Postdoctoral Fellow focusing on Isotope Studies of Gases over South Asia

Ref. No. SU FV-3114-22

at the Department of Environmental Science . Closing date: 30 September 2022.

The Department of Environmental Science is one of the biggest departments at the Faculty of Science. The department has a strong focus on research, spanning from couplings between climate change and biogeochemical cycles (atmosphere-land-ocean) to the sources, transport and effects of environmental contaminants. At the Unit for Biogeochemistry we are studying many aspects of the composition and functioning of the Earth system and large-scale biogeochemical cycles, and how these are affected by and feed back on anthropogenic perturbations such as climate warming. Two of our prioritized research areas are (i) how thawing land and subsea permafrost systems in the Arctic affects large-scale carbon cycling, including triggering release of various greenhouse gases, and (ii) how air pollution in particularly South Asia affects the gas and aerosol composition of the atmosphere, and how it affects the climate. Our research-oriented department hosts about 30 postdoctoral fellows and 60 PhD students, recruited from all over the World. We are also immersed in the interdepartmental Bolin Centre for Climate Research, a national center of excellence.

Project description
The postdoctoral fellow will be join a strong and long-standing research program focusing on the interlinkages between severe air pollution and climate change in South Asia. To reduce uncertainties, there is need for field-observation-based constraints.  This project is focused on leveraging multi-isotope techniques (e.g., δ13 C, δ2 H, δ18 O, Δ14 C) to advance constraints on the sources and atmospheric fate of key target gases such as methane, carbon monoxide and others in the highly perturbed atmosphere of South Asia. The combination of strategically located regional source and receptor sites with advanced isotope techniques will allow detailed characterization of sources, atmospheric reactions and overall constraints of their atmospheric lifecycle.

The research environment offers well-equipped analytical facilities for addressing these questions with several preconcentration systems and GCirMS instruments as well as observatory-based laser (isotope) spectroscopy and other gas analysers. We have a large international collaborative network and great access to strategic and well-equipped atmospheric observatories in South Asia and elsewhere.

The postdoctoral fellow will be centrally engaged in international cooperation including likely field-based campaigns to our atmospheric observatories in Bangladesh, India and the Maldives.

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 are seeking a highly motivated person with a completed PhD within the Environmental, Atmospheric, Earth Sciences and/or Chemistry fields. In-depth hands-on experience with analyzing gas samples with GCirMS (e.g., Thermo Fisher Delta V) including maintenance, calibration and data handling is an important qualification. Experience in measurements of atmospheric gases using laser (isotope) spectroscopy (e.g. Picarro instruments) is an added advantage. Collaborative skills and well-developed proficiency in scientific writing are required.

The selection is based on the applicant’s ability to successfully pursue the post-doc research project. Special emphasis is put on the applicant’s knowledge and skills within the subject area, ability to express her/himself verbally and in writing, analytical aptitude, creativity, initiative and independence, and a capacity for working together with others. The evaluation will be made based on the relevance of past research, education and experience, the quality and ambition of earlier research work, references, a cover letter motivating the candidate’s interest, and 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
Further information about the position can be obtained from Professor Örjan Gustafsson, also Director of the Maldives Climate Observatory – Hanimaadhoo [email protected] .

Union representatives
Ingrid Lander (Saco-S), telephone: +46 708 16 26 64, [email protected] , Alejandra Pizarro Carrasco (Fackförbundet ST/Lärarförbundet), telephone: +46 8 16 34 89, [email protected] , and [email protected] (SEKO).

Application
Apply for the position at 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.

Please include the following information with your application

• Your contact details and personal data
• Your highest degree
• Your language skills
• Contact details for 2–3 references

and, in addition, please include the following documents

• Cover letter including motivation of interest in this field/project, motivation what makes you suitable for the position and contact information to three reference persons
• CV – degrees and other completed courses, work experience and a list of publications
• Copy of PhD diploma
• Letters of recommendation (no more than 3 files)
• Publications in support of your application (no more than 3 files).

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

You are welcome to apply!

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