PhD studentship in Geobiosphere Scienceat the Department of Earth and Ecosystem Science, Faculty of ScienceProject description: Fluvial transport of amorphous silica
The PhD project will investigate the transport of amorphous silica by rivers to theworld's oceans. Amorphous silica (ASi) mostly originates from biological uptake byplants. Plants take up dissolved silicate and deposit it as an amorphous form ofsilica called phytoliths. Phytoliths and ASi formed in soils enters aquaticecosystems through litterfall and erosion. In addition, diatoms in aquaticecosystems also take up dissolved silicate and deposit it as ASi. There is a widerange of concentrations found in rivers depending upon the soils and vegetation inthe watershed, and algal growth in lakes and rivers. The amount of ASi transportedby rivers to the world's oceans is poorly known.
The Ph.D. student will investigate the flux of ASi from some of the world's largestrivers. The student will participate in several expeditions to sample rivers for avariety of constituents, including ASi. Some of the expeditions will be carried outthrough collaboration in on-going studies. The goal of the project is to establish aglobal estimate of the amount of ASi inputs from rivers.
This project is financed by the Faculty of Sciences at Lund University.
Qualifications:The applicants are expected to hold a university degree (preferably MSc. orequivalent) in natural sciences. A degree in subjects like Geology, Geochemistry,Geography or Aquatic Ecology is preferable. Documented experience in field studiesis an advantage. Experience of scientific publication in English is an asset.
The position is guaranteed for four years. The starting date is negotiable, but theproject should commence 1 October. Applications for this position should include aletter stating the reasons for applying and brief statements about ambitions inrelation to the project. The application should also include a letter withmotivation on why the student wants to undertake a Ph.D., a CV with general personalinformation and details of previous study/work record.
Additional information:The position is restricted to four years. Formal regulations for postgraduatestudies at the Faculty of Science are provided at:http://www.science.lu.se/o.o.i.s/11729
PhD studentships can only be offered to applicants who are granted admission topostgraduate studies. In the selection procedure, the ability to complete theeducation according to the study plan for postgraduate studies is considered.
Apart from postgraduate education, the successful applicant may be assigned otherduties within undergraduate teaching, research, and administrative work according tospecial regulations.
The Faculty of Science considers gender and equity aspects in the recruitmentprocess. Women are particularly encouraged to apply, as the majority of PhD studentswithin the Faculty are men.
Application forms for the announced position are provided athttp://www.science.lu.se/o.o.i.s/2319
The application must reach the Registrator, Kansli N, Lunds universitet, Box 117,S-221 00 LUND, Sweden, not later than 2010-08-23 to be considered. All submitteddocuments must be attested as to their authenticity.
Reference Number: NPA 2010/107Last application date: 23 August 2010Day of appointment: 1 October 2010Information: Daniel Conley, tel. +46 46 2220454E-mail: daniel.conley@geol.lu.se<mailto:daniel.conley@geol.lu.se>Worker's unions at Lund University: OFR, SACO, and SEKO
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