Five graduate student assistantships in ecological stoichiometry of detrital food webs

Five graduate student assistantships (3 Ph.D. and 2 M.S.) are available as part of a newly funded project examining the responses of detritus-based stream food webs to concentrations and ratios of dissolved nitrogen and phosphorus. Two Ph.D. positions will be based at the University of Georgia and will focus on detrital carbon dynamics and responses of predatory salamanders, respectively. A third Ph.D. position will be based at the University of Alabama and will examine macroinvertebrate food web responses. Both M.S. positions will be based at Coastal Carolina University and will focus on microbial responses to N:P gradients using field and laboratory experiments. All fieldwork will be based at the Coweeta Long term Ecological Research site in Otto, North Carolina. We are looking for students with a holistic view of ecological ramifications of nutrient enrichment, strong interest in integrating a stoichiometric perspective across taxonomic groups, significant research experience and demonstrated communication skills. The positions will start in Summer or Fall 2010, with microbial positions starting as early as January 2010. The successful candidates will receive full tuition waivers and competitive stipends. For more information, contact Amy Rosemond (rosemond@uga.edu) or John Maerz (jmaerz@warnell.uga.edu) for the UGA positions, Jon Benstead (jbenstead@bama.ua.edu) for the UA position, or Vlad Gulis (vgulis@coastal.edu) for the two CCU positions.

Graduate Student Position in Invasive Ascidian Tunicate Research

A position is available immediately for a graduate student to conduct thesis research on the population ecology and genetics of invasive ascidian tunicates in Newfoundland coastal waters. The student will conduct field work on the population dynamics of invasive ascidians using a variety of molecular techniques, such as DNA isolation, polymerase chain reaction, and DNA sequencing and sequence analysis, to develop species-specific molecular probes and quantitative PCR assays for native and invasive ascidians. While we are most interested in candidates for the Ph.D. degree, we will consider exceptional candidates at the M.Sc. level as well. An MSc is required for the Ph.D. position in either Biology, Marine Biology, Biological Oceanography, Ecology, Molecular Biology or Genetics. The students will join a research team working on the genetics and population dynamics of invasive ascidians in Newfoundland. This work is highly relevant to scientific and management concerns of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada and will be done in collaboration with DFO scientists.

Two years ago, we discovered several species of invasive ascidians living in several Newfoundland harbours. Our continuing survey work is adding to our knowledge of the geographic distribution of these species on the Newfoundland coast. Invasive ascidians are a major threat to species diversity globally and to the economic viability of aquaculture farms both in Canada and abroad. Our work has resulted in the first report of invasive ascidians in Newfoundland, and one of our objectives is to obtain the scientific knowledge required to anticipate the potential for further invasion and to know when and where to apply mitigation measures.

The Ocean Sciences Centre of Memorial University of Newfoundland is located on the open coast of the North Atlantic Ocean, 10 km from main campus. The OSC consists of approximately 125 faculty, students and staff housed in three research buildings. There are more than 50 graduate students conducting thesis research at the OSC. For more information on the OSC please click on . Memorial University is located in St. John's, the provincial capital. St. John's is a vibrant city with a metropolitan population of ca. 200,000 and an exciting cultural and civic life. The climate is cool maritime, strongly influenced by the Labrador Current, which flows just offshore. Memorial University, the largest post-secondary institution in Canada east of Montreal, has an international student body of > 15,000 students and ca. 2,000 graduate students. For more information on Memorial Univeristy and St. John's, please click on .

Please send a letter of interest and your curriculum vitae, preferably via email, to the following address to indicate your interest in either of these positions.

Dr. Don Deibel
Ocean Sciences Centre
Memorial University
St. John's, Newfoundland A1C 5S7

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