Postdoctoral Position: Nitrogen Isotope Biogeochemistry 1023 views

The Aquatic and Isotope Biogeochemistry Research Group at the Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Basel invites applications for a Postdoc position in the field of benthic nitrogen isotope biogeochemistry for 3 years. The fulltime appointment is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNF). The expected starting date is 1 August 2020 or later.

About the position:

• The postdoc will be part of a project investigating the stable isotope effects and N₂O isotope signatures associated with elimination and cycling of bioavailable nitrogen (N) in lake and marine sediments. Research is planned in close collaboration with the Eawag Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Department Systems Analysis, Integrated Assessment and Modelling), as well as scientists from the University of Southern Denmark, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, and the GFZ Potsdam.
• The prime goal of the planned research is to build a thorough understanding of the controls on the NOx (nitrate and nitrite) and N₂O nitrogen and oxygen isotope signatures produced during sedimentary denitrification and other N cycling reactions.
• The postdoctoral project will make use of laboratory experiments and field investigations into the sediment porewater (N and O) isotope dynamics of distinct lacustrine and marine denitrifying environments, in order to develop and calibrate an isotope-biogeochemical model to simulate the distribution of N-species and their isotope ratios (in N₂O isotopocule systematics) within sediment porewaters.

Requirements:

• Applications are open to motivated candidates with a PhD in Environmental Sciences, Oceanography, Limnology, Geo-Chemistry, Biology, or a related discipline.
• Candidates are expected to have a solid background in (bio-) geochemistry in aquatic systems in general, as well as (micro-) biological processes and nitrogen cycling in benthic environments in particular.
• An expertise in N-isotope methods, N₂O isotope biogeochemistry, and/or numerical modelling of porewater geochemical processes will be an asset.
• The ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and good communication skills including fluency in English are essential.

Applications:

Apply online including a letter stating motivation, experience and skills, a CV and contact details of at least two references via our online recruiting platform.