Welcome to INTRAMIF
INitial TRAining network in Mass Independent Fractionation

ESR project 9: Unraveling the origin of the isotope anomaly in atmospheric N2O

APPLICATION CLOSED, CANDIDATE FOUND!

School of Environmental Sciences (ENV), University of East Anglia (UEA), Norwich, United Kingdom
supervisor J. Kaiser, ENV >e-mail
co-supervisor T. Röckmann, IMAU

N2O has a small but significant MIF signature. A number of in situ sources have been put forward that could account for varying parts of the anomaly (Kaiser & Röckmann 2005). In addition, biogenic N2O emissions from microbial nitrification and denitrification may cause an apparent anomaly because of small differences in mass-dependent fractionation processes associated with tropospheric N2O sources and stratospheric sinks (Kaiser et al. 2004). It is conceivable that part of the isotope anomaly of atmospheric nitrate is conferred to N2O by bacterial denitrification. In this project we will carry out direct measurements of MIF in biogenic N2O. Oceanic samples of biological N2O will be gathered during the same cruises as the nitrate samples for ESR project 8. Further biological N2O samples will be obtained from agricultural and forest soils in the local environment. Additional insights into the relative contributions of atmospheric sources of the 17O anomaly in N2O will be gleaned from stratospheric N2O and the results obtained in ESR project 4.

Eligibility:

• Applicants must not already hold a PhD degree.
• Applicant must hold first degree in an appropriate subject and are expected to have achieved a final mark equivalent to at least a UK 2:1 (Upper Second Class Honours).
• 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 the UK.
• In line with EU requirements, successful applicants must demonstrate trans-national mobility, i.e. they must move to the UK from their present country of residence. The project is not generally open to applicants who are presently in the UK. 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 on 1 October 2009, 1 January 2010 or 1 April 2010.

How to apply:

• If you want to apply for this project, please follow the guidelines here
• In addition to (1) application form, (2) course transcripts and (3) two letters of reference, please also send a (4) curriculum vitae, (5) a letter explaining your motivation to do this particular project and (6) any other information you may find important. Applicants must meet UEA requirements for proficiency in English Language, but you can provide (7) evidence of this at a later stage.
• Please send your application material both to the Postgraduate Admissions Office of the Science Faculty at the University of East Anglia (scipg@uea.ac.uk, Fax 01603 591045) and to >INTRAMIF.
• Applications must be received by 1 July 2009.
• The University of East Anglia is an equal opportunities employer. Efforts will be made to increase participation of women researchers.
• For further questions, please contact the supervisor of the project.