Stellenangebot / Job offer
PhD position (m/f/d) – with the topic ‘Benthic-pelagic particle dynamics and solute fluxes in permeable sediment impacted by bottom trawling’
The Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Division for Biogeochemistry in Coastal Seas, invites applications for a PhD position (m/f/d) with the topic ‘Benthic-pelagic particle dynamics and solute fluxes in permeable sediment impacted by bottom trawling’. The position is limited for three years, starting as soon as possible.
Biogeochemistry of marine sediments is closely coupled to processes in the water column by exchange of particulate organic matter and oxygen. Turnover and transport processes of organic matter and its degradation products are significantly modulated by the activity of macrofauna, but the present benthic system in the southern North Sea is significantly impacted by fisheries. The project will focus on quantifying this impact on the biogeochemical functioning of North Sea sediment with regard to the benthic turnover of carbon, iron, and nutrients. The place of employment is Geesthacht (Germany).
Your tasks:
- analyses of sediment and water samples
- multivariate statistics and modelling of benthic processes
- participation in seagoing research cruises
- publication of results
Your profile:
- MSc degree or equivalent in a relevant natural or environmental science discipline (e.g. marine chemistry, biogeochemistry, microbiology)
- solid analytical background, preferably with knowledge in nutrient measurements and sediment analyses
- solid skills in statistics and a scientific programming language (e.g. R, Matlab, Python)
- preparedness, willingness, and proven physical ability for participation in seagoing research campaigns
- excellent skills in communication (very good English is a must, German is welcome)
Interested candidates should be highly motivated, organized, and willing to work in an interdisciplinary research team.
