PhD in Sediment supply from tidewater glaciers and coastal erosion to fjords and shelf seas, University of Copenhagen

PhD in Sediment supply from tidewater glaciers and coastal erosion to fjords and shelf seas

PhD position - "Sediment supply from tidewater glaciers and coastal erosion to fjords and shelf seas, Greenland" 
Department of Geography and Geology and Center for Permafrost (CENPERM) at the University of Copenhagen hereby offer a fully funded PhD position. Expected commence in September 2012.
Project description
We seek a highly motivated candidate to work on the dynamics of past and current sediment delivery from tidewater glaciers and coastal erosion in Greenland. The seabed sediments of fjords and shelf seas in Greenland represent archives of past calving and coastal erosion - both processes are closely linked to past, current and future climate changes.
Interactions between abrasion of coastlines, degrading permafrost and mobilize carbon stored in the sediments being eroded remains an open questions. In order to be able to interpret the archives, a better understanding of sediment characteristics, supply and deposition in the system is needed. 
This phd-project will focus on tracing sediment supply from tidewater glaciers and coastal erosion to final deposition with special emphasis on quantification of sediment supply and settling velocity of the suspended sediment. Special attention will be given to the rate of supply and deposition of organic carbon. Geochemical and radiometric approaches will be used to try to unravel different sources of the sediment in suspension.
Who are we
CENPERM is a newly established Center of Excellence financed by the Danish National Research Foundation and integrates multidisciplinary research of biogeochemical and physical processes in Arctic landscapes, especially in the major climate zones of Greenland. 
The PhD project is also embedded in the Research Group Geomorphology: Processes and landscapes at the Department of Geography and Geology. Here, we study coastal and estuarine changes on different spatial and temporal scales. Field and experimental data as well as process-oriented conceptual models are integral parts of our studies.
Qualifications required
The scholarship is open to Danish and international applicants. The successful candidate must hold a Master degree or equivalent qualifications in geosciences. Highly motivated candidates with an MSc degree in Physical Geography, Physical Oceanography, Marine Geology, or any other related field are encouraged to apply. Qualified candidates must speak and write English fluently.
We expect the candidate to publish in international peer−reviewed journals, write a PhD thesis within the project duration of three years and participate in teaching within the Department. Additionally, the candidate is expected to participate in supporting the logistics and administration of our field station in Sermilik in SE Greenland
Terms of employment
Terms of employment and payment are in accordance with the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Federation of Professional Associations (AC). The starting salary for candidates with an MSc degree will be a minimum of DKK 304.089 per year (April 2012 level) plus pension contribution and the possibility to negotiate wages. 
The successful candidate will be requested to formally apply for enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD school of Science, University of Copenhagen and be offered a working contract for the 3 year PhD study period. It is expected that the successful candidate will be enrolled at the PhD School of the Faculty of Science no later than 1 month after the start of the PhD scholarship preferably by August 2012.
Application procedure and deadline
To apply, click on the "Apply online" below and attach the following,
1. A letter of motivation for this position and a condensed project description including technical approaches (max 2 pages),
2. A Curriculum Vitae with a list of publications,
3. A transcript of relevant University examinations,
4. Contact details (including e-mail addresses) of two referees. 
The deadline for application is August 10th.
Applications received after the deadline or with insufficient documentation or otherwise not complying with the above requirements will not be considered. 
An evaluation committee will be appointed to evaluate the applications. Applicants will be notified of the composition of the committee and will receive the part of the evaluation that concerns her/him. The final selection of a successful candidate will be made based on the recommendations made by the evaluation committee.
Further information can be obtained from the main supervisor, Dr Thorbjørn Joest Andersen, (e-mail: tja@geo.ku.dk). General information on Department of Geography and Geology can be found at www.geo.ku.dk, on the Center for Permafrost at www.cenperm.ku.dk, and the PhD school at www.science.ku.dk/phd/.
The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes
applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.
Apply online

Founded in 1479, the University of Copenhagen is the oldest university in Denmark. With 37,000 students and 9,000 employees, it is among the largest universities in Scandinavia and one of the highest ranking in Europe. The University consists of six faculties, which cover Health and Medical Sciences, Humanities, Law, Science, Social Sciences and Theology.
Deadline: 10-08-2012
Publisher: Faculty of Science