PhD position on sensitivity of past warm climates to CO2

Job description

In this PhD project, you will develop new records of atmospheric CO2 and of changes in the surface ocean temperature. CO2 records will be produced from carbon isotopic fractionation in alkenone biomarkers. New temperature records will be developed from the clumped isotopic composition of coccoliths, calcite plates produced by a family of phytoplankton. Within the project, the PhD student will conduct several short mobility research stays with our project partners at Purdue University in the USA, in order to develop and refine proxy system models and compare the new data with results from climate models, and become familiar with climate modeling. In addition to the research project, you will gain experience in teaching, broader science communication, and / or laboratory management by contributing to departmental teaching, outreach and laboratory tasks constituting up to 10% of the work time.

Your profile

• MSc in Earth Science, in some cases a MSc in Environmental or Atmospheric Science would be considered if there is appropriate background in geology and chemistry.
• Prior work such as MSc thesis should demonstrate a strong interest in paleoclimate and / or organic geochemistry or clumped isotope thermometry.
• Demonstrated experience in careful laboratory work, ideally in the field of geochemistry. Additionally, we require evidence of solid quantitative and data management skills, including experience in or willingness to learn Python or MATLAB.
• Strong skills in scientific writing are required, as are solid English communication skills.
• Ability to work productively in a multidisciplinary, international team, and able and willing to travel for short research stays in the US with our collaborators.

The PhD project may start on October 1 or on a mutually agreed upon date thereafter.