PhD student in Soil Science / Biogeochemistry

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Department of Forest Ecology and Management in Umeå PhD student in the research education subject: Soil Science / Biogeochemistry Formation of methyl mercury as a consequence of forest clear-cutting A PhD-student position is available immediately within the research field of soil science/biogeochemistry.The research project "Formation of methyl mercury as a consequence of forest clear-cutting" is a collaboration between SLU, Umeå University and an international network involving researchers at ETH, Zurich, University of Princeton and Stockholm University.The transformation of inorganic mercury to the highly bioavailable and toxic form of methyl mercury has attracted recent attention and concern.The methylation process is microbially mediated and is stimulated under oxygen deficient conditions in soils, wetlands and in lakes.As a consequence mercury is accumulated in organisms.The knowledge about factors affecting the methyl mercury production and degradation is still limited.This research project is focused on the effect of forest clear-cutting on the methylation process, and effects of sulphur and iron(III) reducing conditions.The project will include sampling of soil, stream and ground water.Experimental work in the lab includes various analytical techniques for determination of mercury species in aqueous and solid phases, as well as Hg isotope experiments in order to quantify the rates of methylation and demethylation.Techniques will be used to determine the identity and microbial activity of iron(III) and sulphate reducing bacteria, including molecular approaches like PCR and clonal libraries.Spectroscopic determinations of mercury in the solid phase using X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS), as well as determination of Hg, S and Fe isotope fractionation will employed to evaluate the importance of various biogeochemical processes in soil, stream and pore water of forest clear-cuts.Qualifications Candidates should have a University degree in environmental chemistry, soil science or equal.Experience of analytical chemistry and microbiology is a strength.Forms for funding or employment Employment as PhD student 4 years SLU is an Equal Opportunity Employer. A person has basic eligibility for third level education if he or she has taken a second level qualification or has completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, including at least 60 higher education credits at second level.Those who met the requirements for general eligibility before July 1st, 2007, i.e.had completed a programme of higher education for at least 180 Higher education credits or the equivalent, will continue to do so until the end of 2015." Selection among applicants meeting the requirements is made with reference to written application including curriculum vitae, copies of degrees and transcripts of academic records, one copy of the dissertation for masters or undergraduate degree, a list of at least two references familiar with the applicant's qualifications, certified knowledge of the English language and an interview. Read more about the PhD education in the Handbook for postgraduate students Read about the PhD education at SLU at www.slu.se/PhD For a complete advt: personal.slu.se/job