2 Ph.D. positions in environmental geochemistry of carbon sequestration
in wetland and lake sediments
Wetlands and shallow lakes are important global sinks for carbon and sources of methane to the atmosphere and are sensitive to climatic change. The fate of deposited and sequestered organic matter is controlled by the storage and utilization of chemical energy and the flux of solutes and gases in these environments. The research program will identify the impact of changing fluxes of chemical energy and solutes in wetland soils and lake sediments. It further aims at providing information about potential future changes in the fate of carbon in these environments.
Position 1 will primarily address the function of humic substances in biogeochemical processes in wetland soils and organic rich sediments and their impact on methane production and release from these environments. This position requires a solid background in geochemistry or geomicrobiology and an interest in the application of spectroscopic, electrochemical, and isotopic techniques. Position 2 will primarily address the interaction between hydrologic transport and the biogeochemical processing of organic matter in sediments, at the sediment-land interface, and in deeper peat deposits. This position requires familiarity with hydrologic, geochemical, and microbial concepts and a keen interest in the interaction of physical, chemical, and biological processes. Both projects will address the research questions using mesocosm and column experiments and by identifying process patterns at field sites.
Candidates with a M.Sc. degree, or equivalent, and an interdisciplinary background in biogeochemistry, environmental chemistry, geomicrobiology, and chemical limnology are encouraged to apply.
The positions are available for enrollment in the fall of 2010 at a minimum of three years and an approximate net salary of CAN $ 18,000 per annum. Applications will include a CV, a statement of research interests and accomplishments, and names/addresses of two referees within a single PDF document.
Applications and inquiries regarding this offer should be submitted by email to Dr. Christian Blodau (School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, cblodau@uoguelph.ca; http://www.uoguelph.ca/ses/users/cblodau).
Review of applications will begin July 15th, 2010 and continue until the positions are filled.
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