*****************************************************************************************
PhD position - Geochemical reactivity of volcanic ash in the environment
From: Pierre Delmelle <pierre.delmelle@xxxxxxxxxx>
*****************************************************************************************
The Earth & Life Institute, Université catholique de Louvain (UCL), Belgium
invites application for the following PhD position in the Environmental
Sciences Department
Title: Geochemical reactivity of volcanic ash in the environment
Summary: Volcanic ash is produced by explosive eruptions and is an important
component of the Earth System. Ash may influence the chemical composition of
the atmosphere through heterogeneous reactions with trace gases. Upon
deposition into the open ocean, ash may enhance phytoplankton growth by
supplying bioavailable iron. When entering terrestrial ecosystems, ash may
temporarily or permanently alter the functioning of soils by changing its
physical and chemical properties. The weathering of ash upon exposure to
environmental factors eventually leads to formation of new soil, and the
initial stage of this process may have a disproportionate impact on the
biogeochemical cycles of key elements such as silicon. This project aims at
better understanding the short- and long-term fate of ash in the
environment. The PhD student will conduct field and experimental studies to
investigate the geochemical reactivity (and its controls) of ash under
specific volcanic/environmental conditions. The project will involve the use
of various geochemical, isotopic and surface science methods and techniques.
Specifics: This is a fully funded 2-year renewable PhD position (4 years in
total) under the joint supervision of Pierre Delmelle and Sophie Opfergelt.
The candidate is expected to start between 1st October 2011 and 1st January
2012.
Requirements: A Master degree is required. We seek an applicant with
background in geochemistry, soil science, environmental chemistry, or
chemistry. Applications received before 20 August 2011 will receive full
consideration and the positions will remain open until filled. For more
information, contact Dr. Pierre Delmelle:pierre.delmelle@xxxxxxxxxx (before
20 August) or pdelmelle@xxxxxxxxx (after 20 August)
The institution: Founded in 1425, UCL welcomes students from 120
nationalities, as regular students and as exchange students. The campus of
Louvain-la-Neuve is easily accessible, and offers a pedestrian, green and
secure environment. UCL is a comprehensive university and a research
intensive institution. The teaching language is French. However, at Ph.D.
level, the working language is English. The Earth & Life Institute includes
four departments: Environmental Sciences, Agronomy, Biodiversity, George
Lemaître Centre for Earth and Climate Research, and Applied Microbiology.
For further detail, visit: UCL: http://www.uclouvain.be/en-index.html; Earth
& Life Institute: http://www.uclouvain.be/en-eli.html
Pierre Delmelle
==============================================================
To unsubscribe from the volcano list, send the message: signoff volcano to: listserv@xxxxxxx, or write to: volcano-request@xxxxxxx.
To contribute to the volcano list, send your message to: volcano@xxxxxxx. Please do not send attachments.
==============================================================
