PhD position: Nutrient exchange across Fram Strait and its relevance for the wider Arctic Ocean nutrient budget – Deadline 30 August 2024

Background

Fram Strait is one of the main Arctic Ocean gateways. Through it, nutrients are exchanged between the Arctic and North Atlantic. However, little is known about how nutrient temporal variability is reflected in net transports across the strait, hindering our understanding of its relevance for the wider Arctic Ocean nutrient budget.

We propose to investigate temporal variability in nutrient exchange across Fram Strait, determine how it is linked to the Central Artic, and evaluate its relevance for the Arctic Ocean’s nutrient budget within the context of climate change. We aim to do so using data from annual expeditions to Fram Strait, expeditions to the Central Arctic, moored sensors, remote access samplers and model outputs.

Tasks

• Conducting research to achieve the project’s goals
• Participating in (a) research cruise(s) and data acquisition at sea (biogeochemistry)
• Processing, documenting and analysing oceanographic data
• Collaborating with project partners to integrate physical and biogeochemical data
• Presenting research ideas/results at seminars, in discussion groups, and/or at conferences, as appropriate. Publishing the results in peer-reviewed journals

Requirements

• Master’s level degree (e.g. MSc) or equivalent in a relevant discipline (e.g. oceanography, physics, mathematics, chemistry, engineering). If the degree has not been awarded yet, please provide a letter from your supervisor stating when the degree will be awarded.
• Strong computing skills and familiarity with at least one high-level programming language (e.g. Python or Matlab); experience working in a Unix-like computing environment advantageous.
• Desire and willingness to work independently and in a team, within a dynamic physical-chemical-biological interdisciplinary environment.
• Background in nutrient and carbon biogeochemistry is ideal, but not a must, as long as you are interested and keen to learn about these topics.
• Competence in the English language, both written and spoken (as reference, the equivalent of B2-C1 level or above is ideal).

Further Information

For any questions you may have, you are very welcome to get in touch with Dr Sinhué Torres-Valdés (sinhue.torres-valdes@awi.de; +49(471)4831-2213), Wilken-Jon von Appen (Wilken-Jon.von.Appen@awi.de; +49(471)4831-2903) or Prof Björn Rost (bjoern.rost@awi.de; +49(471)4831-1809).

This position is limited to 3 years. The expected starting date is 1 December 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 between 14^th and 18^th October 2024.

Reference number: 24/103/G/INSPIRES-b