RISO: PhD Position - Ecosystem Modelling

"Effects of climatic variability and extreme events on carbon cycling in terrestrial ecosystems".

The Ecosystems Programme (ECO) at Risø DTU offers a three years PhD position starting in June 2009.

The Projekt
It is well known that global averages of CO2 concentrations, air temperature will continue to rise. Response studies in terrestrial ecosystems have so far focussed on these average climatic changes. However both historical observations and projections of future climate indicate enhanced climatic variability which will lead to possibly much more severe ecosystem response patterns. This PhD project will investigate ecosystem responses to changing climate variability with a particular focus on effects of altered precipitation patterns on carbon cycling and sequestration.

Kernel of the work is using several dynamic ecosystem models for long-term simulations of carbon, water and nitrogen stocks and fluxes using measured and reconstructed historical data for two intensively studied Danish sites, the climate manipulation heathland site CLIMAITE and the long-term flux observation beech forest site, Sorø. The PhD project will take advantage of an outstanding set of biogeochemical and biological field data. The work is embedded in several national and international projects and will directly cooperate with a newly established EU project, CarboExtreme, and the DTU Climate Centre. This enables close interaction with leading Danish and other European research institutions in the field of climate change impact research.

Your qualifications
We seek an energetic candidate with strong interest in data analysis and modelling of terrestrial ecosystems with excellent communication skills and experience in computer programming, e.g. use of a fourth generation programming software (e.g. R, SAS, MATLAB, IDL).

We offer
The ECO programme offers family friendly and pleasant working conditions in a team of internationally acknowledged scientist and students. The Danish Technical University (DTU) is among the leading European technical Universities and offers excellent training opportunities for PhD students.

Terms of employment
The terms of employment will be in accordance with those of the scientific staff at universities. Salary will depend on qualifications and experience. The position is for a fixed duration. The place of work is Risø DTU in Roskilde.

Application
We must have your online application by 17 May 2009. Please open the link "apply online", fill in the application form and attach your application documents, such as short description of personal motivation and qualification, C.V., publication list, addresses and e-mail of two references, copies of educational documents.

Further information
Please contact Andreas Ibrom, anib@risoe.dtu.dk, +4546774177 or Claus Beier clbe@risoe.dtu.dk, +4546774161. Read more about the Biosystems Division and Risø DTU at risoe

Source : RISO