(See also PDF below for Job Add)
Recent climate scenarios predict increasing temperature and drought for Central Europe, which will have impact on forest growth and hydrological functions in trees. It is thus crucial to understand and predict the consequences of climate change on forest ecosystems. To advance our knowledge about plant functions, such as the response of photosynthesis and water consumption to future climate, and to improve reconstructions of past climate conditions using tree-rings, we use stable isotopes as a proxy record. Recently, we have established a novel method for oxygen isotope analysis (δ18O) of individual sugars, the first product of photosynthesis. The δ18O of plant sugars integrate information on precipitation, temperature and humidity, and on plant responses to changing environmental conditions, and this information can be tracked from the leaves to the formation of tree-rings. We apply this methodology in two collaborating projects to study forests in Switzerland (SNF Ambizione project of Dr. Marco Lehmann) and in northern Eurasia (ERC project of Dr. Katja Rinne-Garmston).
We are looking for a highly motivated student, who is interested in forest research, stable isotopes and/or climate change studies. She/he will work at SIRC (Stable Isotope Research Centre) of WSL, which is one of the leading laboratories in the world in the field of compound-specific isotope analysis (CSIA) of plant matter. Under supervision of Dr. Marco Lehmann, he/she will learn how to analyse individual plant sugars for their δ18O composition using gas chromatography-pyrolysis-isotope ratio massspectrometry (GC-Pyr-IRMS) and assist in further development of the methodology. The job involves significant amount of collaboration with Dr. Katja Rinne-Garmston in Finland and with other researchers at WSL. A compensation of 700 CHF per month will be provided for 6 month. Starting date is flexible, but should be around June 2019.
The successful candidate should hold a bachelor degree in biology, plant physiology, forestry, biogeochemistry, chemistry or a related field and should have a careful and persistent personality and a capability for independent working. The candidate should bring enthusiasm for research, prior experience in laboratory work, and a high attention to detail. Good English and communication skills are a mandatory.
Questions and applications can be addressed to marco.lehmann@wsl.ch and katja.rinne-garmston@luke.fi. The deadline for applications is 28th of February 2019. Applications are expected to include cover letter, CV and one to three names of reference persons.
(See also PDF below for Job Add)
Recent climate scenarios predict increasing temperature and drought for Central Europe, which will have impact on forest growth and hydrological functions in trees. It is thus crucial to understand and predict the consequences of climate change on forest ecosystems. To advance our knowledge about plant functions, such as the response of photosynthesis and water consumption to future climate, and to improve reconstructions of past climate conditions using tree-rings, we use stable isotopes as a proxy record. Recently, we have established a novel method for oxygen isotope analysis (δ18O) of individual sugars, the first product of photosynthesis. The δ18O of plant sugars integrate information on precipitation, temperature and humidity, and on plant responses to changing environmental conditions, and this information can be tracked from the leaves to the formation of tree-rings. We apply this methodology in two collaborating projects to study forests in Switzerland (SNF Ambizione project of Dr. Marco Lehmann) and in northern Eurasia (ERC project of Dr. Katja Rinne-Garmston). We are looking for a highly motivated student, who is interested in forest research, stable isotopes and/or climate change studies. She/he will work at SIRC (Stable Isotope Research Centre) of WSL, which is one of the leading laboratories in the world in the field of compound-specific isotope analysis (CSIA) of plant matter. Under supervision of Dr. Marco Lehmann, he/she will learn how to analyse individual plant sugars for their δ18O composition using gas chromatography-pyrolysis-isotope ratio massspectrometry (GC-Pyr-IRMS) and assist in further development of the methodology. The job involves significant amount of collaboration with Dr. Katja Rinne-Garmston in Finland and with other researchers at WSL. A compensation of 700 CHF per month will be provided for 6 month. Starting date is flexible, but should be around June 2019. The successful candidate should hold a bachelor degree in biology, plant physiology, forestry, biogeochemistry, chemistry or a related field and should have a careful and persistent personality and a capability for independent working. The candidate should bring enthusiasm for research, prior experience in laboratory work, and a high attention to detail. Good English and communication skills are a mandatory. Questions and applications can be addressed to marco.lehmann@wsl.ch and katja.rinne-garmston@luke.fi. The deadline for applications is 28th of February 2019. Applications are expected to include cover letter, CV and one to three names of reference persons.