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

Subject description

The biogeochemical cycles of iron (Fe) and organic carbon (OC) in aquatic environments are tightly connected. Fe influence key processes that regulate OC cycling, e.g. photochemical transformations, aggregation, and preservation of OC in sediments. In light of the striking increases in Fe concentrations that are widely observed in freshwaters during the last decades, it is urgent to understand which processes respond to rising Fe, and what the consequences for the fate of OC in the aquatic compartment are. Nevertheless, we are only beginning to understand the quantitative importance and the mechanisms by which Fe influences OC transformations and loss processes in inland waters. The aims of the current project are to characterize and quantify Fe-OC interactions and their influence on the fluxes and fate of Fe and OC in lakes, and to reveal the processes and mechanisms that control the in-lake transformations and fluxes of Fe and OC. This will be achieved by applying a multi-method approach to characterize the Fe speciation and chemical composition of organic material in situ, and by controlled laboratory studies that investigate Fe-OC transformations that are triggered by light, pH gradients, microbial activity and increasing Fe. Integrating observational and experimental efforts will bring us beyond the identification of potential mechanisms, and reveal the significance and relative importance of individual processes related to Fe-OC biogeochemistry in lakes.

Work duties

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral posistion is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position shall include the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning.

Detailed description of the work duties,such as:

• Field work, including water and sediment sampling
• Running laboratory experiments including light irradiation experiments
• Participation in age determination and subsampling of sediment sequences
• Characterising organic matter and Fe speciation using state-of-the-art techniques
• Leading of scientific publications of data produced within the project
• Actively seeking external research funding
• Administration related to the work duties listed above

Qualification requirements 

Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position, completed no more than three years before the date of employment decision. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier. 

Additional requirements

• A PhD of relevance to the position
• Research experience in limnology, including biogeochemical aspects and working both with the water column and in sediments
• Experience of geochemical analysis work based on X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS).
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• A drivers licence

Assessment criteria and other qualifications

This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers. Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research
• Teaching skills

Additional assessment criteria

Previous experience of scientific publication of studies based on XAS analysis will be considered an asset. Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence.

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 and OFR/S, dated 1st February 2022.

Instructions on how to apply

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

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