The Department of Geological Sciences, Stockholm University, Sweden, invites applications for the following PhD position, titled: 'Application of compound-specific hydrogen isotope analysis as a tool in paleo-hydrologic research, with special focus on the south-east Asian monsoon system'

Project description

Precipitation is, besides temperature, the main climatic factor that determines ecosystem and agricultural production, especially in (sub)tropical regions, while droughts and floods can have major environmental and societal consequences. Yet, knowledge of past changes in precipitation patterns is still very limited. A relatively new method to study paleo-hydrology is to use the hydrogen isotopic composition of molecular fossils, so-called biomarkers, from natural climatic archives like lake sediments. The PhD project will focus on the further development of this method, by comparing how biomarker hydrogen isotopic compositions compare with present-day precipitation patterns and environmental water (e.g. precipitation, water bodies) isotopic compositions. Secondly, the method will be applied to lake sediment records that have recently been recovered from northeastern and southern Thailand, with the aim to reconstruct hydrologic changes over the past ca. 50000 years.

The PhD project will form part of a collaborative network that addresses past changes in monsoon variability in Southeast Asia and involves researchers at universities in Sweden, Thailand, UK, USA and Taiwan. The successful applicant will join the Asian monsoon research group at the Department of Geological Sciences and will interact with other PhD students who employ other techniques on the same sediment sequences. The project also has ties to research efforts aimed to strengthen the connection between climatic models and environmental isotope data, currently carried out in the department. The successful applicant will develop skills in the field of organic geochemistry using different chromatographic and mass spectrometric techniques, focusing on compound-specific isotope analysis, as well as interpretation of the data in a (paleo-)climatic perspective. Related activities likely include fieldwork in Thailand.

For more information contact Dr. Rienk Smittenberg (rienk.smittenberg@geo.su.se).

Qualifications

Stockholm University Requirements: Applicants must have completed a research degree (e.g. Masters) or university study of 240 hp (4 years), with at least 60 hp (1 year) at the advanced (research) level.

Department Requirements:

At least 90 hp in Natural Science (e.g. earth/environmental sciences, chemistry, biology) and at least 30 hp in Chemistry. At least 60 hp at the advanced level, including an independent project in (Bio)geochemistry, Geology and/or a Chemistry-focused Natural Science topic.

Selection criteria:

The basis for selection is the applicant’s foreseen ability to succeed at the research training. The evaluation of the candidates will be based on the applicant's theoretical and experimental experience, written and verbal communication skills in English and/or Swedish, analytical and creative thinking, ability to take initiative action and work both independently and in collaboration with others. These attributes will be evaluated on the relevance of the applicant’s education, university grade records (especially advanced level courses), quality and breadth of the independent project, references, letter of intent, and interview. Experience related to the described project is regarded as an advantage.

Stockholm University is an equal opportunity employer. Appointment regulations for research training at Stockholm University are available in Swedish at: http://www.regelboken.su.se/pub/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1031&a=16354 and the Higher Education Board’s handbook for PhD students in both Swedish and English at: http://doktorandhandboken.nu/.

Appointment conditions

Four year PhD position, full time, start date to be negotiated.

Union representatives are Bo Ekengren, SACO, Liseth Häggberg, ST and Birgitta Carlén, SEKO, Phone: + 46 8 162000.

Applications must include:

Application form (http://www.su.se/polopoly_fs/1.3462.1277813087!/DOCTORAL.pdf) Cover letter of intent, CV, copies of examination certificates and university course records and the contact details of two referees. The following reference number should be cited: SU 464-13-0032-11

Please follow the link for full job description: http://www.geo.su.se/index.php?option=com_

The deadline for applications is October 1, 2011.

Application should be sent by e-mail to monica.rosenblom@geo.su.se

Or by post to:

Department of Geological Sciences
Monica Rosenblom
Stockholm University
SE-106 91 Stockholm
Sweden