Vacancy: PhD Studentship at the Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry (Tall Tower Atmospheric Gas Measurements Group) (Germany)
PhD project on the carbon cycle of northern Eurasia studied at the Zotino Tall Tower Observatory, central Siberia.
There is an exciting opening for a PhD studentship at the Max Planck
Institute for Biogeochemistry in Jena, Germany:
PhD project on the carbon cycle of northern Eurasia studied at the
Zotino Tall Tower Observatory, central Siberia
The project
The fate of carbon pools in a warming climate is a pressing scientific
and social question. What happens with the large amounts of carbon
stored in the forests and soils, as well as in wetlands and the
underlying permafrost in the boreal and arctic zone of Eurasia? How will
the associated processes influence the regional and global climate?
The Zotino Tall Tower Observatory (ZOTTO; <www.zottoproject.org>) is a
scientific platform consisting of a 304 m-tall mast, a partially
underground measurement laboratory, and auxiliary infrastructure
facilities located in the centre of the Siberian taiga (60°N, 90°E).
The student will acquire knowledge on atmospheric measurement
techniques, be responsible for data quality, and participate in on-site
maintenance campaigns. S/he will also participate in the forthcoming
final installation phase of two CO2/CH4 eddy-covariance measurement
systems in the nearby forest and bog. The objective of the study is to
use the continuously growing ZOTTO data set, including vertically
resolved high-precision CO2 and CH4 measurements, and eddy-covariance
data to improve estimates of net CO2 and CH4 atmosphere-biosphere fluxes
on local scale. Furthermore, the data will be used to better constrain
flux estimates on regional scale by means of atmospheric modelling. The
successful candidated will be guided by Jošt Lavrič, Olaf Kolle and
Martin Heimann.
The Research School
The successful applicant will be part of the International Max Planck
Research School for Global Biogeochemical Cycles. Research at the school
focuses on the distribution of elements essential to life and the
climate among the components of the Earth system and the interaction
between biosphere, atmosphere, lithosphere, land and oceans.
Besides doing research for their PhD project, PhD candidates also
benefit from a three-month external research visit, specialised courses
in e.g. statistics, Earth observation, modelling and analytical
techniques, as well as in soft skills. The school is thus an excellent
starting platform for a successful career in a field related to global
biogeochemical cycles and Earth System Science.
Requirements
We welcome applications from well-motivated and highly-qualified
students from all countries. Applicants hold (or are about to receive) a
Master of Science, German 'Diplom' or equivalent degree in natural
sciences, preferably with knowledge on atmospheric sciences. Experience
with operation of scientific instrumentation and processing of large
data sets is an advantage. You are proactive and able to work in a
project-oriented way. Being a team player that is motivated for field
work under challenging conditions in a remote location rounds up your
profile.
Proficiency in English is required since English is the official
language of the program. Handicapped persons with comparable
qualifications receive preferential status.
How to apply
Application deadline for this fully funded PhD position is August 05,
2012. Top candidates will be invited to take part in our selection
symposium (Oct. 10-12, 2012)
Find out more and apply online: <http://www.imprs-gbgc.de>
(several other PhD project are announced on this page as well)
Best regards,
Anna Goerner
