Postdoctoral Researcher in (Ocean) Biogeochemical Modelling

Postdoctoral Researcher in (Ocean) Biogeochemical Modelling

Utrecht University - Faculty of Geosciences

Utrecht, Netherlands

Your job

Microscopic calcite (CaCO3) shells of plankton sink through ocean waters to the seafloor by the trillions each year, taking along essential nutrients such as phosphorus (P). Ocean acidification is likely to alter global CaCO3 fluxes, with so far unknown consequences for P cycling, ocean fertility and CO2 uptake. Our lack of knowledge regarding these feedbacks limits our insight in ocean functioning under environmental change, both in the (ancient) past and the human-impacted future.

The NWO-funded PHOSFLUX project aims to shed light on these unknowns, by quantifying the role of CaCO3 fluxes and acidification in global marine P cycling through a combination of field work in the North Atlantic Ocean, laboratory experiments and numerical modelling. A scientific cruise with our research vessel Pelagia will allow us to investigate CaCO3 – P interactions in the field. Through controlled lab experiments, we will dive deeper into the underlying chemical and mineralogical processes, to eventually capture them in physical-chemical models that predict the impact of acidification on marine P cycling.

The PHOSFLUX project is a collaboration between the NIOZ (Dr Peter Kraal) and Utrecht University (UU; Prof. Dr Mariëtte Wolthers), combining unique sea-going and on-shore experimentation with advanced analytical tools to understand mineral-water interactions from microscopic to ocean-basin scale. Besides PI’s Kraal and Wolthers, the PHOSFLUX team consists of a NIOZ-based PhD student performing experiments and analyses, and a Utrecht University-based postdoctoral researcher who focuses on modelling the CaCO3 – P interactions.

As postdoctoral researcher within PHOSFLUX, your role is to model P dynamics in sinking and deposited marine snow in relation to changing environmental conditions in the water column. To achieve this, you will create a reactive-transport model for P dynamics that will include processes such as CaCO3 dissolution, organic matter decomposition and adsorption/incorporation of PO4 into solid phases of marine snow. You will test the performance of your model by simulating experimental and field data in collaboration with the PHOSFLUX PhD candidate.

Your qualities

You are a highly motivated researcher with a background in biogeochemical modelling. You have successfully completed a PhD programme in Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Biology or a related discipline by the time the position starts.

Preferably, you also have:

• experience and affinity with biogeochemistry and marine research;
• experience in numerical modelling of mineral-water interactions and/or organic matter degradation processes;
• experience or strong interest in synchrotron-based analysis techniques.

You approach scientific problems with determination and are eager to develop multidisciplinary skills. You must be willing to travel abroad to join the PHOSFLUX team during synchrotron beamtimes and to present your research to an international research community. As this project requires close collaboration within the research team, candidates are expected to be excellent team players. You also have excellent written and spoken English skills and good general communicational skills. We highly encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to join us.

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