Postdoctoral researcher in drone-based greenhouse gas measurements over inland waters

The Department of Ecology and Genetics is an international environment with staff and students from all over the world. Our research spans from evolutionary ecology and genetics to ecosystem studies. Learn more at https://www.uu.se/en/department/ecology-and-genetics

The Limnology program at the Department of Ecology and Genetics is, together with the field station at Lake Erken, an internationally leading research environment for research, teaching and collaboration on the ecology of inland waters. Read more about us here: https://www.uu.se/en/department/ecology-and-genetics/research/limnology

We are now looking for a postdoctoral researcher in drone-based greenhouse gas measurements over inland waters to the program Limnology. 

Project description
Most rivers are heavily influenced by humans. In many places, rivers are therefore being restored to promote water quality and biological diversity. Construction of wetlands and dam removal are two common measures, and both lead to an increased abundance of macrophytes, i.e. plants in or near water. Macrophytes can emit significant amounts of greenhouse gases, but at the same time also bind carbon and thus constitute a carbon sink. The CLIMIPHY project aims to create new knowledge about the climate footprint of macrophytes that gives river restoration professionals the opportunity to restore watercourses in a way that favors biodiversity and water quality, with as little climate footprint as possible. See also https://www.uu.se/en/department/ecology-and-genetics/research/limnology/biogeochemistry/climiphy

The postdoctoral researcher will work in an exciting sub-project that uses new drone technology to perform field measurements the emission of greenhouse gases from river restoration areas. The work takes place in close collaboration with other project team members, and under joint supervision together with meteorologists at the Department of Earth Sciences: https://www.uu.se/en/department/earth-sciences/research/air-water-and-landscape-science/meteorology

Duties
Research on greenhouse gas emission from constructed wetlands and dam removal areas. This will be done with drone-based field measurements of atmospheric carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide. Development of methodology and protocols for drone-based measurement of greenhouse gas emission can also be included. The research work is carried out in close collaboration with other project members. The work also includes interactions with river restoration professionals and stakeholders.

Requirements
Ph.D. degree or a foreign degree equivalent to a doctoral degree in atmospheric physics or another relevant area, e.g. environmental engineering or biogeochemistry. The degree needs to be obtained by the time of the decision of employment. Those who have obtained a PhD degree three years prior to the application deadline are primarily considered for the employment. The starting point of the three-year frame period is the application deadline. Due to special circumstances, the degree may have been obtained earlier. The three-year period can be extended due to circumstances such as sick leave, parental leave, duties in labor unions, etc.

Since the work involves frequent measurements in the field, a driving license is required. A license to fly drones is not required, it can be acquired at the start of the employment. Experience of data analysis using Matlab, Python or R is required.

We attach great importance to personal qualities such as such as ability to cooperate within a group, independence and organizational skills. Candidates must be able to express themselves very well in spoken as well as written English.

Additional qualifications
Knowledge of atmospheric physics, boundary layer meteorology and biogeochemistry in aquatic ecosystems. Experience of working with drones. Technical competence. Experience of fieldwork. Experience of analysis of large datasets.

About the employment
Temporary position for 24 months, with a possibility to an extension up to a maximum of 36 months, according to central collective agreement. Scope of employment: full-time. Starting date 2025-02-01 or as agreed. Location: Uppsala.

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For further information about the position, please contact: 
Professor Sebastian Sobek, sebastian.sobek@ebc.uu.se, +46 18 471 27 18
Associate Professor Erik Sahlée, erik.sahlee@met.uu.se, +46 18 471 25 69

Application instructions
The application should include 1) a letter describing yourself, your research interests, and why you want the position, 2) your CV, 3) a brief description of your education, 4) a copy of your Ph.D. degree and your transcripts, along with a copy of your doctoral thesis, 5) names and contact details of at least two reference persons (email addresses and phone numbers), 6) relevant publications. The application should be written in English.

Please submit your application by 2 September 2024, UFV-PA 2024/760.

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