Postdoctoral position in modeling BVOC emissions in the Arctic

Segnalato da: Francesco Loreto
A two-year postdoctoral position is available at the Terrestrial Ecology Section, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen starting in January 2015 or as soon as possible thereafter. More info at: http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/?show=688208
Research project
Biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) participate in many atmospheric reactions and can thereby affect the concentrations of greenhouse gases and global warming. The emission of BVOCs from arctic ecosystems is likely to drastically change under climate change, which is both more pronounced and faster in the Arctic. In the past three years, data have been collected at plant and ecosystem level from long-term climate change-mimicking field experiments in several locations in the Arctic. These include datasets on both diel and seasonal variations of BVOC emissions from different plant communities, and responses of the emissions to multiple factors of climate change (e.g. temperature and light). The advertised postdoc project builds upon these measurements, and aims to scale up the measurements for regional applications, by (1) using the observational data for further development and evaluation of an existing ecosystem model (LPJ-GUESS), and (2) applying the model to simulate BVOC emissions at regional scale in the Arctic, with a particular focus on the effect of anticipated climate change on regional BVOC emissions.
The post doc will work closely together with Associate Professor Riikka Rinnan, Associate professor Guy Schurgers, and a group of PhD and MSc students working with BVOC emissions in the Arctic. He/she will be affiliated both to the Department of Biology and to the Center for Permafrost (CENPERM), both at University of Copenhagen. CENPERM is a center of excellence, which integrates multidisciplinary research of biogeochemical and physical processes in a “climate-vegetation-soil-microorganism-permafrost” approach, in transects across the major climate zones of Greenland. The ambition is that new insights in permafrost dynamics will improve the quantification and predictions of changes in carbon and nitrogen pools, and gas fluxes, including BVOCs, from arctic ecosystems. The project will be conducted in collaboration with Prof. Almut Arneth, Institute of Meteorology and Climate Research – Atmospheric Environmental Research, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology.
Qualifications
We are looking for an ambitious and highly motivated candidate with a PhD in environmental science, biology, geography, climatology or a related field. The candidate should have experience with environmental modelling, in particular modelling of biogeochemical processes, or with measurements of trace gases, preferably BVOCs. Knowledge of programming (C/C++ or other programming languages), previous participation in arctic field work, and knowledge of plant ecophysiology and ecosystem-atmosphere interactions are assets. Fluency in written and spoken English is a requirement, as well as excellent writing skills demonstrated by the publication record.
Salary and terms of employment
Salary, pension and terms of employment are in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Academics Central organization. The salary depends on seniority, as agreed between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The position will be at the level of postdoctoral fellow and the basic salary according to seniority is 31.950-33.639 DKK/month + pension. Negotiation for further supplement will be possible.
How to apply
Applications must be in English, submitted electronically and include:

• A cover letter describing motivation, project-related research experience and personal qualities
• Curriculum vitae
• Complete list of publications
• Pdf files of the two most important articles
• Copy of the PhD diploma or documentation for planned PhD defense
• Letters of recommendation (max. two)

Please forward your application via the job portal of The University of Copenhagen at http://jobportal.ku.dk. Press “Søg stillingen” to fill in the application form. The deadline for applications is November 1, 2014.
Contact person
Further information can be obtained by email from Associate Professor Riikka Rinnan, riikkar@bio.ku.dk
The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.