1 PhD/PostDoc Position in Advection of CO2 in mountain grasslands in complex topography at the Institute of Ecology in Austria | University of Innsbruck

We are looking for an individual to work on a project funded by the Austrian National Science Fund (FWF) studying the contribution of advection to the CO2 balance of mountain grasslands in complex topography in the Austrian, Italian and Swiss Alps. The position is for a fixed term of three years and can be filled either at the PhD or PostDoc level, depending on qualification. The competitive salary follows the Austrian collective agreement for University employees.

General skills:

We are looking for a motivated and energetic individual with a strong experimental background in micrometeorology. Excellent knowledge of English, both spoken and written, is a must, as is a valid driving license and the willingness to work in the field under alpine environmental conditions.

Specific skills:

At the PhD level, the incumbent is expected to have demonstrated experience with the experimental quantification of advection and the analysis of the respective data and must be eligible to enroll in the Biology PhD program at the University of Innsbruck.

At the PostDoc level, the incumbent is expected to have a broader background in micrometeorology, in particular flux measurements, and ecosystem biogeochemical cycling and to have demonstrated excellence in publishing in the peer-reviewed literature. At the PostDoc level the incumbent is expected to get involved in other activities of the Biometeorology group, to supervise students and research assistants, work independently and communicate effectively with other group members.

Complementary skills:

Modelling of flows in complex terrain.

Environment:

The Biometeorology group at the Institute of Ecology of University of Innsbruck thrives to quantify and understand the biosphere-atmosphere exchange of mass and energy with an emphasis on how changes in land use and climate affect these exchange processes. To this end we rely on the coordinated use of experimental measurements and process-oriented modelling. Our focus is on greenhouse gases (CO2, CH4 and N2O), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including CO and COS. Study objects are various terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, with a geographic focus on the European Alps. The group has state-of-the-art equipment at it’s disposal including laser spectroscopy systems for fast-response trace gas measurements and micrometeorological and ecophysiological equipment. The group presently consists of one PostDoc and a varying number of PhD and MSc students and maintains active interdisciplinary collaborations within the University of Innsbruck (boundary-layer meteorology, atmospheric physics, ion physics) and internationally.

Innsbruck is a lively university town with around 30.000 students (and a population of ca. 122.000) offering a great quality of life and mountain-related outdoor activities year-round (literally from within town).