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The University of Cologne is one of the largest and most research-intensive universities in Germany, offering a wide range of subjects. With its six faculties and its interfaculty centres, it offers a broad spectrum of scientific disciplines and internationally outstanding profile areas, supported by the administration with its services.
The Institute of Geology and Mineralogy at the University of Cologne, Germany, invites applications for a 3-year PhD project in carbon dynamics in arctic permafrost. The position will be based in the Organic Geochemistry & Radiocarbon group, which is part of the interdisciplinary cosmogenic nuclide-dating center CologneAMS (www.cologneams.uni-koeln.de).
BACKGROUND
Global warming is most pronounced in the Arctic, which will have significant effects on the large carbon stocks stored in permafrost soils and sediments the circumpolar region. As a consequence of permafrost thaw, this large carbon pool is exposed to degradation processes resulting in the release of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. Fluxes and sources of CO2 and CH4 from thawing permafrost depend strongly on the composition and degradability of the organic material as well as various environmental factors. The PhD project aims at determining sources of CO2 and CH4 released from thawing permafrost using car-bon isotopic analyses both in the field as well as in laboratory experiments. The project involves technical developments/improvements of analytical devices to measure 14C contents of CO2 and CH4. In addition, organic geochemical methods will be used to determine organic sources and stage of degradation as well as microbial consortia.
YOUR TASKS
- Planning and conducting field measurements in Arctic regions including sampling of sediments, measurement of CO2 and CH4 fluxes and sampling for isotopic analyses
- Analyzing organic matter composition and microbial communities using organic-geochemical techniques
- Developing new and improving existing sampling devices (e.g. molecular sieve cartridges and vacuum systems) for 14C analysis of CO2 and CH4
- Contributing to AMS 14C analysis in collaboration with the nuclear physics group
- Organizing fieldwork including logistics
- Data analysis and publishing of results in peer-reviewed
YOUR PROFILE
- M.Sc. in geosciences, environmental sciences, chemistry or related subjects
- Willingness and ability to participate in several 2-6 week long field campaigns to the Arctic (Siberia, Svalbard)
- Pronounced interest and excellent background in biogeochemical cycles
- Practical experience in isotope geochemical and/or organic geochemical methods
- Ability to work self-organized as well as in a team
- Strong interest in technical and analytical work (including method development)
- Good knowledge of spoken and written English
WE OFFER YOU
- a diverse and fair working environment
- support in reconciling work and family life
- flexible working time models
- extensive advanced training opportunities
- occupational health management offers
- local transport ticket at a discount for UoC employees
The position will start in March/April 2022 on a part-time basis 65%). It is limited to 3 years. If the applicant meets the relevant wage requirements and personal qualifications, the salary is based on remuneration group 13 TV-L of the pay scale for the German public sector.
The University of Cologne is committed to equal opportunities and diversity. Women are especially encouraged to apply and will be considered preferentially in accordance with the Equal Opportunities Act of North Rhine-Westphalia (Landesgleichstellungsgesetz – LGG NRW). We also expressly welcome applications from people with disabilities / special needs or of equal status.
Please send your convincing application with proof of the sought qualifications by email (in one pdf-file) to Prof. Dr. Janet Rethemeyer janet.rethemeyer@uni-koeln.de with the reference number Wiss2112-04. The application deadline is 30.01.2022.
