PhD student in Environmental Science focusing on biogenic volatile organic compounds and aerosols (2)

Ref. No. SU FV-0928-24

at the Department of Environmental Science . Closing date: 30 April 2024

The Department of Environmental Science is one of the biggest departments at the Faculty of Science. The department consists of four units with more than 170 researchers, teachers, doctoral students and technical/administrative staff from over 30 countries. Research and teaching focuses on chemical contaminants, atmospheric science, biogeochemistry and (eco)toxicology. As an employee at the Department of Environmental Science you will be part of a dynamic environment with research in leading research areas and with a strong international profile.

Research at the Atmospheric Science Unit focuses on understanding atmospheric processes, and their consequences for human health and climate. The majority of our research activities focuses on understanding the life cycle, and the health and climate impacts of aerosol particles. Studies investigating the chemical composition and chemical processing of aerosols are central for the research activities. The methodologies applied range from laboratory studies to in-situ and satellite observations and from molecular modelling to global scale simulations.

The Atmospheric Science Unit has around 40 members and a track record of hosting several prestigious grants from e.g. the European Research Council, Horizon 2020 actions, Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundations, Swedish Research Council and Formas. Besides the research, education is an integral part of our portfolio including MSc programs in Environmental Science, in Environmental and Health Protection and a PhD program in Environmental Science. The Atmospheric Science Unit annually produces several dozen peer-reviewed papers, a few book chapters, and several reports.

Project description
We are looking for two PhD students to work with us on the project "Feedbacks between a changing climate and vegetation: The role of volatile organic compounds and biogenic aerosols (CLIVE)" funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation. Goal of the project is to study a small fraction of the carbon taken up by plants and which is released back into the atmosphere as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). A small fraction with a big impact on climate as the VOCs are precursors for atmospheric organic aerosols. The research will focus on better quantification of the current and future climate impact of forests via VOC emissions and their interactions with clouds, aerosols and related feedbacks. We also aim on improved understanding of connections between VOCs emissions and their composition and plant physiology and evapotranspiration.

The two PhD students will work closely together in our pursuit to answer following questions:

• What is the composition and magnitude of tropical and boreal forest VOC emissions as a function of CO2 uptake and environmental conditions such as temperature and precipitation?
• How does evapotranspiration influence VOC emissions in boreal and tropic forests?
• How do boreal forest management practices impact VOC emissions?
• How do tropical and boreal forest VOC emissions under current environmental and CO2 conditions influence aerosol and cloud formation?

The PhD projects include both, experimental laboratory and field work and data analysis followed by close collaboration with modellers in an attempt to use the new knowledge and data in models of various scales. The successful candidates will prepare and participate in field experiments in the boreal forest and tropical rainforest, which will include in-situ observations and controlled experiments using a wide set of instrumentation including mass spectrometers to characterize VOCs and atmospheric aerosol. Longer research stays at the Laboratory of Atmospheric Chemistry at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) in Switzerland are possible.

Qualification requirements
To meet the general entry requirements, the applicant must have completed a second-cycle degree, completed courses equivalent to at least 240 higher education credits, of which 60 credits must be in the second cycle, or have otherwise acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or elsewhere.

In order to meet the specific entry requirements, for doctoral studies in Environmental Science, at least 45 of the credits at the second cycle must be in one of the natural sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Physics, or Meteorology) including a 30 credits thesis project. The applicant should also have 30 credits in other natural science subjects different from the major.

The qualification requirements must be met by the deadline for applications.

Selection
The selection among the eligible candidates will be based on their ability to successfully pursue the research education. 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 education and experience, grades from previous university courses (in particular at the advanced level), the quality and ambition of the independent project work, references, a cover letter motivating the candidate’s interest, and interviews. Specifically we will put emphasis on candidate’s skills, capacity and motivation to combine experimental and field work with data analysis and interpretation of results.

Admission Regulations for Doctoral Studies at Stockholm University are available at: www.su.se/rules and regulations .

Terms of employment
Only a person who will be or has already been admitted to a third-cycle programme may be appointed to a doctoral studentship.

The term of the initial contract may not exceed one year. The employment may be extended for a maximum of two years at a time. However, the total period of employment may not exceed the equivalent of four years of full-time study.

Doctoral students should primarily devote themselves to their own education, but may engage in teaching, research, and administration corresponding to a maximum of 20 % of a full-time position.

Please note that admission decisions cannot be appealed.

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

Contact
For more information, contact Assistant Prof. Liine Heikkinen, telephone:+358 449955756, [email protected] , Prof. Ilona Riipinen, telephone:+46 73 585 9251, [email protected] , Dr. Radovan Krejci, telephone: +46 8 674 7224, [email protected] , or Associate Prof. Paul Zieger telephone: +46 8 674 7634, [email protected] .

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

Application
Apply for the PhD student 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 motivating your interest for this position
• CV – degrees and other completed courses, work experience, and a list of degree projects/theses
• Degree certificates and grades confirming that you meet the general and specific entry requirements (no more than 6 files)
• Optional letters of recommendation (no more than 6 files)
• Degree projects/theses (no more than 6 files).

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

You are welcome to apply!

Stockholm University contributes to the development of sustainable democratic society through knowledge, enlightenment and the pursuit of truth.

URL to this page
https://www.su.se/english/about-the-university/work-at-su/available-jobs/phd-student-positions-1.507588?rmpage=job&rmjob=23262&rmlang=UK