Welcome to INTRAMIF
INitial TRAining network in Mass Independent Fractionation

ESR project 11: MIF in tropospheric O2: A tracer for past total oxygen production

APPLICATION CLOSED, CANDIDATE FOUND!

Center for Ice and Climate (CIC), University of Copenhagen, Denmark
supervisor T. Blunier, CIC >e-mail
co-supervisor: A. Landais, LSCE

The stratospheric 17O transfer from O3 to CO2 (studied in ESR project 5) leaves a MIF signature in tropospheric O2 (Luz et al. 1999). Therefore, MIF in tropospheric O2 is a function of gross oxygen production and the stratospheric isotope exchange. Variation in the MIF signature in O2 is very small, about 40 per meg between the glacial and interglacial climates. However, it provides information on photosynthesis and the state of the biosphere. So far, MIF results for the last 60 kyr have been published (Blunier et al. 2002). In this project we will build an improved extraction and measurement system for atmospheric oxygen from ice cores. We plan to obtain a high precision record of MIF in O2 over several glacial-interglacial cycles. MIF in O2 is a unique opportunity to learn about the reaction of the biosphere to climate change. Here the effect of fast climate change on oxygen production during glacial periods is of special interest. Due to the small signal, the proposed measurements on ice cores are extremely challenging on both the extraction and the measurement side. The project will be an excellent framework for training a PhD students in both cutting edge isotope technology and in the general field of MIF.

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 Denmark.
• In line with EU requirements, successful applicants must demonstrate trans-national mobility, i.e. they must move to Denmark from their present country of residence. The project is not generally open to applicants who are presently in Denmark. 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.