Opportunities
Apply for a Postdoctoral position in our lab at the University of Tartu, Department of Geography!
Project "Wetland Carbon and Nitrogen Dynamics"
Description
Restoring degraded peat soils is an attractive, but largely untested climate change mitigation approach. Drained peat soils used for agriculture or for peat extraction are often large greenhouse gas sources. Restoring subsided peat soils to managed, impounded wetlands can turn these sources into carbon sinks. However, at present, the amount of scientific information available to guide such restoration decisions and assess the impact of these actions is still sparse and restoration outcome can be low carbon uptake and high methane emissions. Therefore, the overarching objective of this study is to provide an experimental and theoretical understanding how to restore wetlands with minimized methane emissions and maximized carbon uptake. The current study focuses on the spatial heterogeneity of methane and nitrous oxide emission from restored wetlands using micrometeorological and field-based techniques.
The research will be carried out in three restored wetland ecosystems in Estonia but with strong collaboration with international partners. The research is part of the “Optimizing Wetland Restoration and Management Strategies for Carbon Uptake” and “Restoration of Wetlands to Minimize Emissions and Maximize Carbon Uptake – A Strategy for Long Term Climate Mitigation” research projects in the Department of Geography, University of Tartu.
Postdoctoral Position
The candidate will be based in Tartu, Estonia and supervised by Dr. Kuno Kasak at the University of Tartu. The responsibilities include scientific research, mentoring graduate and undergraduate students, and manuscript preparation. The postdoctoral researcher will assist with the maintenance of two eddy covariance flux tower sites, processing eddy covariance data from research sites, conducting original research using data collected from the towers, and publishing peer-reviewed manuscripts.
Requirements
- A PhD in environmental technology, atmospheric science, ecology or a strongly related natural science field.
- A strong quantitative (including programming skills in R and/or Matlab) and technical background.
- Experience with installing and maintaining eddy covariance flux towers, and with processing eddy covariance data.
- A proven record of scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals.
- The candidate must be able to independently conduct fieldworks, which requires Driver’s license.
- Be within 5 years of being awarded the PhD.
Desired Knowledge and Skills
- Experience working in wetland ecosystems.
- Experience in soil chemical and physical analyses.
- Experience with geographic information systems (e.g., ArcGIS or QGIS).
- Experience with biogeochemical modelling.
To apply
Candidates should submit the following materials via email to kuno.kasak@ut.ee in a single PDF document containing:
- A one-page cover letter explaining your motivation for applying for this position; how your prior research experience qualifies you for the position; and your mentoring experience.
- A CV (including publication list and clear specification of relevant quantitative skills).
- Names and contact details for three references.
Review of applications will start immediately until the suitable candidate has been found. Applicant must be available to start the position soon as possible.
Receipt of your application will be confirmed by email and applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.