Within the Leibniz Association funded project LandScales (Connecting processes and structures driving the Landscape carbon dynamics over Scales) focusing on Carbon relations of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems at the landscape level, the Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF) in Müncheberg and the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries in Berlin invites applications for
3 PhD positions on the carbon cycle in aquatic-terrestrial interfaces, Linking aquatic-terrestrial interfaces through biogeochemistry, remote sensing and limnology. Background: Carbon (C) sequestration and release from terrestrial and freshwater aquatic ecosystems are important factors that can either mitigate or increase green house gas emission. Terrestrial and aquatic C dynamics are intimately linked to each other due to not only the transfer of C between systems but also to temporal and spatial changes and dynamics of the aquatic-terrestrial border zones, which are likely hotspots for landscape C balance. Consequently, there is a great challenge in amalgamating assessments of terrestrial and aquatic C cycles; thus, the project LandScales will focus substantially on the advancement of whole landscape C cycling research. Positions: 1 PhD position focusing on the assessment of the mechanisms regulating the C balance across scales, applying isotope biogeochemistry techniques (Reference No. WP1). Priming in aquatic and terrestrial systems and their interfaces will be assessed in laboratory and field experiments. Experience in stable isotope techniques (labeling, natural abundance) would be of merit. Further information: Dr. Zachary Kayler (kayler @zalf.de). 1 PhD position focusing on the impacts of aquatic ecosystem structure on heterogeneity in C fluxes across scales (Reference No. WP3). Impact of aquatic primary production and patterns at the landscape scale of CO2 sequestration and release will be identified using in situ measurements in kettle holes and non-invasive methods, especially multi-temporal remote sensing with unmanned aerial vehicles. Experience in limnology and remote sensing would be of merit. Further information: Dr. Sabine Hilt ([email protected]). 1 PhD position focusing on the uncertainties in scaling fluxes and mechanisms to the landscape level (Reference No. WP4). Hotspots of C turnover will be identified and classified with respect to the complexity of interacting processes. Innovative approaches of time series analysis and nonlinear statistics will be used for quantifying and minimizing the uncertainty of any upscaling to landscape level by adjusting monitoring schemes and optimizing the structure of process-based models. A good mathematical background is a prerequisite. Further information: Prof. Gunnar Lischeid ([email protected]). We are seeking highly qualified scientists who are also highly motivated and enjoy interdisciplinary work. In addition to the specific requirements stated above, the candidates need a master of science (or an equivalent qualification) in the following or comparable disciplines: biology, environmental sciences, limnology, aquatic biology, ecology, biogeochemistry, agricultural sciences, mathematics, or geography. For the successful realisation of the project, flexibility, autonomy, communication skills, and teamwork are required. We offer an exciting interdisciplinary project at the interface of aquatic and terrestrial biogeochemistry within a young and dynamic team without classical hierarchies. The positions are fixed-term and limited to 3 years. Start of the project will be 1st July. Salary is paid according to 13 TV-L (ZALF) and TVöD (IGB) (50% positions). In keeping with the ZALF and IGB's policy regarding gender equity, female applicants are particularly encouraged. Disabled people with identical qualifications are encouraged to apply. For further other information please contact Dr. Katrin Premke ([email protected]), or go to the following website: www.landscales.de. Send your application as a single pdf-file with the position reference number and include your motivation, CV, description of past research accomplishments, and information for 2 professional references (name, postal and email address) by the 31 May 2012 via email to: Dr. Katrin Premke Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF) Eberswalderstr. 84, 15374 Müncheberg, Germany or Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB) in Forschungsverbund Berlin e.V., Müggelseedamm 301, 12587 Berlin, Germany Email: [email protected], Tel: +49 (0)30 64181 741 (IGB) or Tel: +49, (0)33432 82 388 (ZALF)
