Science, Faculty of Science
Reference Number: NPA 2010/107
Last application date: 23 August 2010
Day of appointment: 1 October 2010
Information: Daniel Conley,
tel. +46 46 2220454
E-mail: daniel.conley@ geol.lu.se
Worker's unions at Lund University: OFR, SACO, and SEKO Project description: Fluvial transport of amorphous silica The PhD project will investigate the transport of amorphous silica by rivers to the world's oceans. Amorphous silica (ASi) mostly originates from biological uptake by plants. Plants take up dissolved silicate and deposit it as an amorphous form of silica called phytoliths. Phytoliths and ASi formed in soils enters aquatic ecosystems through litterfall and erosion. In addition, diatoms in aquatic ecosystems also take up dissolved silicate and deposit it as ASi.
There is a wide range of concentrations found in rivers depending upon the soils and vegetation in the watershed, and algal growth in lakes and rivers. The amount of ASi transported by rivers to the world's oceans is poorly known. The Ph.D. student will investigate the flux of ASi from some of the world's largest rivers. The student will participate in several expeditions to sample rivers for a variety of constituents, including ASi.
Some of the expeditions will be carried out through collaboration in on-going studies. The goal of the project is to establish a global estimate of the amount of ASi inputs from rivers. This project is financed by the Faculty of Sciences at Lund University.
Qualifications: The applicants are expected to hold a university degree (preferably MSc. or equivalent) in natural sciences. A degree in subjects like Geology, Geochemistry, Geography or Aquatic Ecology is preferable. Documented experience in field studies is an advantage. Experience of scientific publication in English is an asset. The position is guaranteed for four years.
The starting date is negotiable, but the project should commence 1 October. Applications for this position should include a letter stating the reasons for
applying and brief statements about ambitions in relation to the project. The application should also include a letter with motivation on why the student wants to undertake a Ph.D., a CV with general personal information and details of previous study/work record.
Additional information: The position is restricted to four years. Formal regulations for postgraduate studies at the Faculty of Science are provided at: http://www.science.lu.se/o.o.i.s/11729
PhD studentships can only be offered to applicants who are granted admission to
postgraduate studies. In the selection procedure, the ability to complete the education according to the study plan for postgraduate studies is considered. Apart from postgraduate education, the successful applicant may be assigned other duties within undergraduate teaching, research, and administrative work according to special regulations.
The Faculty of Science considers gender and equity aspects in the recruitment process. Women are particularly encouraged to apply, as the majority of PhD students within the Faculty are men. Application forms for the announced position are provided at http://www.science.lu.se/o.o.i.s/2319
The application must reach the
Registrator, Kansli N, Lunds universitet, Box 117, S-221 00 LUND, Sweden, not
later than 2010-08-23 to be considered. All submitted documents must be attested
as to their authenticity.
Please quote 10 Academic Resources Daily in your application to this opportunity!
