Ref PAR 2023/823
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Doctoral position in in Microbial Nitrous Oxide Cycling in Oxygen-Depleted Marine Systems
The University of Gothenburg promotes equal opportunities, equality and diversity.
The Department for Marine Sciences (http://marine.gu.se/english/) is Sweden’s most complete academic environment for marine research and education, and it is one of few such institutions in Europe. The Department for Marine Sciences brings together expertise in physical oceanography, marine chemistry, marine biology, marine geology, and marine heritage conservation. Research and education are conducted in our premises in Gothenburg, at the two marine research stations Kristineberg and Tjärnö, and on the research vessel Skagerrak.
General information about being a doctoral student at the University of Gothenburg can be found on the university’s doctoral student pages.
Duties
Subject area description
The Department of Marine Sciences at the University of Gothenburg invites applications for a PhD position associated to a project investigating the dynamics of nitrous oxide (N2O) in marine environments. The ocean is a major source of atmospheric N2O, a powerful greenhouse gas and ozone destroyer, and oxygen depleted marine waters are hotspots of N2O accumulation and emission. Yet, the microbes, biogeochemical mechanisms and dynamics underlying these emissions are poorly understood. Filling this knowledge gap is essential, as oxygen depleted regions are expanding and increasing fluxes of reactive nitrogen from land to sea stimulate marine nitrogen cycling, which may further enhance N2O accumulation.
The main research objectives for this position will be to analyze distributions of N2O, elucidate pathways, quantify rates and identify environmental controls of N2O production and consumption, and identify the key microbes involved and their metabolic capabilities in the oxygen depleted waters of the eastern tropical Pacific and central Baltic. This will involve the use of state of the art techniques including stable isotope tracing and mass spectrometry, optical oxygen sensing and insitu incubation techniques as well as biomolecular analyses. Throughout the project, the selected candidate will work closely together with the project team (national and international researchers) and will have the opportunity to visit project partners at the University of Southern Denmark, Denmark and Montana State University, USA.
Job assignments
The successful candidate will contribute to our understanding of N2O dynamics in oxygen depleted waters; specifically, the PhD student will:
- Participate in fieldwork campaigns (at research stations and/or joining seagoing expeditions), undertaking sampling, lab incubations and insitu incubations
- Elucidate pathways and environmental controls on N2O dynamics through the use of stable isotopes (15N and 18O)
- Identify key microbes involved in N2O cycling through meta-omics techniques
- Publish and present their work in internationally recognized journals and conferences.
- Contribute to teaching in the BSc program (up to 20%, with compensated time) and mentoring of BSc and MSc students.
Eligibility
Education at third-cycle level requires general eligibility and, where appropriate, specific eligibility as set out in the general syllabus for the subject.
The general eligibility requirements for education at third-cycle level are:
- having completed a degree at second-cycle level, or
2. the fulfilment of course requirements totalling at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits must be at second-cycle level, or - the acquisition of equivalent knowledge in some other way, either in Sweden or abroad.
The applicant should hold an academic university master’s degree or be close to finishing. The qualifications for education on a doctoral level are: a Masters level degree or similar, at least 240 university points, of which 60 are on an advanced level, or similar knowledge acquired in another way within or outside of Sweden. Candidates currently based in any country are welcome to apply. A start date around January 2024 (or earlier) is ideal, but the starting date is negotiable.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and ambitious candidate with a MSc degree in biology, environmental science, microbial ecology, oceanography or related discipline. Experience in the analysis of environmental samples, fieldwork and insight to marine microbial ecology and biogeochemical processes, are seen as highly beneficial, in addition to a willingness to learn new techniques and procedures. Ability to work independently and as a part of a team as well as excellent communication skills (both verbal and written) and ability to document research results in English are essential for the position.
Assessment criteria
Regulations for the evaluation of qualifications for education on a doctoral level are given in SFS 1998:80. Only a person that is admitted to a doctoral level education can hold the position. The candidates will be judged for their motivation and ability to successfully complete the program and their past performance relative to this research opportunity. In addition to pursuing their own research studies, the holder of the position may be required to perform duties such as teaching, research, and administration according to special regulations.
Communication skills in oral and written English are a requirement.
Short-listed applicants will be invited to attend an interview in English (in person or online).
Employment
Once you have been admitted for education at third-cycle level, you will be employed as a doctoral student at the University of Gothenburg.
The provisions for employment as a doctoral student can be found in ordinance SFS 1993:100.
Initial employment as a doctoral student may apply for a maximum of one year, and may be renewed by a maximum of two years at a time.
A doctoral student may be employed as a doctoral student for a maximum of eight years, but the total period of employment may not be longer than the equivalent of full-time education at third-cycle level for four years.
Type of employment: Fixed-term employment, 4 years (extensions may be available if the candidate teachs in the department)
Location: Department of Marine Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
The University applies a local agreement on salaries for doctoral students.
Contact information
Please contact Laura Bristow: laura.bristow@gu.se
Unions
Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here:
https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/hjalp-for-sokande
Application
You can apply to be admitted for education at third-cycle level via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal.
It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline. The selection of candidates is made on the basis of the qualifications, experiences and potential for growth.
In order to apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you have to register an account in our online recruitment system, and submit the following documents:
- Cover letter explaining the applicants’ experiences, career motivation and merits in relation to the position (1 page)
- CV, including a list of relevant courses, examples of previous research experience, and list of publications or conference presentations
- PDF of one scientific text in English written by the candidate. This can be a Master thesis, Bachelors thesis, publication in scientific journals, or even an unfinished paper currently in draft; please explain the context of the chosen document in your cover letter
- Contact information of two references (name, contact information and relation)
- Optional: Description and certificates of any other relevant merits that you wish to refer to.
Applications must be received by: 2023-08-30
Information for International Applicants
Choosing a career in a foreign country is a big step. Thus, to give you a general idea of what we and Gothenburg have to offer in terms of benefits and life in general for you and your family/spouse/partner please visit:
https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/welcome-services
https://www.movetogothenburg.com/
The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations.
Salaries are set individually at the University.
In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden’s regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed.
In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.
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