Mechanisms underpinning the formation and stabilisation of coastal blue carbon

PhD position within the Blue Carbon Lab @ Deakin university

We are looking for a PhD candidate to join our ARC Discovery grant research on the “Mechanisms underpinning the formation and stabilisation of coastal blue carbon”.

Candidates can apply for either of these two projects:

1. MICROBIAL COMMUNITY GENOMICS WITHIN BLUE CARBON ECOSYSTEMS
The project will aim to address the following:

• • Characterise the functional capacity of microbial communities associated with recalcitrant Blue Carbon;
  • Investigate sequence variation in taxonomic groups, functional gene repertoires and metabolic potential;
  • Provide significant insight into the higher-order community organisation and dynamics of coastal microbiomes, and their variation among habitat type and depth.

2. BIOCHEMICAL MECHANISMS OF BLUE CARBON
The applicant will need to:

• • Characterise recalcitrant carbon within Blue Carbon ecosystems using NMR for particulate organic carbon (POC) and FT-ICR-MS for dissolved organic carbon (DOC);
  • Identify mechanisms of formation and destabilisation of recalcitrant carbon and quantify the impacts of environmental controls;
  • Coordinating all relevant analyses (ie. gas flux measurements, elemental analyses, and chemical characterisation).

How to apply: PhD applicants should email the following documents to Dr Stacey Trevathan-Tackett (strevat@deakin.edu.au):

• CV highlighting your skills, education, publications and relevant work experience;
• Cover letter (1 page) outlining your interest in the position and how your previous experience and technical skills suit the position.

Please note:

• Both projects are open to PhD applicants, who will be enrolled in a 3-year PhD based at Deakin University’s Burwood campus (Melbourne);
• We are UNABLE to provide individual feedback on competitiveness. The following features were common among PhD candidates interviewed at the Blue Carbon Lab: (a) First authored-paper in scientific journal, (b) first class Honours/Masters, (c) experience directly related to the project, and (d) an accolade that reflects the student being among the top in their academic cohort;
• Applications will be received until the position is filled.

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For more available positions within the CIE please visit our Current Vacancies page.