Doktorandtjänst

The Department of Geological Sciences (Stockholm University, Sweden) invites applicants for the following PhD position in Geochemistry. Ref.nr SU 464-13-008-10 Title: Seasonal variability in benthic nitrogen cycling in coastal and open-sea sediments of the Baltic Sea.Framework of the project Cyanobacterial blooms are often seen as the main problem caused by Baltic eutrophication.The blooms fix nitrogen and add several hundred thousand tons of combined, readily plant-available nitrogen to the Baltic Sea each summer, thus adding to eutrophication.Since they peak during vacation season, the blooms are a major problem for the tourist and recreation industries in affected coastal areas.On the other hand, there is evidence that such blooms have been a natural feature of the Baltic Sea since it became a brackish sea some 7000 years ago.By providing extra nitrogen to a nitrogen-limited sea, the blooms may also increase phyto- and zooplankton production and hence are important for sustaining Baltic fish yield.The project will focus on the benthic fate of nitrogen and specifically address the coupling of the biogeochemical carbon, phosphorus, and sulfur cycles in the benthos: How much of the nitrogen fixed by cyanobacteria is lost as nitrogen gas by benthic denitrification and the anammox reaction, how much is nitrified and retained in the system?The project involves both the application of 15N-tracer studies and mass spectrometric analysis, porewater chemical analysis, and coupled diagenetic reaction-transport modeling. The student will thus gain broad expertise in aquatic biogeochemical analysis and field experimentation, as well as in numerical procedures.The interdisciplinary character of this strategic research project allows broad contacts with associated disciplines in ecology and biology, jurisdiction, management authorities, and the Baltic NEST Institute.Requirements Admission Requirements for Stockholm University and the Geochemistry Program: Applicants must have completed a research degree (e.g.Masters) or the equivalent of university study of 240 ECTS points (corresponding to 4 years).This must include at least 90 ECTS points (3 terms) of Natural Science, 30 ECTS points (1 term) of Chemistry, and 60 ECTS points (1 year) at the advanced level, including a 30 ECTS point independent project, in geology, geochemistry, biogeochemistry and/or a chemistry-related natural science topic. The specific project requires an independent and qualified candidate with strong background in marine biogeochemistry, aquatic chemistry, and good analytical chemical expertise.The position is open and a start of research activities in the summer 2010 is highly desirable.Good English writing skills are indispensable.Conditions A full-time position for four years duration. Contact For more information contact Dr.