Description

The feedbacks from terrestrial biogeochemistry in the climate system are not yet well quantified. Crucial next steps are to investigate the role of carbon-nitrogen cycle coupling, and effects of land management in a dynamic vegetation framework. The objectives of the PhD project are to investigate the effects of climate change on terrestrial vegetation dynamics, carbon and nitrogen cycle, and their interactions with a possible focus on links to reactive trace gas emissions, and on the possible feedbacks to atmospheric chemistry and climate. To achieve this, main tasks will be to:

• complete the development of terrestrial nitrogen cycle in the dynamic vegetation model framework LPJ-GUESS, based on already existing initial model development
• test and evaluate model output in a range of scales,
• incorporate a land management modelling scheme into LPJ-GUESS.

The position is within the Department for Physical Geography & Ecosystem Analysis, Lund University, Sweden. The candidate will be supervised by senior scientists at the department and the work will also contribute to the Earth System Modelling development in EC Earth. Lund is a pleasant university town in southern Sweden and can be easily reached by train and via Copenhagen airport.

Necessary qualifications

The ideal candidate will have a M.Sc. or equivalent qualification in a relevant natural science discipline (e.g., Environmental Science, Physics, Meteorology, Physical Geography, Biology). Interest and experience in modelling of processes and documented skills in computer programming (e.g., C++, Fortran) are an essential requirement. Good spoken and written English skills are an advantage.

The available studentship consists of a stipend (utbildningsbidrag) for the first 12 months which will be converted into a contract afterwards. The position is available for a maximum of four years, the candidate will be required to attend a number of courses during that period.

Documents

The following documents must be included in the application:

• Completed application form, available at: http://www.naturvetenskap.lu.se/upload/LUPDF/natvet/Dokument/Postgrad_application.pdf
• Short letter of motivation
• C.V. (signed) including detailed description of programming skills, and names and contacts of one referee

Please quote Reference number N2008/140 when applying.

These documents are to be sent by mail to:
Registrator, Kansli N, Lunds universitet, Box 118, 221 00 LUND, Sweden.

Deadline for application is May 9, 2008

For questions regarding the position please contact: Almut Arneth, Almut.Arneth@nateko.lu.se, or Ben Smith, Ben.smith@nateko.lu.se