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- Aufgaben: Join our team to explore Arctic greenhouse gas sinks and their impact on climate.
- Arbeitgeber: The Alfred Wegener Institute is a leader in polar and marine research, funded by the government.
- Mitarbeitervorteile: Work in state-of-the-art labs, participate in field expeditions, and collaborate with experts.
- Warum dieser Job: Make a real impact on climate science while working in stunning Arctic locations.
- Gewünschte Qualifikationen: PhD required; expertise in biogeochemistry, plant physiology, or microbiology preferred.
- Andere Informationen: Opportunities for student supervision and collaboration with the University of Hamburg.
Das voraussichtliche Gehalt liegt zwischen 45000 - 63000 € pro Jahr.
Postdoc position in Arctic biogeochemistry and plant functioning
Employer : Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research
The Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI) is a member of the Helmholtz Association (HGF) and funded by federal and state government. AWI focuses on polar and marine research in a variety of disciplines such as biology, oceanography, geology, geochemistry, and geophysics, thus allowing multidisciplinary approaches to scientific goals.
Type : Full time
Level : Experienced
Preferred education : PhD
Application Deadline : 16 February 2025
Posted On : 16 January 2025
Background
The advertised position is part of the ERC Starting Grant project „Arctic Greenhouse Gas Sinks: Exploring Coldspots of Methane and Nitrous Oxide in the Permafrost Domain (COLDSPOT)“. This project investigates the magnitude and functioning of greenhouse gas sinks in the Arctic. The Arctic acts as a net source of methane (CHâ‚„) and nitrous oxide (Nâ‚‚O), making it a biogeochemically critical ecosystem due to its vast soil carbon and nitrogen reserves and above-average warming rates. Current reporting of Arctic greenhouse gases shows an observational bias toward high-emitting hotspot sites. In contrast, COLDSPOT focuses on Arctic locations that function as CHâ‚„ and Nâ‚‚O sinks, removing these climate-relevant gases from the atmosphere. The project aims to investigate how plants influence nutrient availability and microbial activity, thereby regulating fluxes of CHâ‚„, Nâ‚‚O, and other climate-relevant gases.
What we are looking for
We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with expertise in biogeochemistry, plant physiology, microbiology, or a related field. You will investigate how processes in the plant-soil-microbe continuum regulate greenhouse gas fluxes, focusing on the consumption of atmospheric CHâ‚„ and Nâ‚‚O in Arctic ecosystems. You will study the biogeochemical and microbial functioning of CHâ‚„ and Nâ‚‚O sinks through a combination of field experiments (e.g., plant removal experiments) and laboratory manipulation of intact plant-soil systems (mesocosms) in climate chambers. Field sites are located in Canada and Finland.
You are encouraged to bring your own research ideas, with the project potentially focusing on various aspects of plant-soil interactions depending on your prior experience. In addition to in situ and lab-based greenhouse gas flux measurements, your work could emphasize:
- Microbial dynamics (e.g., methanotroph and nitrogen-cycling gene abundance and activity)
- Soil-plant-atmosphere fluxes of carbon, nitrogen, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- Biological nitrogen fixation
- Stable isotope tracer experiments
You will join a new research group established through close collaboration between the Alfred Wegener Institute and the University of Hamburg. This position offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic team of experts and access state-of-the-art laboratory facilities. You are expected to participate in field expeditions, collaborate closely with team members and project partners, present findings at scientific meetings and conferences, and publish results in peer-reviewed journals. Opportunities for supervising students are also available, depending on your interests.
Your Tasks
- Independently plan and conduct field campaigns in the Canadian and Finnish Arctic
- Design and conduct lab experiments to investigate the biotic and abiotic mechanisms underlying CHâ‚„ and Nâ‚‚O uptake by Arctic soils, and link CHâ‚„ and Nâ‚‚O flux rates to nutrient cycling, plant- or microbial functioning
- Conduct experimental manipulation studies including a mesocosm experiment in climate-controlled chambers
- Collaborate closely with team members and scientific partners
- Publish results in peer-reviewed scientific journals
- Present results at national and international scientific conferences and team meetings
Your Profile
- A PhD in a relevant field
- Strong background in biogeochemical cycles, plant functioning and/or bioinformatics, ideally in high-latitude ecosystems
- Experience in field or lab-based measurements of either greenhouse gas fluxes, BVOCs, nitrogen fixation, nutrient turnover, or microbiology
- Coding (e.g., R, Matlab, Python) and statistics skills
- Proven record of scientific work and publications in international scientific journals
- Ability to conduct independent work
- Willingness to participate in multi-week field expeditions to remote Arctic sites and work in diverse research teams
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Very good English skills (C1)
Other preferred qualifications and skills
- A driver’s license class B as well as Finnish and German language skills are an advantage
How to apply
Please submit your application by February 16th 2025, exclusively online through our job portal. Along with the application, please provide us with a cover letter detailing your motivation and research ideas, copies of degree certificates, list of publications, and a CV including names and contact details of three references.
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Postdoc position in Arctic biogeochemistry and plant functioning Arbeitgeber: European Geosciences Union e.V.
Kontaktperson:
European Geosciences Union e.V. HR Team
StudySmarter Bewerbungstipps 🤫
So bekommst du den Job: Postdoc position in Arctic biogeochemistry and plant functioning
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the latest research in Arctic biogeochemistry and plant functioning. This will not only help you understand the current challenges in the field but also allow you to bring innovative ideas to the table during discussions with the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field by attending relevant conferences or workshops. Engaging with experts can provide insights into ongoing projects and may even lead to collaborative opportunities that strengthen your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous research experiences in detail, especially those related to greenhouse gas fluxes and plant-soil interactions. Highlighting specific methodologies you've used will demonstrate your hands-on expertise and readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Show your enthusiasm for fieldwork in remote Arctic locations. Be ready to share any past experiences you have in challenging environments, as this will illustrate your adaptability and commitment to the research objectives of the project.
Diese Fähigkeiten machen dich zur top Bewerber*in für die Stelle: Postdoc position in Arctic biogeochemistry and plant functioning
Tipps für deine Bewerbung 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should clearly express your motivation for applying to the postdoc position and outline your relevant research ideas. Make sure to connect your expertise in biogeochemistry, plant physiology, or microbiology to the specific goals of the COLDSPOT project.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasize your experience with field campaigns, lab experiments, and any previous work related to greenhouse gas flux measurements. Include specific examples that demonstrate your ability to conduct independent research and collaborate with diverse teams.
List Publications Effectively: When providing your list of publications, ensure it is well-organized and highlights your most relevant work. Include peer-reviewed articles that showcase your contributions to biogeochemistry or related fields, as this will strengthen your application.
Prepare References: Select three references who can speak to your research capabilities and collaborative skills. Make sure to inform them about the position you are applying for so they can tailor their recommendations accordingly.
Wie du dich auf ein Vorstellungsgespräch bei European Geosciences Union e.V. vorbereitest
✨Show Your Passion for Arctic Research
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for Arctic biogeochemistry and plant functioning. Discuss any previous experiences or projects that relate to the unique challenges of this environment, and how they have shaped your research interests.
✨Highlight Relevant Skills and Experience
Be prepared to discuss your expertise in biogeochemical cycles, plant physiology, and microbiology. Provide specific examples of your fieldwork or lab experiments, especially those involving greenhouse gas flux measurements or nutrient cycling.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration Skills
Since this position involves working closely with a team, emphasize your ability to collaborate effectively. Share examples of past teamwork experiences, particularly in multidisciplinary settings, and how you contributed to achieving common goals.
✨Prepare Research Ideas
Come to the interview with your own research ideas that align with the COLDSPOT project. This shows initiative and creativity, and it allows you to discuss how your background can contribute to the project's objectives.
