Postdoctoral Fellow on Arctic Ocean Methane: Oxidation

The Department of Environmental Science is one of the largest departments at the Faculty of Science of Stockholm University. Our research spans from couplings between climate change and biogeochemical cycles (atmosphere-land-ocean) to the sources, transport and effects of environmental contaminants. The department consists of four units with more than 170 researchers, PhD students, technical and administrative staff from over 30 countries. We are deeply engaged also in the Bolin Centre for Climate Research, a national center of excellence that facilitates research, teaching and outreach related to the Earth’s climate across disciplines. For more information about us, please visit https://www.su.se/department-of-environmental-science/.

Research in the Biogeochemistry Unit focuses on the cycles of carbon, nutrients and trace metals on land, in water and in the atmosphere, and their interaction with human activities and climate. The unit has a strong and long-standing research focus on the impact of global warming on Arctic environments with the overarching goal to improve the systems understanding and future projections of biogeochemical cycles in this system.

We are now recruiting a postdoctoral fellow to complement our team, with a focus on methane oxidation in the Arctic Ocean

More information about us, please visit: the Department of Environmental Science.

Project description

The position will be associated with the project “Observational constraints on Arctic Ocean methane systems as tipping elements and triggers of climate overshoot”, funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation. The project focuses on methane releases from thawing subsea permafrost and collapsing hydrates of the Arctic Ocean. Hotspots of high methane concentrations have been observed especially on the Eurasian Arctic Ocean shelves and slopes, but the sources, sinks, release processes, emissions to the atmosphere, and future trajectories are highly uncertain. The project aims to answer these questions by integrating observational and modelling tools. The post doc position will be associated with the research group of Birgit Wild, and will be part of a larger research team working on the same project together with project partners Örjan Gustafsson and WeiLi Hong from Stockholm University.

Main responsibilities

This post doc position can focus on different aspects of the grand theme but the ideas should be complementary to the overarching project goals. Possibilities include, but are not restricted to, experimental and modelling work to constrain methane oxidation rates, the impact of methane oxidation on ocean acidification, and the role of subsea permafrost for methane release on the Arctic Ocean shelves. We have a large collection of samples and data especially from the Russian Arctic Ocean shelves available at Stockholm University. We offer laboratory facilities for e.g., controlled experiments; analyses of various biomarkers (incl. compound-specific 13C and 14C analyses); of concentrations, stable and radioisotopes of methane and CO2; of microbial community composition etc. The position might also include field work. The incoming post doc is encouraged to bring in own ideas and describe them in their application.

Beyond the immediate project goals, we aim to provide post docs with attractive opportunities to develop their careers. We will discuss personal development goals at the beginning and throughout the post doc period. We offer possibilities to develop new method skills, be involved in teaching, in bachelor and master thesis supervision, and in other ongoing research if the post doc is interested. Stockholm University also offers courses and workshops on university pedagogics and proposal writing.

In order to qualify for a Postdoctoral position, applicants are required to hold a Swedish doctoral degree or an equivalent relevant degree from another country. The degree must have been completed no later than when the employment decision is made.

Qualification requirements

In order to qualify for a Postdoctoral position, applicants are required to hold a Swedish doctoral degree or an equivalent relevant degree from another country. The degree must have been completed no later than when the employment decision is made.

Assessment criteria

It is considered an advantage if the doctoral degree or an equivalent degree was completed no more than three years prior to the application deadline. Under special circumstances, an older degree may also be an advantage. Special circumstances refer to sick leave, parental leave, elected positions in trade unions, service in the total defense, or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical attachment or service/assignments relevant to the subject area.

A doctoral degree is required for starting this position, but does not have to be completed before the deadline for applications. Please feel free to apply for this position if you expect to finish your doctoral degree in the months after the application deadline, and indicate in your application when you expect to defend your thesis.

In the appointment process, special attention will be given to research skills. Special emphasis is put on the applicant’s knowledge and skills within the subject area, ability to express themselves verbally and in writing, analytical aptitude, creativity in scientific thinking, initiative and independence, and a capacity for working together with others. The evaluation will be based on the quality and ambition of previous work, scientific publications, references, a cover letter motivating the candidate’s interest, and interviews. High value will be placed on the scientific quality and feasibility of the research proposal submitted with the application, and the ability of the candidate to execute the plan.

We are looking for a highly motivated person with a strong interest in large-scale greenhouse gas emissions and feedbacks to climate warming. A background in e.g., Environmental Sciences, Biology, or Geosciences would be highly suitable. Collaborative skills and proficiency in English are required.

If you are unsure about your eligibility for the position, please contact Ass. Prof. Dr. Birgit Wild birgit.wild@aces.su.se. 

About the employment

The position involves full-time employment for a minimum of two years and a maximum of three years, with the possibility of extension under special circumstances. Start date as per agreement.

We offer

With us, you will experience the dynamic interaction between higher education and research that makes Stockholm University an exciting and creative environment. You will work in an international environment and get favourable conditions. The university is located in the National City Park with good transport links to the city.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact

Further information about the position can be obtained from the project leader Assistant Prof. Birgit Wild, birgit.wild@aces.su.se.

Application

Apply for the position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a personal letter and CV as well as the attachments requested in the application form. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position.