PhD position “Carbon exchange and ocean ventilation along the East Antarctic Margin” – Deadline 30 August 2024

Background

The global climate is critically sensitive to physical and biogeochemical processes in the Southern Ocean, and changes in Southern Ocean carbon exchange and deep-ocean export can significantly impact the global carbon cycle.
In this project, the radiocarbon signatures of dissolved inorganic carbon will be used to illustrate the rate of deep-ocean circulation and to trace carbon exchange processes between the ocean, atmosphere and sediments. Uptake of atmospheric CO₂ and its export to the deep ocean as well as input of aged carbon from the sea floor will be mapped. A unique set of water and sediment samples from two transects across the Indian sector of the Southern Ocean and the East Antarctic continental margin will be used to enhance our understanding of Southern Ocean carbon exchange. Beyond providing key insights into the distribution of radiocarbon in the study area, the results of this PhD project will become part of a comprehensive dataset, which will resolve the trace metal isotopic signatures of various water masses.

Tasks

• Improving sample preparation methods for radiocarbon analysis of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) in seawater using a MICADAS small accelerator mass spectrometer
• Determining radiocarbon signatures of DIC in high-resolution water column profiles across two transects in the Southern Ocean and from along the East Antarctic continental margin
• Comparing today’s water column DI¹⁴C signatures with reconstructed values for the last glacial
• Matching deep-water DIC radiocarbon signatures with values recorded in live benthic foraminifera
• Publishing and presenting the results of the project

Requirements

• Master’s (or equivalent) degree in geosciences, oceanography, biogeochemistry, climate sciences, or a related field
• Solid grasp of ocean circulation and the carbonate system
• Interest in analytical instrumentation and methods development; geochemical laboratory experience advantageous, ideally previous experience from working in clean laboratory environments
• Willingness to participate in sea-going expeditions
• Good communication skills in English, both oral and written

Further Information

For any questions you may have, you are very welcome to get in touch with Gesine Mollenhauer (+49 471 4831 2456; gesine.mollenhauer@awi.de).

This position is limited to 3 years. The expected starting date is 1^st October 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter. The salary will be paid in accordance with the Collective Agreement for the Public Service of the Federation (Tarifvertrag des öffentlichen Dienstes, TVöD Bund), up to salary level 13 (66%). The place of employment will be Bremerhaven.

All doctoral candidates will be members of AWI’s postgraduate program POLMAR or another graduate school and thus benefit from a comprehensive training program and extensive support measures.

The AWI is characterized by

• our scientific success – excellent research
• collaboration and cooperation – intra-institute, national and international, interdisciplinary
• opportunities to develop – on the job and towards other positions
• an international environment – everyday contact with people from all over the world
• flexible working hours
• health promotion and company fitness
• support services and a culture of reconciling work and family
• occupational pension provision (VBL)

AWI values diversity and actively promotes gender parity, as well as an open, inclusive environment that provides equal opportunities. We are convinced that diverse teams and a variety of perspectives enrich our work and our daily collaboration. In a continuous process of learning and reflection, we aim to ensure that all our employees can be themselves and feel a sense of belonging. We welcome applications from qualified people regardless of binary and non-binary genders, nationality, ethnic and social background, religion, age, physical abilities, neurodivergence, sexual orientation, and other identities.

Applicants with disabilities will be given preference when equal qualifications are present.

AWI fosters work-family compatibility in various ways and has received several awards as a result of this commitment. Our Family Office will be happy to support you – even before you start at AWI.

We look forward to your application!
Please submit your application, including (1) a letter of motivation, (2) a CV and copies of relevant certificates (master’s degree; training), (3) two letters of recommendation or the contact information of two references, by 30^th August 2024.
Electronic applications only.

Interviews will take place probably between 23^th September and 18^th October 2024.

Reference number: 24/113/G/INSPIRES-b

For further information about this opportunity click here.