Research Scientist: Controls on green-house gas production and consumptionArctic/Alpine lakes

The Aquatic and Isotope Biogeochemistry Research Group at the Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Basel (https://duw.unibas.ch/de/bgc/) invites applications for a Research Scientist position in the field of methane/green-house gas biogeochemistry in lakes. The project investigates methane production and consumption processes and their environmental controls in Arctic and Alpine lakes, with possible field work in the Swiss Alps and/or in lakes on Spitzbergen.

You will be responsible for sampling and analyzing concentrations and isotopic compositions of methane, biomarker and molecular signatures, as well as methane turnover rates in Arctic and Alpine lakes and lake sediments. The research will involve laboratory work with extensive use of gas-chromatographic and stable isotope methods (GC, GC-IRMS, GC-MS), tracer and microbiological techniques, as well as fieldwork. The focus of the position will be to 1.) assess microbial methane production and aerobic/anaerobic methane oxidation in lake sediments and the water column in the context of (changing) biogeochemical and sedimentary/hydrological regimes, 2.) to design and conduct assay-based experiments to test the role of different electron acceptors involved in methane oxidation, and 3.) to verify methane cycling activity in the recent past through organic-geochemical approaches applied to a sediment core from a high alpine lake in Switzerland.

We are looking for a motivated candidate with a PhD in environmental sciences, geoscience, or a related discipline, and with previous field and laboratory experience. Specifically, it is expected that the candidate has experience in a wide range of analytical methods including lipid biomarker-, radio-tracer- and stable isotope assays, as well as microbiological techniques for determining pathways and rates of methane production and oxidation, and the microbial communities involved. A proven track record and expertise in lacustrine methane biogeochemistry is expected. The ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and good communication skills including fluency in English are essential.

Within this project funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNF), we offer an international, multidisciplinary work environment and excellent research infrastructure. Expected starting date is 1. August 2024.

Application / Contact

Please submit your complete application documents, including a letter stating your motivation, experience and skills, a CV, and contact details of at least two references as a single pdf file via our online recruiting platform.

For further information please contact Prof. Dr. Moritz Lehmann (moritz.lehmann@unibas.ch).

Review of applications will begin 15. May, 2024, and will continue until the position is filled.