Postdoctoral Fellow in Methane dynamics in the Sediment-ocean system

Ref. No. SU FV-0680-24

at the Department of Geological Sciences . Closing date: 21 April 2024.

Stockholm University is a leading European university in one of the world’s most dynamic capitals. The University has more than 33,000 students, 1,600 doctoral students and 5,500 staff members active within the natural sciences and humanities.

The Department of Geological Sciences is a department within the Faculty of Science with courses at master's, bachelor's and orientation levels. The department supports a broad range of basic research within marine geology, geochemistry and classical geology.

Project description
Atmospheric CH4 concentration has nearly tripled since pre-industrial times and is now increasing faster than ever in the observational record. Our current inability to predict the trajectory of atmospheric CH4 concentrations indicates a large knowledge gap within global CH4 dynamics and its response to climate warming. It is estimated that about half of the global CH4 emissions come from aquatic sources. While gas bubble emissions (ebullition) represent a large fraction of the total aquatic flux, the dynamic controls of seafloor ebullition remain poorly constrained. The central question in this project is: will climate warming-induced CH4 formation in sediments lead to increased CH4 emissions to the atmosphere? There are several factors pointing to this but few studies to date have investigated the coupled transport of dissolved and gaseous CH4 through the sediment-water column, and the resulting emissions. Here, this is done by combining a numerical sediment model with a coupled ocean-bubble model. This will allow us to shed light on where and when our oceans can become hotspots for CH4 emissions, and to make quantitative estimates of these emissions. The models will be validated through an observational program within CoastClim (coastclim.org) and the North of Greenland 2023 expedition with the Swedish icebreaker Oden.

The project includes collaborators at University of Helsinki and at Linnaeus University. The position is funded by the Swedish Research Council (VR).

Qualification requirements
Postdoctoral positions are appointed primarily for purposes of research. Applicants are expected to hold a Swedish doctoral degree or an equivalent degree from another country.

Assessment Criteria
The degree must have been completed at latest before the employment decision is made, but no more than three years before the closing date. An older degree may be acceptable under special circumstances. Special reasons refer to sick leave, parental leave, elected positions in trade unions, service in the total defense, or other similar circumstances as well as clinical attachment or service/assignments relevant to the subject area.

We seek candidates with a strong background in marine geophysics/biogeochemistry or applied physics with an interest in applying and developing numerical models. Documented previous research experiences on methane dynamics, numerical modeling and programming are meriting. Documented experience in marine geophysical/biogeochemical field observations is also considered as a merit. The candidate should be fluent in English, and be able to work independently and in groups, as well as towards deadlines.

The selection among the eligible candidates is based on their expected capacity to complete the project tasks. The following criteria are used to assess this capacity: the applicant's documented knowledge and skills within the subject of their proposed specialization, capability to express their work orally and in writing in English, creativity, ability to take initiatives, capacity for analytical thinking, independence and ability to work with other researchers. The evaluation is based on previous education and experience, quality of previous published research, ambition expressed in the motivation letter, description of the proposed project direction and potentially interviews.

Terms of employment
The position involves full-time employment for a minimum of two years and a maximum of three years, with the possibility of extension under special circumstances. Start date as per agreement.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact
For more information, please contact Assistant Professor Christian,  [email protected] or Professor Martin Jakobsson, [email protected] .

Union representatives
Ingrid Lander (Saco-S), tel. 0708-16 26 64, [email protected] , Alejandra Pizarro Carrasco (Trade Union ST/Teachers' Union), tel. 08-16 34 89, [email protected] , and [email protected] (SEKO).

Application
You apply for the position through Stockholm University's recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline. We recommend that you submit your application, including the necessary documents, in English.  

Please attach the following information to your application:

• Contact and personal information.
• Your highest awarded degree.
• Your language skills.
• Contact information to at least two references.

Please also include:

• Cover letter including information about:
  • why you are interested in the advertised research project
  • why the advertised position is right for you
• Project plan (max 2 pages) describing:
  • why you are interested in the topic/project described in the advertisement
  • why and how you want to run the project
  • What makes you a suitable candidate for this project
• CV, including information on education and work experience of relevance and list of publications.
• Diploma and grades confirming that you meet the requirements- (If the doctoral degree has not been completed, write the date when it is expected to be completed)
• Up to 2 reference letters.
• Up to 5 selected publications.

The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position .

You are welcome to apply!

URL to this page
https://www.su.se/english/about-the-university/work-at-su/available-jobs?rmpage=job&rmjob=23100&rmlang=UK