Dear colleagues,
please forward these open PhD positions to any interested students.
***apologies for cross-posting***
Many thanks,
Enno Schefuss
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*Marine Environmental Sciences (MARUM), University of Bremen*
**Two PhD Studentships
Northwest African biomes and climate variability during the Pliocene
The Center for Marine Environmental Sciences (MARUM), University of
Bremen, Germany (http://www.marum.de/) has openings for two three-year
PhD positions, which form a common project funded by the Deutsche
Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) through the “Schwerpunktprogramm” (special
interest programme) IODP/ODP. This project strives for improved
understanding of the variability of climate and vegetation in Northwest
Africa during the Pliocene in connection with the changes in the
Atlantic overturning circulation and heat transport associated with the
closure of the Central American Seaway. Investigations follow two
different, but complimentary approaches that involve two PhD studentships.
*First PhD studentship: *Organic Geochemistry, involving extraction and
analyses of marine algal and terrestrial plant-derived lipids from
marine sediments of ODP cores. Marine lipids will be used for estimation
of sea-surface temperature changes, while terrigenous lipids will be
analyzed for compound-specific isotopes to draw inferences on
continental vegetation types and hydrology. Work includes extraction,
fractionation and purification of lipid extracts, analyses by
gas-chromatography and mass-spectrometric isotope analyses. Prior
experiences in organic geochemical methods and/or isotope analyses are
advantageous.
*Second PhD studentship:* Palynology, involving analysis of African
pollen and spores, for the reconstruction of vegetation development in
Northwest African savannah woodland and forest biomes using marine
sediments of ODP cores. This includes sample preparation, microscopy,
and interpretation in terms of particle transport and biomes.
Furthermore, analysis of dinoflagellate cysts will be used to add
information about marine surface water conditions of the Atlantic.
Experience in palynology is required.
We seek enthusiastic individuals holding a Masters (M.Sc.) or 'Diplom'
degree in geosciences, biology or related disciplines with a strong
interest in palaeoclimate. Successful candidates should have the ability
for interdisciplinary work, presentation of results at (inter)-national
meetings, and writing of manuscripts.
Applicants should submit before *October 9, 2010 *sending
● CV;
● Documents (copies only);
● Statement describing specific interest in the respective project and
relevant experience;
● Names and addresses of two references.
Materials concerning the first studentship should preferably be emailed
to Dr. Enno Schefuß ([log in to unmask]
<mailto:[log in to unmask]>) and those concerning the second
studentship to Dr. Lydie Dupont ([log in to unmask]
<mailto:[log in to unmask]>) or they could be sent to the attention of
Dr. Lydie Dupont, c/o MARUM – University of Bremen, Leobener Straße,
D-28359 Bremen, Germany.
Salary will be according to the German civil service remuneration system
TVL 13/2 (formerly BAT IIa/2).
As the University of Bremen intends to increase the proportion of female
employees in science, women are particularly encouraged to apply.
In case of equal personal aptitudes and qualification, disabled persons
will be given priority.
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