Project Assistant at the Department of Geology - 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. The major goal of the overall project is to model the interactions between biosilicification in organisms and the environment and how these interactions have evolved.

Work duties

The successful candidate will set up and run the cGENIE Earth System model (Ward et al. 2018, Geosci. Mod. Dev.), which couples plankton ecosystem and global biogeochemical cycles, to investigate the global distribution and function of diatoms. The model will be used to look at the biogeochemical cycling of silica, including Si isotopes. The model will be constrained by the timing of Si precipitation provided by geological observations to explore the changes in oceanic DSi concentrations and Si isotopes through geologic time.

Qualifications

• An education in the Geosciences
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English
• Experience with programming in Fortran, Matlab, Python or equivalent
• Demonstrable skills with relevance to biogeochemical or Earth system modelling
• Experience with the cGENIE model
• Experience in working with model-data analysis
• Knowledge of stable isotope geochemistry
• The candidate should have the ability to work at other locations (weeks) including the University of Bristol and/or Southampton University, UK
• The candidate should have excellent communication skills and the ability to work in a research group (team work), but also independently

Other merits

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 2021-07-01 until 2021-12-31.

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 one PDF-file containing:

• A cover letter with a general description of your interest in the position and past research including knowledge and experience regarding the requirements for the position (no more than two pages)
• CV
• Copy of transcripts, the degree certificate, etc. that you wish to be considered
• Contact information of at least two references