The Norwegian Polar Institute has a post doc. position (3-year post. doc.) available on Ocean Acidification, with particular focus on acidification processes in ocean waters influenced by sea-ice formation and melting. The post doc. will become part of the staff at the Research Department of the Norwegian Polar Institute, located at the Fram Centre in Tromsø, Norway. The application deadline is June 28th 2011.
Tasks
Dissolved inorganic carbon is released when sea ice is formed, and transported into bottom water masses with dense, brine enriched water. At the same time calcium carbonate is formed, remaining trapped in the ice until it melts. Upon melting, the calcium carbonate dissolution leads to CO2 under saturation, and hence increased oceanic CO2 uptake in the regions of ice melt. The large quantities of sea ice leaving the Arctic Ocean through Fram Strait, subsequently melting in the Nordic Seas, hence represents a sink for atmospheric CO2. As the Arctic is changing, with decreasing sea ice extent and increasing air temperatures, the effect of this sea ice driven carbon pump on the sequestration of CO2 in the Nordic Seas to the deep ocean is also likely to change. The successful candidate will be involved with projects to elucidate these issues in a changing Arctic. In particular how the ice related processes influence the propagation of ocean acidification into the Arctic Ocean. Interaction with ecosystem studies in the same waters to gain an interdisciplinary understanding of the changes is essential for the holder of this position.
We propose to observe and quantify the change in the sea ice driven carbon pump in Fram Strait. In addition to the export of sea ice, the strait is the only passage for Arctic bottom water export. Such research based monitoring would enables us to observe the evolution of both dissolved inorganic carbon in the deep waters and calcium carbonates in the sea ice, at the same site. In addition to quantifying the changes in the sea ice carbon pump, changes in the carbon signal in sea ice and bottom waters would act as tracers for addressing how the ice melt and freeze cycle change internally in the Arctic. A parameter like alkalinity, for example, would add information to tracers like oxygen isotopes and nutrient ratios that are already being sampled on the origins of the water masses exiting Fram Strait. Developing a monitoring system for ocean acidification in polar waters will be a prioritized task.
Qualifications
We are looking for a candidate who holds a Ph.D. degree in a relevant discipline with regard to ocean acidification. The candidate should have oceanography/meteorology and chemistry in the academic background, and should also show capacity for interdisciplinary work. Laboratory and field expertise are desirable, and it would also be an asset if the candidate has modelling and/or statistical skill. The candidate will be expected to interact actively with researchers in ecosystem studies and modelling. The successful candidate will be team-oriented yet expected to conduct independent research, publish in international journals and apply for external funding. The candidate should have an international publication record in a relevant field and network of researchers in ocean acidification.
Salary
The salary will commensurate with the qualifications of the successful candidate, according to the Norwegian State salary code 1352, scale 57 – 68 (NOK 448.400 – 548.200). The work place is the Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram
Centre, Tromsø, Norway. The position is open, and the successful candidate should be able to start as soon as possible.
General
The Norwegian State Administration strives to mirror the diversity of its population and thereby achieve a balanced mix of age, gender and ethnic backgrounds among its employees. Hence, candidates with immigrant backgrounds and women are encouraged to apply for the position.
The position of postdoctoral research fellow position is for a fixed term of three years. Appointment for more than one fixed term period at the same institution is not permitted.
Further inquiries about the position may be directed to
- Research Director Kim Holmén, e-mail: jobb@npolar.no[javascript required to view e-mail address], phone: +47 77750530
- Research scientist, Mats Granskog, e-mail: jobb@npolar.no[javascript required to view e-mail address], phone: +47 77750522
- Section Leader personnel Rita Brannfjell, e-mail jobb@npolar.no[javascript required to view e-mail address], phone: +47 77750613
The application is to be submitted electronically on the application form available at jobbnorge.no. The application deadline is June 28th 2011. The application should include letter of interest, CV with details of your relevant qualifications and experience and list of publications, names of at least two references. Personal information from Curriculum vitae should be put into the jobbnorge format, but please also upload original CV and Letter of interest.
All applications will be handled confidentially until the application deadline. Thereafter, a public list of applicants will be prepared. Applicants who wish to reserve their applications from the public list must give reasons for this in their applications. In accordance with new public information laws, information about an applicant can be made public even if the applicant has requested not be included from the public list of applicants, cf. Freedom of Information Act, Section 25, 2nd paragraph.
Norwegian Polar Institute, 7 June 2011. Web site.
