Scientists/Post-Doctoral Fellow Nitrous Oxide Research, Landcare Research, NZ

SCIENTIST / POST-DOCTORAL FELLOW - NITROUS OXIDE RESEARCH

We are seeking a Scientist/Post doctoral fellow to undertake research on nitrous oxide production and exchange processes from soils at a range of spatial and temporal scales and develop technologies to reduce emissions in research programmes that are undertaken by the Global Change Processes Team.

You should posses a PhD in soil or environmental science, in such areas as microbiology, biochemistry or nitrogen dynamics. You should have both strong analytical capabilities and familiarity with instrumentation used in the measurements of trace gas concentrations. An interest and knowledge in grazed pastoral agricultural management systems in New Zealand would be an advantage.

Landcare Research is New Zealand’s foremost environmental research organisation, providing solutions and advice for sustainable development and the management of land-based natural resources. Our Global Change Processes team conducts world-leading research to understand the processes regulating the exchange of greenhouse gases between the terrestrial biosphere and the atmosphere, and to identify viable mitigation options that will reduce net emissions.

The position is for a fixed term of two years, and based at our offices on Massey University campus at Palmerston North, New Zealand.

For further information please visit our website at www.landcareresearch.co.nz/jobs, where you will find a position descriptionand an online application form. All applications must be received online through the Landcare Research website. For specific enquiries, you may contact Professor Surinder Saggar by email Saggars@landcareresearch.co.nz .

Applications close 13th June 2010

Position: Scientist / Post-Doctoral Fellow, (Nitrous Oxide Emission Processes & Mitigation)

Location: Landcare Research, Palmerston North

Reporting to: Science Team Leader, Global Change Processes

Functional Reporting to: Research Leader, Agricultural Greenhouse Gases, Global Change Processes

Interactions/Regular contact:

Internal: Research leaders, scientists, research fellows, post-doctoral fellows and technicians

External:  New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre (NZAGRC); Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF); Ministry for the Environment (MfE); Members of the NZOnet, Methnet and Carbonet groups; Pastoral Greenhouse Gas Research Consortium (PGgRc); Researchers in other Crown Research Institutes (CRIs) including AgResearch, Plant & Food Research and NIWA; Universities, both in New Zealand (Massey & Lincoln) and overseas.

Primary Objective:

To develop process-based understanding of denitrification resulting in nitrous oxide emission from pastoral and riparian zone soils and devise mitigation techniques to reduce nitrous oxide production, at a range of spatial and temporal scales.

Key Accountabilities:

Develop an understanding of the organisms/enzymes or reduction pathways contributing to nitrous oxide emissions during denitrification; Make best use of field data to improve the physical, chemical, and microbiological robustness of the nitrous oxide and dinitrogen emissions estimates in close consultation with research leaders, and to verify model predictions; Conduct laboratory and field measurements of greenhouse gas fluxes using appropriate techniques; Conduct chemical, biological, and physical analyses of soils; Quantify uncertainties and undertake statistical error analyses of measured estimates of greenhouse gas emissions; Analyse data and reportfindings to funding agencies and in peer-reviewed national and international publications, seminars, popular articles and end-user reports; Organise work schedule in consultation with project leaders; Maintain and monitor quality of results produced to ensure standards are met;Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of work in progress; Maintain field gear and instrumentation in state of readiness for field work, and contribute to the maintenance of a clean and safe working environment in the laboratory;Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to Landcare Research's policies including the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and equal employment opportunities.

Person Specification:

Qualifications and Experience

• PhD qualification in soil and/or environmental science, with strong microbiology and chemistry. Preferably, some familiarity with nitrogen transformations, and greenhouse gas emissions and sinks
• Familiarity with the use of laboratory and field instruments, including a gas chromatograph, is highly desirable
• A good working knowledge of computers and software (e.g. word processing, spreadsheets) is essential
• A basic knowledge of statistics would be an advantage
• An interest in environmental issues, climate change, and in applying models for environmental management

Skills and Attributes

• Able to work both independently and in a team in a research environment encompassing skills in biogeochemistry and meteorology, exchanging and debating ideas, data etc. with technical and scientific colleagues from a range of disciplines
• Willing to work under supervision when necessary
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including ability to communicate with colleagues throughout New Zealand and overseas
• Able to undertake responsibility for specific projects and to complete work consistently to a high professional standard within prescribed deadlines
• Have a good understanding of, and experience with, a range of software packages including word processing, spreadsheets, database, statistical and graphics
• Have the potential to develop lasting relationships with research collaborators, policy agencies, and external clients

Other requirements

• Ability to carry equipment and soil and plant samples in hilly and steep terrain, and occasionally in all weathers, is essential
• Willing, where appropriate, to receive training for specific skills (e.g. four wheel driving)
• A current driving license