   Experienced Researcher Position - Modelling palaeo-methane concentrationsLimit of Tenure Applies*Deadline for Applications: 6th June 2012 Job Reference Number: LC16411 We are looking to fill a 17-month Marie-Curie Experienced Researcher (ER) post within the Marie-Curie Initial Training Network GREENCYCLESII (www.greencycles.org) at the University of Cambridge, Departments of Geography and Chemistry. The post-holder will investigate the question of why atmospheric CH4 concentrations remained low during the last interglacial (LIG) period, despite exceptionally warm conditions in the Arctic. This period is relatively well characterised in terms of data, and so provides a strong test of current models. Furthermore, understanding gained of the dominant process(es) during this time will likely be important for our ability to simulate future methane concentrations. The project will utilise two detailed land surface models (HYBRID and LPX-Bern, working with Dr Friend in Geography) to simulate methane (and other important trace gases for atmospheric oxidative capacity such as isoprene) emissions, and a comprehensive model of global atmospheric chemistry (UKCA, working with Prof. Pyle in Chemistry). The land surface models will be run to provide boundary conditions for the chemistry model at different time-slices over the past 130 ky. Simulated methane concentrations will be compared with ice core measurements. The project will also examine the ability of the models to simulate the CO2 ice core record and, if time allows, simulations will be undertaken in which the surface and atmospheric models are fully coupled. Anticipated outputs are significantly improved understanding of controls on methane concentrations during the LIG, and/or recommendations for future model development. The successful candidate has the opportunity to develop key modelling and data interpretation skills, using state-of-the-art terrestrial physics, ecology, chemistry, and climate models. To be eligible for this position you must fulfil the Marie Curie requirements for Experienced Researchers, viz: on appointment you must (i) have a PhD degree or (ii) have at least four years of full-time equivalent research experience, after obtaining the degree which formally allowed you to embark on a doctorate. In both cases, you must be within the first five years of your research career. UK applicants must have been resident outside the UK for three of the four years prior to appointment. Non-UK applicants must not have resided in the UK for more than 12 months in the three years prior to appointment. More details about eligibility criteria see: http://www.greencycles.org/vacancies/criteria/ The start date should ideally be July 2012 but no later than August 2012. Salary (subject to country-specific cost of living adjustment): Euro 53,000/year (*) plus mobility, travel and career allowances for more details see: http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/. (*) Salary rate is a gross contribution. Net salary will result from deducting all compulsory social security contributions as well as direct taxes. * Limit of tenure: 17 months. Enquiries about the position should be sent to Dr Andrew Friend: adf10@cam.ac.uk Applications should include:
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