federative approach aiming at better understanding the effect of three main human perturbations on perialpine lake ecosystems : fish introduction, nutrient pollution, climatic change. This program is founded by the French National Research Agency (ANR).

The PhD project will consist in studying the evolution of phosphorus (P) and carbon (C) biogeochemical cycles over the last 150 years in the 4 greatest French perialpine lakes (Annecy, Bourget, Leman, Aiguebelette). High resolution sedimentological and geochemical methods will be applied to reconstruct such evolutions (cf. Giguet-Covex et al., JOPL 2009, DOI 10.1007/s10933-009-9324-9 for details).

The successful applicant should have a MSc in geoscience, biology or ecology with excellent quotations. He/She must be autonomous to lead his/her research project and have skills in geochemistry. A strong interest in pluridisciplinar work is needed.

The salary is about 1300 €/ month (incl. health insurance), with possiblities to give additionnal courses at the university.

Applications must be addressed to Fabien Arnaud (fabien.arnaud@univ-savoie.fr ; +33 (0)4 79 75 94 17), the absolute deadline is fixed on July 15th 2009.

The successful applicant will work both at EDYTEM (CNRS / Université de Savoie) and CARRTEL (INRA / Université de Savoie), two nationnally recognised laboratories which are leaders in France for paleolimnology and limnology, respectively. Most of the work will take place at Le Bourget du Lac, Savoie, France at the footstep of French northern Alps. Basis in French language speaking are required, but help may eventually be given to follow practice courses.

Jobs in Guam for Filipinos

Thousands of Filipino workers could be hired in the construction of new military bases on the US territory of Guam, the island's governor said during a visit to the Philippines.

Guam will be hiring between 10,000 and 15,000 workers to support the US military buildup, including the relocation of 8,000 Marines and their families from Okinawa over the next few years, Gov. Felix Camacho told reporters in Manila on Tuesday.

He said he expected skilled Filipino workers to fill job demands that cannot be met by local labor alone.

"It is not exclusive but the likelihood is that most will be from the Philippines," Camacho said. Chinese workers will not be hired because of security concerns related to work on military bases, he said.

The buildup will cost at least $15 billion. Japan is covering $6 billion of the bill.

US Rep. Neil Abercrombie of Hawaii said last week that foreign workers won't be allowed to do more than 30 percent of the work on the projects.

The 2010 National Defense Authorization Act requires the minimum wage for all Guam construction projects be at the prevailing wage level for similar work in Hawaii, he said.