 Ph.D. Position in BiogeochemistryReconstruction of Holocene soil carbon dynamics using compound-specific radiocarbon analysis of lake sediments We invite applications for a three-year Ph.D. position at the ETH Zurich, Switzerland, opening April 1st, 2008. The goal of the project is to improve understanding of the build-up and dynamics of the terrestrial soil organic carbon (SOC) pool throughout the Holocene. The part of the SOC pool that resists degradation is ultimately responsible for long-term carbon storage. However, the dynamics of this fraction cannot be studied in 'real-time'. Radiocarbon analysis of specific soil-derived organic fractions or compounds as deposited in well-constrained lake sedimentary archives, and comparing those with the actual age of deposition of the sediment, can provide much needed insight in this matter. The Ph.D. project will focus on the practical aspects of analysis and purification of individual soil-derived compounds from the complex mixture of lake sedimentary organic matter by use of organic geochemical techniques, as well as on radiocarbon dating of small samples using a newly developed gas-source interface. The position also entails collection of fresh lake sediment cores, as well as gaining theoretical understanding of soil carbon dynamics and landscape evolution from a biogeochemical perspective. The successful applicant will join the Climate Geology group within the Geological Institute at the ETH, and there will be a close connection with the interdisciplinary 'BigLink' project, that focuses on soil formation and the carbon cycle in the fore field of a retreating glacier, for which similar techniques are used. An M.Sc. or comparable degree is required in any field related to biogeochemistry, in the broadest sense. Preference will be given to candidates with some practical field and/or laboratory experience. A more complete description can be found at http://www.climategeology.ethz.ch/news/openpositions. For further inquiries and applications please contact: |
