Doctoral student in Environmental science

Welcome to Linnaeus University
Where knowledge grows.
We are an international university in Småland, Sweden. Together we set knowledge in motion for a sustainable societal development.

This position is based at the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, at the Department of Biology and Environmental Science. The research profile at this department is multidisciplinary and includes e.g. aquatic ecology, cell- and organism biology, evolutionary biology, microbiology, zoonotic ecology and epidemiology, environmental science, climate research, environmental chemistry, environmental risk assessment and paleoecology. 

Field of subject for the appointment: Environmental science.
Admission subject: The studies carried out in the project are designed to lead to a PhD in Environmental science.
Placement city: Kalmar, Sweden.
Employment: Employment as a doctoral student is limited according to HF chapter 5 § 7. The total employment period may not be longer than the equivalent postgraduate studies full-time for four years. Activities should start at earliest convenience. 

Job description

The working tasks consist mainly of research within Geochemistry/Geobiology. In your job you are expected to actively participate in the department's environment and network both internally and externally. 

The aim of this PhD project is to investigate ancient and active microbial methanogenesis and methane oxidation in the igneous crust. The PhD studies will be mostly dedicated to a Formas granted project entitled “Microbial methane in the crust - volumes, fluxes and consequences” at the Department of Biology and Environmental Science at Linnaeus University, but also to related studies. The work will involve practical activities, fieldwork (of drill cores, waters, gases), laboratory work (analyses and experiments) and modelling. 

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, a person appointed to a doctoral studentship should primarily devote himself/herself to his/her own studies. An appointee may, however, work to a limited extent with education, research, artistic development, and administration. However, before a doctoral degree has been awarded, duties of this kind may not comprise more than 20% of a full-time post. 

Requirements 

A person fulfils the general entry requirements if he/she


• has been awarded a degree on second-cycle level or equivalent in Geosciences, Geochemistry, Biogeochemistry, Microbiology;
• completed the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits, of which 60 credits on second-cycle level, or
• in other way, in Sweden or abroad, has acquired principally equivalent knowledge. 

Specific requirements to this position are:


• A high proficiency in written and spoken English. 

Assessment grounds 


• Documented experience of analytical and conceptual modelling work in geochemistry/geobiology
• Experience of analytical protocols and sample preparation for studies of gases, isotope signatures, lipid biomarkers and related interpretation
• Experience of sampling, analytical protocols, interpretation of microbiological ‘omics’ data
• Previous documented deep biosphere research experience, particularly of ancient (but also of modern) systems as well as in astrobiological context
• Ability to solve difficult problems
• Ability to work independently as well as interact well in a research group. 

For more information, please contact:

Head of department: Per-Eric Betzholtz, per-eric.betzholtz@lnu.se, +46-(0)480-446249;
Research leader: Henrik Drake (henrik.drake@lnu.se);
HR partner: Stiina Salmgren, stiina.salmgren@lnu.se, +46-(0)480-446406. 

Union representatives can be reached through the university switchboard: +46-(0)772-28 80 00. 

Applications:

Apply through www.lnu.se. Closing date for application is March 1, 2021. Mark your application with reference number 2021/21-2.2.1.


Linnaeus University has the ambition to utilize the qualities that an even gender distribution and diversity brings to the organization.

Please apply by clicking on the "Apply" button at the bottom of the ad. Applicants are requested to the application resolving CV, cover letter , a copy of a relevant essay , grades and certificates and other relevant documents. The applicant also requested to submit with their application a proposed research plan within the current area of research. All documents must be attached to digital in the application. The application and other documents shall be marked with the reference number. All documents cited must be received by the University no later than 24.00 (Local time in Sweden) on the closing day.