PhD student position «Two million year history of the Indian Monsoon»

Job Description:

The project will use the unique long sediment cores obtained by the IODP vessel JOIDES Resolution in the Andaman Sea to examine the past variability of Indian Monsoon precipitation on the Indian sub-continent and directly over the ocean. A multi-proxy approach including foraminifera shell geochemistry (trace element/Ca ratios, radiogenic (Nd) and stable O and C isotopes by mass spectrometry), bulk sediment chemistry from XRF scanning and clay mineralogy will be employed. These proxies will reveal changes in continental weathering, runoff and direct precipitation on orbital timescales for the last 2 million years filling a fundamental gap in our understanding of the Indian Monsoon in the past. More detailed studies will examine variations on millennial timescales for the last glacial and deglaciation, and the novel application of single foraminifera shell geochemistry will allow variability on inter-annual and seasonal timescales to be investigated for selected intervals. All these data are needed to help improve models and predictions of the Indian Monsoon and the broader Asian Monsoon which affect the lives of billions of people.

We seek a highly motivated and enthusiastic Ph.D. candidate interested in isotope geochemistry and chemical palaeoceanography.

The PhD student will be responsible for processing samples and acquiring the geochemical data with the help of a student research assistant. The PhD student working on this project will be trained in a diverse number of analytical techniques and will interact with international researchers with diverse expertise. This will involve visits to collaborating institutions in Germany and the U.S.A., ranging in duration from a few days to weeks.

The position will be for 24 months initially with extension to 36 months subject to approval by the DFG. Salary will follow the German E13 TV-L pay scale (75%). The position cannot be split.

Qualifications:

An academic qualification comparable to a German Diploma degree (equivalent to a Masters degree including a written thesis) in the field of (marine) geosciences, or related disciplines is required. Excellent English language (oral and written) skills are also essential.

The Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel is an equal opportunity employer and explicitly encourages female scientists and scientists with disabilities to apply.

Applications should mention the project name «2 Myrs Indian Monsoon», include a curriculum vitae, contact details of two references, and qualifying documentation (copies of degree certificates, reference letters). The closing date is November 19th 2012. Please send applications to:

GEOMAR, Helmholtz-Zentrum für Ozeanforschung Kiel Personalbüro Frau Schlüter Wischhofstraße 1 – 3, D-24148 Kiel Germany For more information please contact Dr. Ed Hathorne, Tel. +49 (0)431 600-2249, email: ehathorne@geomar.de

GEOMAR is one of the largest marine research centres in Europe, jointly funded by the federal and state governments. The institute is a member of the Helmholtz Community and the German Marine Research Consortium (KDM). For further information please visit www.geomar.de.