[ES_JOBS_NET] Funded PhD Position in Carbon Capture + Geochemistry

[Terry Isson]

*Funded PhD Position in Carbon Capture + Geochemistry  *
*Testing the efficacy of enhanced rockweathering for large-scale carbon
capture  *

*Chief Supervisor *
Terry Isson                                (University of Waikato–
Tauranga)

*Co-supervisor(s) for this project *
Louis Schipper                           (University of Waikato– Hamilton)
Shuang Zhang                          (TexasA&M University)
Noah Planavsky                        (Yale University)

*Description *
To avoid devastating climate impacts globally, atmospheric carbon dioxide
(CO2)removal is required over the next century. Yet, few tenable
large-scale CO2 removal applications exist. It is now time for us to
radically re-imagine the way we live on this planet. Enhanced rock
weathering (ERW) of primary silicate minerals (e.g., olivine) has been
proposed as a viable strategy for global-scale carbon capture, with a
notable net 0.5-5 Gt CO₂ yr-1 potential proposed by recent modelling work.
Additional potential economic and environmental benefits of ERW on pasture
could include: (1) offsetting the need to add lime to pastures; (2)
offsetting marine and terrestrial acidification; (3) reduced nitrous oxide
(N₂O) flux; (4) release of essential nutrients (e.g., Ca, Mg, K, Si, Fe,
Zn); (5) enhanced ecosystem carbon storage;and (6) increased crop yield.
Despite the massive potential, there are currently no natural field data to
corroborate the rates of carbon dioxide capture deemed possible in model
space. As part of this project, the PhD student will perform ERW trials on
agricultural land (e.g., permanent pasture), using both dunite and basalt.
This work will be tackled with a toolbox consisting of geochemical
(elemental and mineralogical) analysis, reaction transport models and
machine learning techniques in collaboration with a well-rounded
supervisory team. This project constitutes only a portion of the PhD
thesis, there is room for the candidate to lead the way in shaping the
remainder of it. Prior experience in any of the following areas:
geochemistry, carbon cycling, geospatial analysis, reaction transport
modelling, machine learning is highly valued. The PhD candidate will be
based at the Tauranga campus, as part of the Earth-Life
InteractionsResearch Group (habitablearth.com). This 3-year scholarship
covers stipend and fees.

*As part of your application package, kindly include: *

   1. CV (including information for 2-3 referees)
   2. Cover Letter (this can include: a description of why you want to
   undertake a PhD; how your previous experiences have prepared you for the
   research project that you are applying for; what your passions are within
   or outside of academia)

Review of applications will commence on 30th June 2021 and continue until
the position is filled.

Kindly email your application to:  terry.isson at waikato.ac.nz

-- 

*Terry Isson*
Faculty (Geobiology)
Te Aka Mātuatua - School of Science
University of Waikato  |  Tauranga 3110  |  New Zealand
Earth-Life Interactions Group <https://habitablearth.com>
Ph: +64 22 011 6009
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