Post-Doctorate in Biogeochemical Processes Modeling

Position description

The Laboratory of Operational Oceanography and Paleoceanography (LOOP), of the Graduate Program in Geochemistry ( http://www.geoquimica.uff.br ) and the Oceanographic Observatory (O2 - http://www.observatoriooceanografico.uff.br ) of the Graduate Program in Ocean and Earth Dynamics ( http://www.dot.uff.br ) of the Fluminense Federal University in Niterói, Brazil, is seeking to appoint an outstanding postdoctoral researcher in the field of biogeochemical modelling.

The LOOP has years of detailed qualitative and quantitative data of biogeochemical proxies on the edge of the Brazilian Southeastern continental shelf, and the O2 has extensive experience with oceanographic moorings, specifically sediment traps. The successful candidate is expected to use these extensive data, constructing and applying biogeochemical models to investigate the ecosystem dynamics, biogeochemical and physical coupling, link modelling activities to ongoing research projects including models of deposition and burial of organic carbon in the marine environment in 3D, initiate new research projects and supervise young researchers in these projects.

The successful candidate will work in an experienced and dynamic team of paleoceanographers and oceanographers at the university. She/he will be directly involved in an ongoing large-scale project with geochemists, biologists, and oceanographers, in a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment. The work will be performed in a modelling team using a set of different models with varying complexity. The models of biogeochemical and oceanographic dynamics will include seasonal changes, as well as long-term simulations (from decadal to millennial timescales).

This work will improve our understanding of biogeochemical processes at multiple levels. The models should be able to support hypotheses for further empirical research at the group. The successful candidate is encouraged to establish new research directions and attract third-party funded projects to foster her/his own reputation. Creating a research group aimed at modelling of biogeochemical processes and cooperation with universities and other research institutions will be strongly supported.

The vacancy will be linked to a 3-year long funded, multigroup research project (Projeto Ressurgência) and utilize extensive, multilevel data currently available at the LOOP. Close collaboration with Prof. Ana Luiza Albuquerque, LOOP coordinator http://lattes.cnpq.br/4016720596063058 ) and Prof. Andre Belem, from Oceanographic Observatory is expected ( https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Andre_Belem ).

The team

The LOOP and O2 groups work on applied research in geosciences, observational oceanography, paleoceanography and biogeochemistry, including climate change teleconnections using observational approaches and numerical modeling (0-3D).

Target start date is May/June 2019 (negotiable). Initial appointment will be for 12 months, with an extension for up to 2 more years based on the initial performance. We offer a highly competitive salary in local standards (up to ca. 7500 BRL monthly, equivalent to 1850 USD free of any tax), compatible with the applicant's experience and skills. The successful applicant will be encouraged to develop her/his own research agenda compatible with the mission of the group.

Benefits and advantages

• A positive, challenging and creative work environment.
• The opportunity to work in group with a high level of international contact.
• Flexible working hours.
• The work place will be at Niterói, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niter%C3%B3i ) at the Fluminense Federal University, Campus Praia Vermelha.

Application process

Candidates should send the following documents by email to Prof. Andre Belem ( andrebelem@id.uff.br ) containing the word "POS-DOC GEOCHEMICAL MODELING" in the subject of the message until May 15, 2019:

1. Cover letter outlining main research interests
2. CV including full publication list covering the last 5 years
3. Copy of PhD diploma
4. Contact details for 2 references.

Preliminary enquiries are welcome.