Deadline: 18 April 2012
Open to: Applicants with a M.Sc. degree (or equivalent) in a quantitative environmental sciences disciplines, for instance meteorology, physical geography, environmental physics, environmental engineering, biogeochemistry
Remuneration: Not specified
Description
The research at the Department of Physical Geography and Ecosystem Science, at Lund University, is very much focused on multidisciplinary studies of climate and environmental change, and how this affects the functioning and composition of terrestrial ecosystems and vice versa. The work involves a combination of laboratory and field measurements with computer simulations in order to increase the understanding of the complex interactions between the biosphere and the atmosphere, biosphere and geosphere.
Terpenes (isoprene, monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes) are biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOC) emitted from plants with an important impact on chemical reactions in the atmosphere. BVOCs interact with oxidants like e.g. ozone on very short time scales due to their reactivity, and reaction products might form secondary organic aerosols (SOA), having a major impact on cloud forming processes and radiation transfer. The aim of the offered PhD project is to analyze the variability and seasonality of BVOC emissions (with a focus on sesquiterpenes) from a Swedish boreal forest and to determine the environmental drivers involved. The work will contribute to a better understanding of BVOC emission variability and quantify its role in atmospheric chemistry, i.e. plant stress caused by oxidants. They seek an enthusiastic PhD student for field measurements to quantify sesquiterpene emission strength and pattern for a boreal forest, and to analyze in-canopy chemistry.
Eligibility
Highest priority will be given to applicants with a M.Sc. degree (or equivalent) in a quantitative environmental sciences discipline, for instance meteorology, physical geography, environmental physics, environmental engineering, biogeochemistry. Applications from candidates who are close to completion of their undergraduate studies will also be considered.
The candidate should have a strong theoretical background in environmental physics, biogeochemistry or ecology. In the evaluation, also knowledge and experience from field measurements (e.g., trace gas exchange), the applicant’s ability to work independently, to take responsibility, and to address scientific questions will be considered. The applicant should be able to communicate research results and willing to interact within an international research environment.
The applicant must be able to work on towers and platforms within and above the canopy layer.
We welcome candidates with enthusiasm for collaboration within a multidisciplinary team, as well as an aptness to pose and solve problems individually. The work involves extensive international collaboration and the candidate must be willing to travel and hold a valid driving license (B or higher). Excellent written and spoken English is a requirement.
Application
For the position, please apply online here.
For further information please contact:
Thomas Holst, researcher
046-2224865
thomas.holst@nateko.lu.se
Karin Hall, prefekt
046-2229579
Karin.Hall@nateko.lu.se
Petra Andersson, Accountant and personnel – only questions regarding the position
046-2227880
Petra.Andersson@cgbkansli.lu.se
