For the research project “Seasonal ice cover on lakes of Qinghai-Tibet and Mongolian Plateau as indicator and mediator of the regional response to the climate change” (IceTMP) we are inviting applications for two PhD positions starting as of 15-June-2021 with duration of 36 months. The PhD students will study the physical processes under lake ice—circulation, thermal stratification and mixing—and their effect on lake biogeochemistry, in particular, the dissolved oxygen regime. The successful candidates will become part of an interdisciplinary team and work in Department 1 (Ecohydrology) of IGB-Berlin in close collaboration with leading universities of China. The present position is focused on field observations, analysis of observational data, and ecological-biogeochemical interactions in ice-covered lakes. The study suggests active participation in field campaigns on remote lakes. The PhD study will be performed in a close interaction with second position dedicated to development and validation of lake models.
Lakes are important components of alpine and arid areas of the Tibetan Plateau and the Mongolian Plateau. However, the response of lakes to the climate change remains not fully quantified to date. An essential feature of the lake systems in these two largest arid climate zones is the several months long ice-covered period. Formation and melt of the ice cover on lakes has a strong effect on the land-atmosphere interaction and on internal physical and biogeochemical processes in lakes. The bilateral German-Chinese project IceTMP joins experience and resources from several research teams to obtain a significant advance in this area of geosciences, aimed at filling the knowledge gap about ice-covered lakes as crucial, but poorly investigated components of the hydrological and climatic system of Qinghai-Tibet and Mongolian Plateau.
Your tasks
- Planning and implementation of sampling campaigns and long-term monitoring
- Analysis and interpretation of observational data in the general context of seasonal and climatic changes in the thermal stratification.
- Preparation of manuscripts and publication of project results.
Your profile
- A first-class MSc degree or equivalent in physical limnology, physical oceanography, environmental fluid dynamics, aquatic biogeochemistry, or a related field
- Knowledge in turbulent dynamics of natural waters
- Ability to perform intense fieldwork on remote sites
- High proficiency of oral and written English including scientific terminology
- Team working and good communication skills
- Demonstrated skills in development and extension of data analysis methods are essential.
Our offer
This is a full-time position with 3 years duration. Salary is paid according to the German salary scheme for the public sector (75% TVöD).
We foster your career development by providing qualification and training opportunities. We actively support the reconciliation of work and family life. Applicants are treated equally regardless of gender. Qualified women are particularly encouraged to apply. Severely disabled applicants with equal qualification and aptitude will be given preferential consideration.
Are you interested?
We look forward to receiving your application with the usual documents (letter of motivation indicating research interests and experience, CV, certificates/references, publication list) by 01 May 2021. Please state the job reference number 20_2021 and apply exclusively via our recruitment platform at www.igb-berlin.de/en/jobs.
Questions can be directed to Georgiy Kirillin by phone (+49 30 64181- 669) or by e-mail ([email protected]).
“Research for the future of our freshwaters” is the mission of the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB). The IGB is Germany’s largest and one of the leading international research centres for freshwaters. We seek to understand the fundamental processes governing freshwaters and their communities. Our research findings help to tackle global environmental changes and to develop measures for sustainable water management. The IGB is a diverse and inspiring place to work and conduct research. We promote individual development at every career level and stand for lively exchange and cooperation. With more than 350 employees and guests from all over the world, we conduct research at five locations in Berlin and at Lake Stechlin (Brandenburg). IGB closely collaborates with numerous national and international universities and other partners in science and society and is a member of the Leibniz Association, which connects 96 independent public research institutes in Germany. www.igb-berlin.de
