2-year post-doc position in source apportionment of climate-forcing trace gases in the Arctic using multiple isotope systems

The position offers the possibility to acquire a broad range of analytical and conceptual skills within environmental and atmospheric chemistry, biogeochemistry and climate science. The post-doc would join an internationally recognized group of researchers and have full access to state-of-the-art field sampling and analytical facilities. Our research-oriented department hosts a large, active and international Ph.D. student and post-doc group. The successful candidate would also be immersed in the interdepartmental Bert Bolin Centre for Climate Research, a national centre of excellence at Stockholm University.

Project description

Thawing subsea and coastal permafrost is giving rise to atmospheric venting of CH₄ and CO₂. To make progress on the future trajectory of these releases in a warming Arctic, it is necessary to constrain the sources of these gases. The d¹³C, D¹⁴C and d²H isotopic fingerprints provide powerful clues to the permafrost sources of elevated CH₄ and CO₂ levels in water and air. Our research group has extensive experience of compound-specific isotope analysis of larger organic molecules in air, water and sediments and is now developing CSIA competence with gaseous species (methyl halides). This post-doc project would develop and apply field sampling and CSIA techniques (d¹³C, D¹⁴C and d²H) for CH₄, C₂H₆ and CO₂ in ambient water and air. Field campaigns may include sub-arctic Sweden (Abisko), northern Svalbard (Zeppelin station) and the East Siberian Arctic.

Qualifications

We are seeking a highly motivated person with a completed Ph.D. within the environmental and earth sciences, chemistry or engineering. Experiences with isotope mass spectrometry, handling of gases, instrumental development and tinkering, analyses of organic compounds and field sampling are all beneficial. Collaborative skills as well as high proficiency in scientific writing are highly desirable.

For further information on the position, contact Prof. Örjan Gustafsson, telephone +46-(0)8-674 73 17 or

 +46-(0)70-324 73 17, e-mail orjan.gustafsson@itm.su.se.

Union representatives are Bo Ekengren (SACO), Lisbeth Häggberg (Fackförbundet ST),

telephone +46-(0)8-16 2000 (switch board), and Gunnar Stenberg (SEKO), telephone +46-(0)70-316 43 41.

Application

Your application, including CV with publication list, a copy of your Ph.D. diploma, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest for this position, name and contact information to at least two reference persons, and any other documents (e.g., selected publications) you would like to include should be submitted and labelled with the reference number SU 619-2870-10, no later than January 31, 2011, to:

Stockholm University

Registrar/PÄ

SE-106 91 STOCKHOLM

SWEDEN

or by e-mail to: registrator@su.se.

Applications sent by e-mail should be in Word- or pdf-format. Include the reference number SU 619-2870-10 in the message line.?