Project title
The role of manganese in regulating the phosphorus concentration in the Baltic Sea.
Mangans roll i regleringen av fosforkoncentrationen i Östersjön
Project description
Knowledge of the mechanisms that control the availability of phosphorus in the productive water layers of the Baltic Sea is needed to guide management actions for reducing eutrophication of the sea area. Today, the regulation of the concentration of this nutrient is, however, not fully understood. Complexation and precipitation by manganese may be the overlooked, missing mechanism. This project will study the transformations of phosphorus between particulate and dissolved forms, particularly redox-related transformations under oxic and sub-oxic conditions, and its subsequent sedimentation and sequestration in the sediment. The project involves studies at sea, as well as in laboratory and mesocosm experiments.
Applications will be assessed based on the following criteria:
- theoretical knowledge of relevance to the research project
- practical experience and knowledge of relevance for the project
- knowledge of scientific theory and method
- analytical ability as demonstrated by a scientific report, paper or degree project thesis
- the applicants personal references
- gender equality aspects
Advanced knowledge of inorganic and analytical chemistry and pertinent aquatic ecology/geoecology is required.
Nature of the position
A Ph.D position lasts four years full time. After acceptance of the PhD project plan prepared by the student, the student will be awarded a taxable study grant of currently 15,500 SEK / month (“utbildningsbidrag”). After 2 years, the student is expected to pass the licentiate examination. Once the requirements for the licentiate degree are fulfilled, the student will be employed on a doctoral studentship (“doktorandanställning”) of currently 21600 SEK / month. Up to 20% teaching or other work may be included in the position, which will then be extended accordingly, at most to 5 years. Salaries follow the relevant salary scale.
More details about the project can be requested from Assoc. Prof. Sven Blomqvist
sven.blomqvist@ecology.su.se. General information about the PhD training program may be requested from the Head of Department, Professor Nils Kautsky
nils@ecology.su.se.
Information on postgraduate studies at Stockholm University can be found at:
http://www.su.se/english/study_with_us/postgraduate_...
Union representatives are Bo Ekengren (SACO), Lisbeth Häggberg (Fackförbundet ST), tfn 08-16 2000 (switch board), och Gunnar Stenberg (SEKO), tfn 070-316 43 41.
Application
The application should contain a letter of intent (one to two pages that explain why you are interested in working on this project, why you are interested in studying for a PhD, what you hope to accomplish during your PhD studies, and what skills you can bring to this project), curriculum vitae, copies of degree certificates and transcripts of academic records (all attested), a list of two persons who may act as referees (with phone numbers and email addresses), and one copy of your undergraduate thesis and scientific articles, if any.
The full application should be labelled ‘PhD-studentship Dnr 4/2011 and sent as one pdf-file to
barbara@ecology.su.se no later than Mars, 20, 2011.
Further information on the web:
Stockholm University:
www.science.su.se
Stockholm University:
http://www.su.se/otherlanguages/
The Department of Systems Ecology:
http://www.ecology.su.se
The handbook for postgraduate students:
http://www.doktorandhandboken.nu/english