Position available - Lund University

PhD studentship in Geobiosphere Science

at the Department of Earth and Ecosystem Science, Faculty of Science



Reference Number: NPA 2010/107

Last application date: 23 August 2010

Day of appointment: 1 October 2010

Information: Daniel Conley, tel. +46 46 2220454

E-mail: daniel.conley@geol.lu.se<mailto:daniel.conley@geol.lu.se>

Worker's unions at Lund University: OFR, SACO, and SEKO



Project description: Fluvial transport of amorphous silica



The PhD project will investigate the transport of amorphous silica by rivers to the

world's oceans. Amorphous silica (ASi) mostly originates from biological uptake by

plants. Plants take up dissolved silicate and deposit it as an amorphous form of

silica called phytoliths. Phytoliths and ASi formed in soils enters aquatic

ecosystems through litterfall and erosion. In addition, diatoms in aquatic

ecosystems also take up dissolved silicate and deposit it as ASi. There is a wide

range of concentrations found in rivers depending upon the soils and vegetation in

the watershed, and algal growth in lakes and rivers. The amount of ASi transported

by 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 largest

rivers. The student will participate in several expeditions to sample rivers for a

variety of constituents, including ASi. Some of the expeditions will be carried out

through collaboration in on-going studies. The goal of the project is to establish a

global 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. or

equivalent) in natural sciences. A degree in subjects like Geology, Geochemistry,

Geography or Aquatic Ecology is preferable. Documented experience in field studies

is an advantage. Experience of scientific publication in English is an asset.



The position is guaranteed for four years. The starting date is negotiable, but the

project should commence 1 October. Applications for this position should include a

letter stating the reasons for applying and brief statements about ambitions in

relation to the project. The application should also include a letter with

motivation on why the student wants to undertake a Ph.D., a CV with general personal

information and details of previous study/work record.



Additional information:

The position is restricted to four years. Formal regulations for postgraduate

studies 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 to

postgraduate studies. In the selection procedure, the ability to complete the

education according to the study plan for postgraduate studies is considered.



Apart from postgraduate education, the successful applicant may be assigned other

duties within undergraduate teaching, research, and administrative work according to

special regulations.



The Faculty of Science considers gender and equity aspects in the recruitment

process. Women are particularly encouraged to apply, as the majority of PhD students

within the Faculty are men.



Application forms for the announced position are provided at

http://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 submitted

documents must be attested as to their authenticity.