Research Associate for the Project "PeTCaT – Rapid Permafrost Thaw Carbon Trajectories: The fate of abruptly thawed permafrost carbon in terrestrial and aquatic systems" § 28 Subsection 3 HmbHG

Institution
Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Department of Earth System Sciences, Institute of Soil Science

Salary level
EGR. 13 TV-L

Start date
negotiable), fixed for a period of three years (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).

Application deadline

Scope of work
full-time position suitable for part-time

Your responsibilities

Duties include academic services in the project named above. Research associates may also pursue independent research and further academic qualifications.

We are looking for a PostDoc working in the project "PeTCaT – Rapid Permafrost Thaw Carbon Trajectories", a large, international consortium project, which is part of the The Virtual Institute for the Carbon Cycle (VICC) funded by Schmidt Sciences. The PostDoc position will be part of the working group "Dynamics of Soil Processes" at the University of Hamburg, and also work closely with the junior research group "COLDSPOT". PeTCaT aims at closing key knowledge gaps and at reducing uncertainties in carbon cycle science. PeTCaT will quantify and project the development of abrupt thaw processes on a panarctic scale and address their impact on greenhouse gas production and release. The project aims at understanding permafrost vulnerability and carbon budgets at a global scale. The work will be conducted in close cooperation with the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI) in Potsdam, and international project partners in Canada, USA, Sweden and the Netherlands. At the University of Hamburg, the PostDoc will work in a team consisting of senior scientists, PostDocs, as well as a PhD student and technician hired through PeTCaT.

The research associate will contribute to work package 4 "The fate of abruptly-thawed permafrost carbon in terrestrial and aquatic systems" and study the turnover of permafrost organic matter in close cooperation with partners from AWI, the University of Alberta (Canada) and the University of Alaska Fairbanks (USA). The project will focus on carbon cycle processes including organic matter decomposition, transport and stabilization. The successful candidate will be responsible for field observations such as plot-scale in-situ CH4 and CO2 flux measurements in Canada and Finland, and laboratory investigations on carbon decomposability and stabilization using samples from the different field sites of the project and from existing collections from other regions. The obtained data will feed into the development and improvement of a new soil model in ICON-ESM. The successful candidate will work in a dynamic team of experts, and use state-of-the-art laboratory facilities.

The research associate is expected to organize and participate in land expeditions to the Arctic lasting several weeks, and to collaborate closely with team members and project partners. Scientific results have to be presented in scientific meetings and conferences as well as through publications in scientific journals. We expect the candidate to be able to independently design scientific experiments. The PostDoc may also be involved in student supervision if desired.

The assessment of the applicants will be based on their proven expertise and experience in the relevant fields and their publication record. Participation in expeditions to the arctic field sites is required.

Your profile

A university degree in a relevant field, plus doctorate.

We Seek Enthusiastic Applicants With a PhD In Soil Science, Biogeochemistry, Biology, Geoscience, Agronomy Or a Closely Related Field And Expertise In

• biogeochemical cycles in high-latitude soils
• field measurements of carbon including greenhouse gas fluxes
• laboratory experiments on soil microbial processes
• soil chemical analysis and greenhouse gas measurements
• application of stable isotope analysis in studies on carbon fluxes in soils
• organization and participation in field campaigns
• very good English language skills in speaking and writing
• experience with working in the Arctic, a drivers licence B and German language skills are an asset

We offer

• Reliable remuneration based on wage agreements
• Continuing education opportunities
• University pensions
• Attractive location
• Flexible working hours
• Work-life balance opportunities
• Health management, EGYM Wellpass
• Educational leave
• 30 days of vacation per annum

Universität Hamburg—University of Excellence is one of the strongest research educational institutions in Germany. Our work in research, teaching, educational and knowledge exchange activities is fostering the next generation of responsible global citizens ready to tackle the global challenges facing us. Our guiding principle "Innovating and Cooperating for a Sustainable Future in a digital age" drives collaboration with academic and nonacademic partner institutions in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region and around the world. We would like to invite you to be part of our community to work with us in creating sustainable and digital change for a dynamic and pluralist society.

The University of Hamburg is committed to equity. Diversity enriches our university life, whether in our studies, research, teaching, education, or workplace. We therefore welcome all applications, regardless of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic or social background, age, religion or belief, disability, or chronic illness.

Severely disabled and disabled applicants with the same status will receive preference over equally qualified non-disabled applicants.

Instructions for applying

Contact

PD Dr. Christian Knoblauch

christian.-

Dr. Carolina Voigt, PhD

Reference number

295

Location

Allende-Platz 2

20146 Hamburg

Zu Google Maps

Application deadline

Use only the online application form to submit your application with the following documents:

• cover letter, detailing your motivation and research ideas
• CV, including names and contact details of three references
• copies of degree certificate(s)
• list of publications

If you experience technical problems, send an email to -

More information on data protection in selection procedures.

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