NitroEurope - or NEU for short - is a project for integrated European research into the nitrogen cycle. NitroEurope is part of the EU's Sixth Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development, and will run for 5 years from February 2006 until 2011.
PhD student f/m in Interactions of Nitrogen and Carbon in Models of the Earth (IN CRIME), VU-University, Amsterdam/NL
Submitted by stefan_reis on Mon, 25/01/2010 - 13:30.
The Hydrology and Geo-Environmental Sciences Department of the Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU-University Amsterdam, and the Environmental Sciences group, Department of Innovation and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University have a joint job opening for a four year
PhD student f/m in Interactions of Nitrogen and Carbon in Models of the Earth (IN CRIME)
For 1.0 fte
Vacancy number 1.2010.00005
Project background
Hypotheses to explain why the land is taking up anthropogenically emitted carbon dioxide, include CO2 fertilization, global warming and acceleration of the nitrogen cycle. Plant nitrogen availability may increase due to nitrogen fertilization and/or increasing nitrogen mineralization in a warmer climate, but the precise relation between CO2 uptake and nitrogen availability is still highly uncertain. Vast databases of CO2 uptake by vegetation and databases of nitrogen deposition, concentration in soil and vegetation are available through CarboEurope/FLUXNET, NitroEurope, IPC-Forest Network and Utrecht University. The PhD student will analyze the role of acceleration of the nitrogen cycle for the land sink of CO2 on a global scale within the modelling framework of LPJ-Guess coupled to the EC-Earth Model.
Tasks
The PhD researcher will identify and analyze the available datasets and become acquainted with the physical formulations in the LPJ-Guess model environment. He/she will then perform experiments challenging the model formulation in an increasingly complex mode (1D / 2D / off-line and on-line to EC-Earth). Results will be published in international scientific journals, forming the basis of the PhD dissertation, which will result in a PhD degree for the successful candidate.
Requirements
The ideal candidate holds a M.Sc. or equivalent degree in a relevant field (e.g. environmental science, meteorology, biogeochemistry,hydrology and/or ecology), is ambitious, is fluent in English, has proven interdisciplinary interest and is communicatively skilled to collaborate with the partner institutes, and to write scientific papers. Experience in computer modeling /programming is considered an advantage.
Further particulars
The initial appointment will be for a period of 12 months at VU-University. After satisfactory evaluation of the initial appointment it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years. The salary is determined according to the collective rules (CAO) of the Dutch universities. The salary is € 2.042,- gross per month in the first year to € 2.612,- in the fourth year (salary scale 85), based on a full-time employment. The expected start date is 1 March/April 2010. You can find information about our excellent fringe benefits of employment - including holiday allowances of 8% per year - at www.workingatvu.nl.
The phd researcher will be a member of the Department Hydrology and Geo-Environmental Sciences of the Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences. De department Hydrology and Geo-Environmental Sciences is a leading partner in international water, carbon dioxide and global change research and leads/participates in projects as CarboEurope-GHG, ICOS, COCOS, CarboExtreme,. IN CRIME is a collaboration between national partners UU, ECN (NitroEurope), KNMI (EC-Earth), and the Swedish Lund University (LPJ-GUESS).
Information
For further information contact Dr. Michiel van der Molen, email: (michiel.van.der.molen@falw.vu.nl, phone number (+31/0)20 59 87321) or Prof. Han Dolman, e-mail: (han.dolman@geo.falw.vu.nl, phone number (+31/0)20 59 87358) or Dr. Karin Rebel, email: (k.rebel@geo.uu.nl, (+31/0)30 253 5898).
Application
Written applications should include a CV, names of two academics references, and a motivation of interest. Foreign applicants should also include course transcripts and copy of the MSc. Send your application before February 1st, 2010 to the VU University Amsterdam, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, attn. Dr. J.M.R.M. Neutelings, managing director, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands, or by e-mail to e-mail: falw-vacatures@falw.vu.nl. Please mention the vacancy number in the e-mail header or at the top left corner of the letter and envelop.
