PhD Student: Marine sediment - georeactors for modification of bottom sea chemistry

The Department of Geological Sciences is part of the Faculty of Science at Stockholm University. It consists of approximately 80 teachers, researchers, PhD students, as well as technical and administrative staff. The department conducts a wide range of activities in basic and applied research within marine geology and geophysics, geochemistry, and classical geology.

More information about us can be found at: Department of Geological Sciences.

Project Description

Degrading environmental conditions in the ocean, such as acidification and oxygen depletion, can have extensive consequences for the climate, biodiversity, and ecosystem functions. In coastal and enclosed marine areas – including the Baltic Sea – human activity can drive environmental degradation, which can lead to changes that are difficult or impossible to restore. So-called Geoengineering has therefore been proposed as a possible strategy to counteract deteriorating conditions in the oceans. However, before large-scale interventions are considered, their effectiveness, risks, and side effects must be evaluated through studies of natural systems and through controlled experiments.

This project investigates the potential of marine sediments to function as georeactors to strengthen the resilience of the oceans, both from an eutrophication and a climate perspective.

By recreating relevant natural conditions in laboratory experiments, the project will evaluate how both natural processes and targeted human interventions affect the biogeochemical interaction between surface sediments and the overlying seawater. The overall goal is to determine whether sediment-based processes can contribute to counteracting environmental degradation while preserving the integrity and function of the system consisting of sediment and seawater.

Eligibility Requirements

To be admitted to doctoral studies, the applicant must possess basic and special eligibility. Eligibility must be met no later than the application deadline.

You have basic eligibility if you have completed a degree at an advanced level, or fulfilled course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits (hp), of which at least 60 hp are at an advanced level, or have otherwise acquired substantially equivalent knowledge within or outside the country.

Special eligibility is described in the general study plan for doctoral-level education in the subject of geochemistry:

At least 90 hp in geosciences At least 30 hp in mathematics, physics, chemistry and/or biology depending on the chosen subject area within geochemistry or biogeochemistry Additionally at least 60 hp at an advanced level, including 30 hp of independent work within geosciences.

Selection

Selection among eligible applicants is made with regard to the ability to undertake the doctoral education. The following criteria are used to assess this ability:

Experience in conducting long-term laboratory incubation experiments. Experience with analytical laboratory methods and instrumentation, including IC (ion chromatography), ICP-OES, titration, spectrophotometry, etc. Experience in geochemical sampling during research expeditions. Programming skills, especially in the processing and analysis of time-series data. Written and oral communication skills in English. Analytical ability and ability to cooperate. Creativity, initiative, and independence. The applicant's potential to succeed, documented through a short research proposal (max 2 pages) attached to the application.

The assessment is based on previous experience and grades, the quality of the thesis, references, relevant laboratory work or field experience, interviews, and the applicant's written motivation for applying for the position. The person who receives the position is expected to start as soon as possible.

Admission order for doctoral-level education at Stockholm University.

About the Employment

We offer a fixed-term employment as a PhD student according to Chapter 5 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100). The employment period may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education for four years. As a PhD student, you will primarily devote yourself to your own doctoral education, but the employment may include work with education, research, and administration to a limited extent (at most 20 %).

A new employment as a PhD student is valid for a maximum of one year; the employment is subsequently renewed for a maximum of two years at a time.

Stockholm University is committed to being a workplace that is free from discrimination and provides equal rights and opportunities for all.

Contact

Further information is provided by University Lecturer in geochemistry, Dr. Wei-Li Hong, wei-li.hong@geo.su.se

Application

You apply for the PhD position via Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a cover letter and CV as well as the attachments requested in the application form. As an applicant, you are responsible for ensuring that the application is complete in accordance with the advertisement and that it is provided to the university no later than the application deadline.

Instructions for applicants can be found on the webpage: applying for a job.

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