Researcher in Biogeosciences - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Subject description

It is widely recognized that the 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 diatoms. However, little is known about how shifting DSi concentrations from biological uptake by different siliceous organisms have changed in the oceans. 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.

Work duties

• Clean and separate diatoms, radiolarians and sponge spicules from sediment material
• Prepare and measure Si stable isotopes to determine changes in biosilicification in fossil material
• Prepare and measure supporting geochemical and geological proxies to determine Si sources and cycling
• Analyze data to determine changes in biosilicification in relation to other proxies, especially Ge:Si ratios
• Administration related to the work duties listed above

Qualification requirements

Applicants must have:

• A PhD in the Geosciences
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English
• Knowledge of diatom species composition
• Practical experience in chemically cleaning siliceous microfossils, separating the microfossils into groups and picking individual diatoms by species
• Knowledge of stable isotope geochemistry
• Practical experience with relevant analytical techniques (multi-collector ICP-MS, SIMS and ion exchange chromatography) and experimental geochemistry especially for the measurement of Si isotopes and Ge:Si ratios in siliceous organisms
• Knowledge to connect variation in biosilicification in siliceous organisms with the biogeochemical cycle silica in the environment

Assessment criteria and other qualifications

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the research group.

Terms of employment

Temporary employment from 2021-04-01 to 2021-08-31

The position is 100% of full time.

The contact person is Daniel Conley (daniel.conley@geol.lu.se)

Instructions on how to apply

Applications shall be written in English and be compiled into a PDF-file containing:

• CV, including a list of publications
• A general description of past research including knowledge and experience regarding the requirements for the position (no more than two pages)
• Contact information of at least two references
• Copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered