1 doktorand i Environmental assessment

Sources, characterization and transport of sediment bound Phosphorus in small agricultural streams
We are seeking a PhD student in environmental assessment with a strong background in nutrient cycles. A significant proportion of the phosphorus (P) causing eutrophication of aquatic ecosystems is transported as particulates from agricultural catchments. To better control these P fluxes, more predictive capability is needed about the forms of suspended P (e.g. organic forms, humic-metal bound), as well as the storage, mobilization and bioavailability within agricultural streams on a temporal and spatial scale appropriate for optimizing catchment scale management policies.

This PhD position is part of an international research program with partners in Ireland, Canada and Sweden. Field sampling in Sweden, advanced chemical analyses and modeling in a collaborative international environment are all components of the project. The chemical characterization will include several state of the art techniques including 31P NMR analysis of organic P species as well as high resolution spectroscopic (omicro; and bulk XANES, omicro;-XRD, Moouml;ssbauer) and imaging techniques (TEM-EDS) and bioavailability assessment using extra-cellular enzymatic hydrolysis experiments. The modelling effort will use the chemical analysis results to improve the modelling tools and capabilities needed to interpret and predict (i) spatial variation in mobilization and delivery of suspended sediment from land to streams, (ii) consequences of variations in suspended sediment P content and availability on surface water eutrophication and (iii) the magnitude and timing of fluvial sediment exchanges of P.

The Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment (www.slu.se/en/departments/aquatic-sciences-assessment) is a competence centre for applied environmental sciences with focus on environmental assessment in terrestrial and surface water ecosystems. The research focuses on biogeochemical and hydrological processes in catchments, aquatic ecology and biodiversity, as well as aquatic ecotoxicology and environmental chemistry. The department has about 100 employees, of which half are researchers and PhD students and the other half are laboratory, technical and administrative staff.


Kvalifikationer: We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with a MSc
degree in environmental or aquatic science, engineering, chemistry, or equivalent.
Previous experience of data analyses and modelling as well as field and analytical laboratory work is desirable. Emphasis is placed on personal characteristics such as interpersonal skills, analytical and problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently. Proficiency in English (both spoken and written) is required.

It is a full-time education of four years. The PhD student will be employed as a PhD student, starting in September 2017.