Postdoctoral Fellow in Arctic Ocean Methane: Slope Hydrates and Atlantification

The Department of environmental science is one of the largest departments in the Faculty of Science at 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 faculty, Postdocs, 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.

Research in the Biogeochemistry Unit focuses on the dynamics of organic matter, methane, nutrients and trace metals and more on land, in the ocean and in the atmosphere, and their interaction with human activities and climate. The unit has a strong and long-standing research focus on Arctic biogeochemistry – climate interactions with the overarching goal to improve the systems understanding and thus future projections of carbon/methane-climate feedback processes in the Arctic.

We are now recruiting several postdoctoral fellows to complement our team in the area of Arctic Ocean Methane, including this position with one possible focal area being destabilization of Arctic Ocean slope hydrates with associated methane release.

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 (KAW) Foundation. The project targets methane releases from thawing subsea permafrost and collapsing hydrates of the Arctic Ocean. High methane concentrations have been documented on the Eurasian Arctic Ocean shelves and slopes, yet the sources, release processes, degradation and emissions to the atmosphere, and future trajectories are highly uncertain. The project aims to answer these questions by integrating observational and modelling tools. This post doc position will be associated with the research group of Örjan Gustafsson and will be part of a larger international research team working on Arctic Ocean subsea permafrost, hydrates and methane, including Stockholm University partner groups of Birgit Wild, WeiLi Hong and Christian Stranne.

Main responsibilities

This post doc position may focus on different aspects, that we jointly decide to prioritize, of the overarching theme of Arctic Ocean Methane within the framework and goals of the KAW project. Possibilities include, but are not restricted to, assessment of unpublished methane concentrations patterns along proposed methane hydrate systems of the Eurasian Arctic upper slope from several completed expeditions, measurements of source- and process-diagnostic isotopic composition in methane of slope water samples, and interpretations within a broad system framework including also water mass circulation, sediment geophysics and gas hydrate stability. Evaluation of the enhanced inflow of warm Atlantic water at the mid-water depths (Atlantification) as a possible trigger of hydrate destabilization may also be studied in several ways. We have a large collection of samples and data, especially from the Russian Arctic Ocean shelves/slopes, available at Stockholm University, as well as state of the art laboratory facilities for analyses of e.g. various biomarkers (incl. compound-specific 13C and 14C analyses) and of isotopic fingerprinting of methane (13C, 2H, 14C). The position might include also field work and collaboration with modeling partners. The incoming post doc is encouraged to bring in own ideas and describe them in their application files.

Beyond the specific 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.

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.

If you are unsure about your eligibility for the position, please contact Prof. Örjan Gustafsson, orjan.gustafsson@aces.su.se.

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 Earth and Environmental Sciences, ideally with an applied chemistry/instrumental analysis component would likely be advantageous. Collaborative skills and proficiency in English are required.

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 Prof. Örjan Gustafsson, orjan.gustafsson@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.