PhD student in Marine Biogeochemistry

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 56 000 students and 6 600 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract researchers and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

 PhD student in Marine Biogeochemistry

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. More than 49 000 students and 6 500 employees (https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/facts-and-figures) make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and study programmes attract scientists and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future. The University of Gothenburg promotes equal opportunities, equality and diversity.

The Department for Marine Sciences (http://marine.gu.se/english/) is Sweden's most complete academic environment for marine research and education, and it is one of few such institutions in Europe. The Department for Marine Sciences brings together expertise in physical oceanography, marine chemistry, marine biology, marine geology, and marine heritage conservation. Research and education are conducted in our premises in Gothenburg, at the two marine research stations Kristineberg and Tjärnö, and on the research vessel Skagerak.

 

Subject area

Marine Biogeochemistry

 

Project description

Nitrogen cycle plays an important role in controlling coastal eutrophication and greenhouse gas exchange. Coastal areas are hotspots of nitrogen cycling processes and microbes living there are very active players in nitrogen loss, recycling, gas fluxing and more.

We now offer one PhD position to work on a research project co-funded by the Department of Marine Sciences and the two Swedish Research Councils VR and Formas. The PhD project will focus on nitrogen cycling in fjords, estuaries and possibly other ecosystems in Sweden and abroad. We are seeking an independent and collaborative person with a background in biogeochemistry, microbial ecology, chemical oceanography or environmental chemistry to pursue PhD studies in Marine Sciences.

The student will perform field and laboratory investigations to measure N cycling processes combing sediment sampling, stable isotope tracer experiments, in situ flux measurements, and possibly genetic analyses. The research project will involve collaboration with both Swedish and international scientists. There is space to negotiate a specific PhD project with a focus on N cycling and marine biogeochemistry. A candidate with skills that complement existing skills in our research group is particularly welcome.

 

Job assignments

The student will join an international team working on marine biogeochemistry in the Department of Marine Science in Gothenburg. The student will work with field and laboratory techniques, data analysis, and writing.

The candidate will have access to both biogeochemistry and molecular ecology laboratories. The work will be conducted within an international and multidisciplinary group, with competence in geochemistry, marine ecology and geology.

The student will be expected to travel for extended periods of time (up to 8 weeks per year) and work in remote locations.

 

Eligibility

The qualifications for education on a doctoral level are: a Master degree or similar, at least 240 university points, of which 60 are on an advanced level, or similar knowledge acquired in another way within or outside the country of Sweden. Candidates currently based on any country are welcome to apply. A start around August 2021 is ideal, but the starting date is negotiable.

 

Competence

The candidate should have worked on a research project for at least 1 year as a Masters or Undergraduate student. A background in biogeochemistry, microbial ecology, chemical oceanography, environmental chemistry or related discipline is desired. The work language will be English. A demonstration of strong quantitative and written skills, or geochemical/microbial analysis would be beneficial. In case the candidate cannot demonstrate those skills, a strong interest in developing them is required.

 

Assessment

Regulations for the evaluation of qualifications for education on a doctoral level are given in SFS 1998:80. Only a person that is admitted to a doctoral level education can hold the position. The candidates will be judged for their ability to successfully complete the program and their past performance relative to research opportunity. In addition to pursuing their own research studies, the holder of the position may be required to perform duties such as teaching, research, and administration according to special regulations.

The candidate will be expected to work in a team, have flexibility to adapt to change, commitment to learn new skills, and build excellent data handling and communication skills. Communication skills in oral and written English are a requirement.

Short-listed applicants will be invited to write a research proposal and attend an interview in English (in person or online).

 

Type of employment

Fixed-term employment, 4 years (extensions may be available if the candidate teaches in the department).

Extent: 100%

Location: Department of Marine Sciences in Gothenburg.

PhD students in Sweden have the same rights as university employees with full access to public services such as sick leave, public health care, education, and parental leave. The starting salary will be 26,550 SEK per month before taxes and is raised to a maximum of 31,200 SEK per month in the final year of the PhD subject to appropriate progress.

 

Further information about the position

Please contact Assistant Professor Stefano Bonaglia (stefano.bonaglia@gu.se).

 

Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg

http://www.gu.se/english/about_the_university/job- opportunities/union-representatives

 

Application deadline

23 May 2021

 

How to apply

In order to apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you have to register an account in our online recruitment system (applications via email are not valid) and submit the following documents in English:

 

• Cover letter, explaining the applicant’s experiences, career motivation, interests and fit to our research group (1 page). Feel free to explain any circumstances that help the panel to understand your individual trajectory.
• Curriculum Vitae, including a list of relevant courses, examples of previous research experiences, list of publications or conference presentations, and contact details of 2 referees who can comment on your ability to succeed as a PhD student (2 pages).
• One scientific text in English written by the candidate. This can be a Master thesis, Honours thesis, publications in scientific journals, or even a paper currently in draft. Feel free to explain the context of this paper in your cover letter.
• Certificates and related description of any other relevant merits that you wish to refer to and could help the panel to evaluate your potential for growth.

 

It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline of 23 May 2021.

The selection of candidates is made on the basis of the qualifications, experiences and potential for growth. The application is to be written in English. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted via email and will be invited to write a short research proposal with a negotiable deadline. Interviews are planned to be carried out right after.

 

Recruitment channels

In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.

The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations.

Salaries are set individually at the University.

In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden’s regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed.

In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.