Postdoctoral Research Fellow in permafrost biogeochemistry (Norway)

Project description:
Global scale warming has led to permafrost to thaw and releasing large amount of carbon stock in permafrost soils to the atmosphere as CO2 and CH4, but processes related to CH4 cycling in Earth System Models are relatively new and are not effectively evaluated with observations. The newly funded FEEDBACK project will use automated observational technique to collect CO2 and CH4 under thawing permafrost to evaluate and improve CO2 and CH4 dynamics under thawing permafrost within the land surface model of the Norwegian Earth System Model.

Job description:
A 2-year postdoctoral researcher position in soil biogeochemistry and land-atmospheric interaction is available at Uni Research Climate in Bergen, Norway, with possibility of renewal. The candidate will be responsible for the fieldwork in northern Norway, particularly on CO2 and CH4 observations in close interaction with statisticians and modelers. Furthermore, the candidate will use EnKF (Ensemble Kalman filter) method to understand the processes related to CO2 and CH4 production and oxidation that can improve models.

Requirements/qualifications:
The successful candidate should have a PhD degree or the equivalent in the discipline of either geosciences, atmospheric science, soil science, or biology with a strong background in carbon and nutrient cycling. Furthermore, the candidate must present evidence that she/he is capable of conducting field campaign as well as data analysis skills using R or the equivalent. Previous experience with eddy covariance method would be highly beneficial. The candidate should have good understandings of soil biogeochemistry and previous experience with permafrost affected ecosystems is most beneficial.

The successful candidate should further demonstrate:
- Knowledge in processes related to terrestrial carbon cycling
- Experience with gas flux measurements in the field
- Qualify control in the field and with data
- Technical expertise in data analysis using R or the equivalent
- Evidence of creativity and capability of independent research
- Excellent writing and communication skills in English
- Collaborate with researchers in different discipline

The application must include:
- A 2-pg motivation letter including a statement of research interests
- CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work, and other qualifying activity)
- Copies of educational certificates and transcript of records*
- List of publications and/or awards and stipends that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee
- If available, a copy of the PhD thesis
- Names and contact details of 2-3 referees (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number)
*Foreign applicants are recommended to attach an explanation of their University’s grading system.
*Please remember that all documents should either be in English or a Scandinavian language.

For further information about the position please contact Hanna Lee (hanna.lee@uni.no). As a partner in BCCR, we can offer numerous training and career development opportunities via ResClim (http://resclim.no/) and CHESS (The Norwegian Research School on Changing Climate in the coupled Earth System). For more information about Uni Research and BCCR, please visit http://uni.no/klima andhttp://www.bjerknes.uib.no.

Please note that the application must be submitted via jobbnorge system and applications submitted via email will not be considered for evaluation. Please visit the jobbnorge page (https://www.jobbnorge.no/en/available-jobs/job/125493/postdoctoral-research-fellow-in-permafrost-biogeochemistry) to apply. Send electronic application by clicking on the button marked “APPLY FOR THIS JOB†on this page. Applications must include a CV, certified copies of diplomas and certificates, a 2-pg letter of motivation describing yourself and outlining your motivation and relevant experience for the project, and contact details of at least two references. Applications sent by e-mail will not be considered.

Deadline for application: 1st June 2016
The position starts ASAP but the start date is negotiable.