[ES_JOBS_NET] PhD position in land-sea soil carbon transfer dynamics Utrecht University

[Erika Marín-Spiotta]

PhD position in land-sea soil carbon transfer dynamics
*Job description*

The global carbon cycle represents the collection of complex biogeochemical
processes that influence our climate and link all carbon pools on Earth.
Soils play a very active and key role in the global carbon cycle, as upon
sequestration in marine sediments they act as long-term sink of atmospheric
CO2. A large part of organic carbon (OC) stored in soils is continuously
mobilized and either returned to the atmosphere or transported by rivers to
the oceans. However, little is known about the fate and residence times of
soil OC within a river basin.



This PhD project will combine organic biomarkers with radiogenic and stable
isotopes to study the physical and biological processes that soil OC
undergoes during river transport from land to sea, the duration of this
transport, as well as the factors that control these processes. The data
that are generated in this project should contribute to a better
understanding of the role of soils in the global carbon cycle and the
potential feedbacks of its transfer to the ocean on the Earth’s climate.



The project will be lead by Dr. Francien Peterse (supervisor) and supported
by Prof. J.S Sinninghe Damsté and Prof. J.B.M. Middelburg (promotors) at
the Department of Earth Sciences, Utrecht University.

*Qualifications*

You are ambitious and you have a MSc (or equivalent) in geosciences,
chemistry, or environmental sciences, and preferably a background in
biogeochemistry. Affinity with field and laboratory work is essential. You
should be fully competent in oral and written English, and enjoy working in
an international and interdisciplinary team.



You will be expected to assist in the teaching programmes of the Department
of Earth Sciences for a limited amount of time (±0,1 fte).

*Offer*

A fulltime PhD position is offered, at first for one year. Contingent on a
(yearly) satisfactory performance this may be extended to a total period of
four years, with the specific intent that it results in a doctorate within
this period.



The first evaluation will take place approximately after 6 months of
employment, the second after 9 months. After the 9 months evaluation the
decision will be made whether an extension of the contract to the maximum
period of 4 years will be offered to the employee.



Employment conditions are based on the Collective Labour Agreement of the
Dutch Universities. The gross monthly salary starts at € 2,083.- in the
first year and increases to € 2,664.- in the fourth year, and is
supplemented by a holiday allowance of 8% per year and a year-end bonus of
8.3% (salary level 1-9-2013). We also offer a pension scheme and flexible
employment conditions. More information: terms of
employment<http://www.uu.nl/EN/informationfor/jobseekers/Working-for-Utrecht-University/terms-of-employment/Pages/default.aspx>
.

*About the organisation*

Utrecht University has great ambitions for its teaching quality and study
success rates. This also applies to its clear research profiles which are
centred around four themes: Sustainability, Life Sciences, Youth &
Identity, and Institutions. Utrecht University plays a prominent role in
our society and contributes to finding the answers to topical and future
societal issues.



The Faculty of Geosciences at Utrecht University offers a wide spectrum of
education and research concerning the geosphere, biosphere, atmosphere and
anthroposphere. With a population of 2,500 students (BSc and MSc) and 600
staff, the faculty is a strong and dynamic organisation.



The Faculty is committed to interdisciplinary and cross-institutional
collaboration, and plays a key role in the Dutch national research school
structure. In the Netherlands, the Faculty is the largest institute in its
field, and it has received the highest ratings in international assessments
of geosciences in the Netherlands. It embodies four departments: Earth
Sciences, Physical Geography, Innovation, Environmental & Energy Sciences,
and Human Geography & Urban & Regional Planning.



The Department of Earth Sciences conducts teaching and research across the
full range of the solid Earth and environmental Earth sciences, with
activities in almost all areas of geology, geochemistry, geophysics,
biogeology and hydrogeology. The department hosts a highly international
group of more than 100 PhD students and postdoctoral researchers and houses
a wide variety of world-class laboratories.

*Additional information*

Informal enquiries may be sent to dr. Francien Peterse: e-mail
F.Peterse at uu.nl. (email available after 3 Janaury 2014).

*Apply*

Applications are accepted until the position is filled, but we prefer to
receive your application before 15 February 2014. Evaluations and
interviews are planned for March 2014. The expected starting period is June
2014, or as soon as possible thereafter.



You can apply via the application button below.

*The application deadline
is*14/02/2014Apply<http://ssl1.peoplexs.com/Peoplexs22/CandidatesPortalNoLogin/ApplicationForm.cfm?PortalID=4124&VacatureID=626483>
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