The Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT) in Bremen is a member of the Leibniz Association, which is supported by the German Federal and State Governments. Through its research, ZMT contributes to developing strategies for sustainable use of tropical coastal systems.

The Systems Ecology Group is looking for a Doctoral candidate (Reference number: 231-N2FIX), Modelling N2-fixation to understanding of the role of tropical regions in the global nitrogen cycle

Supervisors: Subhendu Chakraborty & Agostino Merico

Nitrogen is an essential element for all living organisms but its availability often limits the growth and productivity of organisms in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Although molecular nitrogen (N2) is highly abundant both in the atmosphere and in the seas, only specific and highly specialized organisms can convert N2 into biologically usable forms of nitrogen. Such conversion (known as N2 fixation) affects the global biogeochemical cycles of both nitrogen and carbon, with relevant implications for the global climate. Recent observations reveal that N2-fixing organisms are geographically widespread and promote biological production in many parts of the global ocean. However, the environmental and ecological factors that leads to latitudinal variations in the distribution of different N2-fixing organisms are largely unknown. In this project, the Ph.D. student will use mathematical modelling for studying the effects of different environmental conditions on N2-fixing organisms. The model will be used in combination with different observational data to (1) understand the ecological mechanisms driving the competition of N2-fixing organisms, (2) investigate how environmental conditions affect N2 fixation rates in different organisms, and (3) disentangle the contributions of tropical and temperate regions to the global nitrogen cycle.

Requirements:

Applicants must hold a Master degree in one of the following disciplines: mathematics, physics, mathematical modelling, computational sciences, marine biogeochemistry, physical oceanography, environmental sciences, theoretical ecology, or in similar quantitative or numerical disciplines. Furthermore, candidates should have good programming skills and a keen interest in marine and environmental sciences. We are looking for highly motivated students with good communication and scientific writing skills. The working language is English. This PhD project is part of a cooperation between the Systems Ecology Group (Dr. Subhendu Chakraborty & Prof. Agostino Merico) and the Centre for Ocean Life of the Technical University of Denmark (Prof. Ken Andersen) and thus travels to Copenhagen to discuss progress with our partner are expected.

Please contact Prof. Dr. Agostino Merico (agostino.merico@leibniz-zmt.de) or Dr. Subhendu Chakraborty (subhendu.chakraborty@leibniz-zmt.de) for further information.

We offer:

  • An exciting working environment in an interdisciplinary and internationally oriented institute
  • A highly motivated, solution oriented and inspiring group of colleagues
  • Embedding in a large consortium within the German Marine Science landscape
  • A family-friendly diverse working environment

The position should be filled from October 1st2022. The contract will be limited to 36 months. Salary will be paid according to the German TV-L EG 13 (2/3 of a fulltime position).

ZMT is an equal opportunity employer. The ZMT values its diverse workforce and pursues the goal of providing equal opportunity, which incorporates gender neutrality (gn). Applicants with a migration background are welcome. Disabled persons with comparable qualification receive preferential status.

We will be happy to accept your documents without a photo.

Please send your application (which should include CV and motivation letter specifying your interests in the topic of the position) by July 13th, 2022 as a single pdf file with the reference number “231– N2FIX” to Ms. Lena Oehlmann, E-Mail: bewerbung@leibniz-zmt.de.

Note, however, that applications could be considered also after the deadline until a suitable candidate is found.

via ZMT
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