Postdoctoral fellow in Geology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

It is widely recognized that the emergence and expansion of silica biomineralization in the oceans has affected evolutionary competition for dissolved Si (DSi). This resulted in changes in the global biogeochemical cycles of silica, carbon and other nutrients that regulate ocean productivity and ultimately climate. Today, low DSi reflects its efficient uptake by pelagic silicifiers, principally diatoms. However, little is known about how shifting DSi concentrations from biological uptake have changed in the oceans during the last billion years of Earth’s history. In addition, the inputs of DSi, especially from weathering and tectonic processes, has varied over time. The major goal of the overall project is to investigate the interactions between biosilicification in organisms and the environment and how these interactions have evolved through Earth’s history.

Work duties
The research will utilize stable isotope measurements of biosilicification in fossil material from deep time together with supporting geochemical and geological proxies. Stable isotopes will be measured by both ICP-MS and by SIMS. The geochemical data will be interpreted in the framework of depositional and diagenetic timing of Si precipitation provided by geological observations to explore the changes in environmental and oceanic DSi concentrations through time.

Work duties also include:

• Teaching in the first, second and third cycles of studies
• Supervision of degree projects and doctoral students
• Actively seeking external research funding
• Collaboration with industry and wider society
• Administration related to the work duties listed above

Qualification requirements

• The candidate should hold a PhD in the geosciences, including Geology, Biogeochemistry, Oceanography or another closely related field
• The award of the PhD degree should not be more than three years
• Practical experience with relevant analytical techniques (multi-collector ICP-MS, ion exchange chromatography) and experimental geochemistry is an advantage
• Knowledge of stable isotope geochemistry is a requirement and experience in the use of SIMS is preferable
• The candidate should have the ability to work at other locations (weeks to months) including the University of Bristol, UK and the Natural History Museum, Stockholm for the measurement of stable isotopes
• The candidate should be fluent in written and spoken English
• In addition, the candidate should have good communication skills and the ability to work in a research group (team work), but also independently
• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research
• Teaching skills

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Terms of employment
This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of a maximum of 2 years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”) between Lund University, SACO-S, OFR/S and SEKO, dated 4 September 2008.

Instructions on how to apply

Applications shall be compiled into a PDF-file containing:

• résumé/CV, including a list of publications
• a general description of past research and future research interests (no more than three pages)
• contact information of at least two references
• copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered