GREENCYCLESII

Early-Stage Researcher Position in Modelling Vegetation-Atmosphere Feedbacks in the Amazon Region (Task 5.4)

Marie Curie Initial Training Network

Department of Geography, University of Cambridge

Annual Salary: ≈€40k

Limit of tenure applies*

Applications are invited for a research position to work on the coupling of the land surface and atmosphere in the Amazon region in the context of land cover change. The successful applicant will have an excellent undergraduate and/or graduate degree in a related discipline, such as environmental science, physics, mathematics, or biology, and will have less than four years research experience since graduating. This position is only available to non-UK citizens. Full details of eligibility criteria for this early-stage researcher position are available at http://www.greencycles.org/vacancies/criteria/

The aim of the project is to improve understanding of the consequences of land use change for atmospheric processes and carbon storage in the Amazon basin. Sophisticated models of land surface and atmospheric processes will be coupled and tested against field data. Model experiments will aim to characterise the potential impacts of land cover change such as deforestation for vegetation and soil carbon storage, atmospheric humidity, stability, clouds, and precipitation, as well as connections to the wider atmospheric system. Ecological processes such as photosynthesis, growth, competition, and soil decomposition will also be considered. The successful applicant will join the GREENCYCLESII Initial Training Network (www.greencycles.org) and will collaborate with colleagues in Amsterdam. Training will be provided across the network through a wide range of activities.

It may be possible for the applicant to register for a PhD degree, depending on the outcome of future funding decisions. This possibility will be negotiated with the successful candidate upon acceptance of the post.

Further details can obtained from Andrew.Friend@geog.cam.ac.uk

Applications should include: full CV, cover letter, completed eligibility form (available at www.greencycles.org/vacancies), and completed form CHRIS6 (available at www.admin.ac.uk/offices/hr/forms/chris6/). Applications should be sent by e-mail to Andrew.Friend@geog.cam.ac.uk

Closing date: 8th March 2011

*Limit of tenure: 31 December, 2013