Welcome to INTRAMIF
INitial TRAining network in Mass Independent Fractionation

A Marie Curie Initial Training Network (ITN)

ESR project 10: MIF of nitrate and sulfate in ice cores

Laboratoire de Glaciologie et Géophysique de l'Environnement (LGGE), CNRS-UJF, St Martin d'Hères, France
supervisor, J. Savarino, LGGE >e-mail
co-supervisor, T. Röckmann, IMAU, and Jan Kaiser,

The MIF signature of sulfate can provide new insight into the degree of implication of the ozone molecule in the overall oxidation activity of the paleo atmosphere [Alexander, et al., 2002; 2004]. This approach will be extended back in time using sulfate and nitrate. There is an urgent need to understand the coupling between atmospheric chemistry and climate in order to better predict future environmental changes. Sulfate and nitrate isotopes will be used to fill this knowledge gap. We will use a combination of aerosol, snow and ice samples to establish 1) the seasonal variations, 2) the transfer yield and preservation of the atmospheric signal into the firn and 3) the secular MIF variations and measure the sulfur isotopes of volcanic sulfate, a marker of stratospheric volcanic eruptions. For the latter, the ESR will spend some times in the US (Prof. Thiemens and Prof. Alexander's Lab). Interpretation will benefit from results obtained in ESR projects 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7. In this project, we will also determine the fraction of atmospheric nitrate in a suite of mineral waters together with our associated partner Danone.

Eligibility:

  • Applicants must not already hold a PhD degree.
  • At the time of selection for this position, you must be in the first four years (full-time equivalent) of your research career. This is measured from the date when you obtained the degree which would formally entitle you to embark on a doctorate, either in the country in which the degree was obtained or in France.
  • In line with EU requirements, successful applicants must demonstrate trans-national mobility, i.e. they must move to France from their present country of residence. The project is not generally open to applicants who are presently in France. Please check section II.1 of the FP 7 PEOPLE Work Programme for details.

Benefits:

This is a fully funded 3-year PhD project. Successful applicants will be paid a salary for three years to cover their living expenses. In addition to conducting their research projects, they will attend associated training modules that include summer schools, skills courses, scientific meetings etc. They are also eligible for additional payments towards their travel and relocation costs as well as a "Career Exploratory" allowance. Fellows will be able to start their three-year fellowships from 1 September 2009 on.

How to apply:

  • If you want to apply for this project, please follow the guidelines here
  • Applications must be received by 1 july 2009.
  • Women researchers are particularly encouraged to apply.
  • For further questions, please contact the supervisor of the project.