2 postdocs in Marine GHG

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The Department for Marine Sciences (http://marine.gu.se/english/ ) is Sweden's most complete academic environment for marine research and education, and it is one of few such institutions in Europe. The Department for Marine Sciences brings together expertise in physical oceanography, marine chemistry, marine biology, marine geology, and marine heritage conservation. Research and education are conducted in our premises in Gothenburg, at the two marine research stations Kristineberg and Tjärnö, and on the research vessel Skagerak.

Subject areas

Marine Biogeochemistry / Greenhouse gas research / Carbon and Nitrogen cycling

Project descriptions

Fjords are ubiquitous coastal ecosystems present at high latitudes. Besides being very picturesque, fjords are important for local and global biogeochemical budgets as they can store large amount of carbon. Increasing pressure from human activity, however, are quickly altering their ecology and element cycling. In particular, it is virtually unknown how human pressures influence emissions of the potent greenhouse gases CH4 and N2 O from fjords.

We have two postdoc positions open to work on these research lines. The first postdoc will look at natural N2 O and CH4 emissions from fjords for evaluating the importance of fjords in oceanic trace gas budgets (project funded by the Swedish Research Council VR). The postdoc will participate and organize research cruises to Sweden, Norway and Iceland both on large vessels and small boats; carry out in situ flux measurements and water/sediment sampling; carry out laboratory experiments to measure C- and N cycling processes; measure concentration and isotopic compositions of CH4 and N2 O in our labs.

The second postdoc will deal with cycling of CH4 and N2 O and emissions from aquaculture (project funded by the Swedish Research Council Formas). The scope here is to evaluate the carbon footprint associated with bivalve aquaculture. This project involves investigations at mussel farm systems on the east and west coast of Sweden. The postdoc will participate and organize research cruises mainly using small vessels and boats; carry out continuous GHG flux measurements; sample water, sediment, and mussel specimens; perform lab analyses of gas concentrations, isotope compositions and possibly genetic analyses of biological samples.

Job assignments and requirements

The two postdocs will carry out 100% research. Only in very special cases, they will be asked to take part in teaching activities. Practical tasks include, but are not limited to, development of protocols for in situ measurements (chambers, bubble catchers, etc.), application of new laboratory techniques, analyses of GHG with multiple instruments, data analysis, and paper writing. Two first-author publications are expected from each project.

The postdoc researchers will join a young, thriving, and enthusiastic team working on Marine biogeochemistry at the Department of Marine Science in Gothenburg. The two postdocs will carry out their own project but at the same time they will collaborate with each other. Excellent collaborative skills are required as their work will be linked to multidisciplinary groups with possible joint activities with researchers from GU, Stockholm University and Lund University.

The candidates will have access to state-of-the-art research vessels and biogeochemistry laboratories. Main working place is campus Gothenburg (from August 2023 located at Natrium premises). The candidates are expected to travel for extended periods of time and work in remote locations. Capacity to work at sea for up to 8 weeks per year is required.

Qualifications

Candidates require a doctoral degree in biogeochemistry, environmental chemistry, marine ecology, or a related discipline. It is mandatory to have prior experience with greenhouse gas research. It is advantageous to have skills in working at sea on medium and small vessels. Good analytical chemistry skills are desirable.

Both positions will involve project planning and coordination (experimental design, purchasing, building, logistics) and so independence in this regard must be demonstrated. In addition, exemplary teamwork and communication skills are required.

The works involve communicating with a multidisciplinary team of researchers and engineers in several international groups. So it is essential to have demonstrated team skills and proficiencies in both oral and written English.

How to apply

To apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you must register an account in our online application system (applications via email are not valid ) and submit the following documents in English:

• Cover letter, explaining your experiences, career motivation, interests and fit to one of the two research projects you are applying for (Max. 2 pages). Explain any circumstances that help the panel understand your individual trajectory.
• CV, including previous research experiences, list of publications or conference presentations, and contact details of 2-3 referees who can comment on your ability to succeed (Max. 3 pages).
• Evidence of strong academic writing skills. Include full text of 3 first-author peer-reviewed manuscripts, any reports or grant proposals written, and a copy of the PhD dissertation.
• Copy of PhD diploma and any other certificates or relevant merits that you wish to refer to and could help the panel to evaluate your potential for growth.

It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline of 26 March 2023.

The selection of candidates is made based on the qualifications, experiences, and potential for growth.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted via email and will be invited to write a short research plan related to one of the two procts, with a negotiable deadline. Interviews are planned to be carried out right after.

Type of employment

Fixed term 2-year postdoctoral employment with possibility for renewal

Location: Department of Marine Sciences in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Closing date: 26 March 2023

First day of employment: Negotiable, but a start date within June 2023 is desirable.

The positions offer competitive salaries plus coverage from Swedish national health and business travel insurance. GU strives to be a discrimination-free environment with equal opportunities for all.

Further information about the position

Can be found here: www.gu.se/en/work-at-the-university-of-gothenburg/how-to-apply

Or contact Dr. Stefano Bonaglia [email protected]

Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg

www.gu.se/en/work-at-the-university-of-gothenburg/how-to-apply#Union-representatives

Recruitment channels

In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.

Application

To apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you have to create an account in our recruitment system. Submit your application via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal by clicking the “Apply” button. It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per the vacancy notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline.

Applications must be received by: 2023-03-26

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The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations.

Salaries are set individually at the University.

In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden’s regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed.

In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.