Background
Current efforts to recover an ice core reaching back 1.5 Ma (Beyond Epica – Oldest Ice Core) will provide unique insights into the Mid-Pleistocene transition, likely archived in the deepest and highly thinned layers. The chemical impurities in ice offer an important set of paleoclimate proxies for this purpose. However, post-depositional processes are known to affect and ultimately corrupt the original layer signals in deep ice. To succeed with BE-OIC, we must master the challenge to retrieve paleoclimate signals from ice impurity data obtained in the deep ice. This is one of the main goals of the ERC project AiCE. In this project, we aim to combine high-resolution 2D-elemental maps (obtained with Laser Ablation ICP-MS) with Ai-assisted image analysis to improve our understanding of how impurity-related climate signals are preserved in ice cores.
You will conduct method development for Ai-assisted image analysis based on Laser Ablation ICP-MSÂ measurements of ice cores. Special tasks are the development of a model 3D representation of the ice core chemistry from the micro-scale to the scale of bulk meltwater analysis. Further, an Ai-based algorithm is developed to semi-automatically detect post-depositional changes in the ice core impurity images. More LA-ICP-MS ice core datasets are generated along the way, especially concerning the analysis of the upcoming BE-OI ice core.
Combined, these results will crucially improve our understanding of the behavior of impurities in deep ice and our ability to use them as robust climate records in the Beyond EPICA Oldest Ice Core, and elsewhere.
Tasks
- Method development in Ai-assisted image analysis of data generated by ice core analysis with LA-ICP-MS
- Development of a 3D model representation of ice core chemistry, aimed at an improved comparison of LA-ICP-MS with meltwater data and the exploration of post-depositional change
- Development of an Ai-based algorithm to semi-automatically detect post-depositional changes manifested in the LA-ICP-MS impurity images
- Assist with LA-ICP-MS ice core analysis of the BE-OI ice core and other relevant samples
- Assist with supervision of PhD students
- Publication of results in peer-reviewed scientific journals
- Presentation of results at international scientific conferences
Requirements
- MSc in Geosciences, Chemistry, Physics or similar
- Demonstrated experience in ice core analysis with laser ablation inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS)
- Demonstrated experience in analysis of ice core impurity images generated by LA-ICP-MS using Ai-assisted techniques and computer vision
- Skill in programming with Python or similar
- Expertise in paleoclimate significance of impurity records obtained from polar ice cores
- Experience in publishing scientific articles in recognized peer-reviewed journals
- Fluency in English
Further Information
For any questions you may have, you are very welcome to get in touch with Pascal Bohleber (+49(471)4831-1508; pascal.bohleber@awi.de)
This is a full-time position, limited to 3 years. It is also suitable for part-time employment. 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. The place of employment will be Bremerhaven.
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, race and 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. And as a new international member of our team, you can be sure that we will help you settle in. Our Family Office and International Office will be glad to support you, even before you start at AWI.
We look forward to your application!
Please submit your application by August 15th 2024, exclusively online.
Reference number:Â 24/135/D/Geo-b
For further information about this opportunity click here.