Postdoctoral fellow in the hydrology of submarine permafrost

The Department of Geological Sciences is part of the Faculty of Science at Stockholm University. It consists of approximately 80 teachers, researchers, doctoral students and technical/administrative staff. The department conducts a wide range of basic and applied research within marine geology and geophysics, geochemistry and classical geology.

More information about us can be found at: Department of Geological Sciences

Project description

Siberia is home to the world’s largest area of ​​permafrost. Rapid warming in the region has raised concerns that the vast amounts of carbon stored in the permafrost could be released, amplifying regional and global warming. Submarine permafrost is particularly vulnerable because seawater is generally warmer than the overlying atmosphere, which can lead to thawing that occurs up to nine times faster than in terrestrial permafrost.

The hydrology of submarine permafrost is an important factor controlling both thaw rates and greenhouse gas transport. A unique dataset from drill cores and electromagnetic measurements is available from the Siberian Arctic continental shelf, which provides an opportunity to better understand thaw processes and the fluid flows associated with submarine permafrost.

The project aims to answer the following questions:

• How does thawing of submarine permafrost affect fluid flows, and how do fluid flows in turn affect thawing?
• How do liquid flows linked to thawing vary in time and space?
• How are fluxes of greenhouse gases (e.g. CH₄ and CO₂) affected by liquid fluxes linked to thawing?

The selected candidate will conduct laboratory experiments on drill cores to determine key hydrological parameters and develop numerical models that integrate available observations to investigate the coupled processes between subsea permafrost thaw and fluid flow. Experience in numerical modeling is therefore an important qualification.

The successful candidate will conduct the research under the supervision of Senior Lecturer Wei-Li Hong (Department of Geological Sciences, Stockholm University) in close collaboration with Professor Örjan Gustafsson and Assistant Professor Birgit Wild (Department of Environmental Sciences, Stockholm University), as well as Professor Brandon Dugan (Department of Geophysics, Colorado School of Mines).

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for employment as a postdoctoral researcher, a doctoral degree or a foreign degree that is deemed equivalent to the relevant doctoral degree is required. The degree must be completed no later than when the employment decision is made.

Assessment criteria

It is considered meritorious if the doctoral degree or equivalent has been completed no more than three years before the application deadline. If there are special reasons, a previously completed degree may also be considered meritorious. Special reasons refer to leave due to illness, parental leave, positions of trust in trade unions, service in the total defense, or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical service or service/assignment relevant to the subject area.

We are looking for a postdoctoral fellow with expertise in hydrology, geochemistry, glaciology or related fields.

Requirements:

• Doctoral degree in hydrology, geochemistry, geosciences or a related field.
• Experience in numerical modeling, measurement of physical properties of marine sediments and biogeochemical processes in marine sediments.
• Great interest in permafrost and glacial processes.
• Documented experience with laboratory experiments, especially in controlled environments.
• Good ability to communicate research results to project partners.

The selection of eligible applicants is based on the applicant’s assessed ability to carry out the project’s tasks. The assessment is based on:

• Documented knowledge in hydrology, geochemistry or related fields.
• Documented experience in integrating numerical modeling and field-based observations.
• Documented experience in laboratory analyses of geochemical and hydrological parameters.
• Very good ability to express oneself verbally and in writing in English.
• Good collaboration skills and ability to develop and maintain research networks.
• Creativity, initiative and independence.

The evaluation is based on previous education and experience, the quality of previously published research, ambition expressed in the motivation letter, description of the proposed project focus, and any interviews.

About the employment

The employment is full-time and valid until further notice, however, at least two years and a maximum of three years, with the possibility of extension if there are special reasons. Access by agreement.

We offer

With us you get the dynamic interaction between higher education and research that makes Stockholm University an exciting and creative environment. You work in an international environment and receive favorable conditions. The university is located in the National City Park with good connections to the city.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace that is free from discrimination and provides equal rights and opportunities for everyone.

Contact

Information about the position is provided by project leader Senior Lecturer in Geochemistry Wei-Li Hong, wei-li.hong@geo.su.se .

Application

You apply for the position via Stockholm University’s recruitment system. Attach a cover letter and CV as well as the attachments requested in the application form. As an applicant, you are responsible for ensuring that the application is complete and that it reaches the university by the application deadline. We recommend that you submit your application, including the necessary documents, in English. 

Instructions for applicants can be found on the website: applying for a job .

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