Postdoctoral fellow in biogeochemistry (PA2022/3046)

Subject description
It is widely recognized that the expansion of silica biomineralization in the oceans has affected the evolutionary competition for dissolved Si. There is a widely accepted idea that the appearance of siliceous organisms contributed to a marine DSi decline in the late-Precambrian/early Phanerozoic, based largely on inferences from chert petrology, but direct evidence for this event is missing. The Ediacaran-Cambrian is a critical period when the earliest siliceous fossils (siliceous sponges and radiolarians) are recorded, accompanied by fluctuations in marine redox conditions, terrigenous inputs, climate and biological innovations. The aim of this project is to explore the silicon cycle evolution through the Ediacaran-Cambrian periods and its interaction with other geological/biological processes.

Work duties
The main duties involved in this post-doctoral position is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but no more than 20% of working hours. The position shall include the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning.

• Investigate changes in reverse weathering intensity during the late-Precambrian/early Phanerozoic.
• Use scanning electron microscope applying SEM-EDS) to determine elemental composition.
• Measure C, S, Si, Sr, and O isotopes and mapping with Raman spectroscopy.
• Investigate the preservation of sponge silica from different sediment archives.
• Writing manuscripts.
• Administration related to the work duties listed above.

Qualification requirements
Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position, completed no more than three years before the date of employment decision. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• A PhD in Geology with specialization in paleobiology.
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Determine clay mineralogy using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and with electron backscatter diffraction (EDS).
• Measure C, S, Si, Sr, and O isotopes to investigate geological process
• Experience in working with samples from marine sediment archives.
• Knowledge to connect variation in biomineralisation of organisms with the biogeochemical changes in the environment. 

Assessment criteria and other qualifications
This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers.

Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Terms of employment
This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of a maximum of 3 years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”) between Lund University, SACO-SandOFR/S, dated 1stFebruary 2022.

Instructions on how to apply
Applications shall be written in English and be compiled into a PDF-file containing:

• CV, including a list of publications,
• A general description of past research including knowledge and experience regarding the requirements for the position (no more than two pages).
• Contact information of at least two references,
• Copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered.