Reconstruction of Asian monsoon using compound-specific isotope signals of terrestrial and aquatic biomarkers in Tibetan lake systems

The PhD-project will be integrated into the DFG project of the joint research Lake System Response to Late Quaternary Monsoon Dynamics on the Tibetan Plateau and is part of a multi-proxy research activity reconstructing the late Quaternary Monsoon dynamics on the Tibetan plateau. It uses stable isotopes (13C, 15N, 18O and D) to reconstruct the hydrology of individual lake systems and 14C to compare the timing of events in different lakes on the plateau. δD values of aquatic and terrestrial biomarkers, especially n-alkanes, are applied to reconstruct monsoon intensity and climate, respectively.

The aim of the PhD project is:
I. Reconstruction of past changes of the hydrological cycle by extracting terrestrial and aquatic n-alkanes from lake sediments and by analysing their compound-specific hydrogen isotope ratios
II. Establishment of valid age chronologies to compare different lake sediments using compound specific 14C-AMS measurements
III.Integrated reconstruction of the intensities and the extent of the Asian Monsoon circulation

The successful applicant is encouraged to apply for admission to the International Max Planck Research School for Global Biogeochemical Cycles (www.imprs-gbgc.de), a structured PhD program that offers complementary courses and other helpful additions to the thesis project.
Please send your applications directly to the institute’s address Max-Planck-Institut für Biogeochemie, Postfach 10 01 64, 07701 Jena, Germany.

Subject Requirements (Qualification):
•       Masters degree, or equivalent, in the earth sciences, (bio)chemistry or related areas
•       Knowledge of stable isotopes are advantageous
•       Experience with ASE, GC FID, IRMS instrumentation is desirable
•       Professional handling of chemicals
•       Good English language skills and interest in joining a multidisciplinary research team are required. Knowledge of German would be an advantage, and at least the willingness to learn basic German is required.

Compulsory Attachments:
Curriculum vitae, certificates, letter of motivation, contact details of one or two references

Contact details:
MPI for Biogeochemistry, 07745 Jena
Department of Biogeochemical Processes (http://www.bgc-jena.mpg.de)
Supervisor of the Doctoral Thesis: Prof. Dr. Gerd Gleixner

Anfangsdatum: 17. Oktober 2011

geschätzte Dauer: 3 years