Postdoctoral Position on Marine Biogeosciences & Paleoclimate in the framework of the ERC Project PASSAGE
Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral position for 24 months to be funded by the European Research Council (ERC) Project “PASSAGE: Provenance And transport PathwayS of mArine proxy-bearinG particlEs”, starting in September 2025 and supervised by Dr. Blanca Ausín.
Aims and Scope
PASSAGE investigates the long journey that marine sedimentary components experiment in the ocean since their formation until their final deposition and its impact on climate reconstructions. Their secondary transport to distant locations introduces allochthonous climate signals in paleoclimate records, raising questions about the robustness and fidelity of corresponding climate interpretations. PASSAGE aims to fill in the knowledge gap on particle transport modes, to generate a new proxy to identify distorted climate signals, and to provide an accessible approach to correct them. Full information about the project can be found here: https://passage.csic.es
Keywords: Biogeosciences, Paleoclimate, Sediment traps, Marine sediments, Organic carbon, Radiocarbon, Laboratory experiments
Description
The Postdoctoral researcher will contribute to the goals of PASSAGE using a combination of biogeochemical techniques, exploring the geochemical, sedimentological and micropaleontological characterization of sedimentary particles, and implementation of isotope mixing models and correction of existing records. This researcher will work with the samples from the first sediment traps ever recovered from the SW Iberian margin, a benchmark region for paleoclimate studies at mid-latitudes.
The Postdoctoral researcher will join the Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology (IRNASA) of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and enrol the Biogeosciences and Climate Change research group (https://www.irnasa.csic.es/en/biogeosciences-and-climate-change/), which holds extensive expertise in both Global Carbon Cycle (organic matter dynamics) and Paleoclimate studies (climate variability at different time scales).
Requirements
We look for a highly motivated and proactive Postdoc with a PhD title in Earth Sciences, Marine Sciences, Environmental Sciences, or related disciplines relevant to the position. Candidates are expected to have a strong interest in the global (organic) carbon cycle, modern ocean hydrology and paleoclimate. Candidates are expected to carry out laboratory work, analytical work, data
analyses and interpretation. Candidates with previous experience in sediment trap research and/or radiocarbon of organic carbon are highly welcome. Programming skills in R or Matlab are ideal. They should be able to work both independently and within our team. Good understanding, spoken and written English skills are essential to successfully conduct the research.
This PhD project implies participation in at least one oceanographic cruise of 2-3 weeks duration in the Iberian margin and a strong laboratory work component.
Tasks
Analyse and interpret hydrographic databases
Conduct geochemical, sedimentological and micropaleontological on different types of samples (sediment traps, sediments, filtered water, etc.)
Formulate additional hypotheses and research questions
Collaborate, discuss data, and exchange ideas with group members, mentors and colleagues.
Write high quality research manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
Disseminate results at international conferences.
Mentor undergraduate students.
Conditions of contract
This is a full-time postdoctoral contract 40 h/ week) limited to 24 months.
The gross salary is 3,207.85 €/month (12 salaries a year).
The work must be carried on-site at IRNASA-CSIC (Salamanca, Spain).
Estimated starting date: September/October 2025.
Application
Deadline: May 20th 2025
Interested candidates must send (i) a brief CV (maximum 2 pages), (ii) a letter of their research interest and motivation for this position (iii) and one recommendation letter.
Application from candidates expected to complete their PhDs by the end of July/August are also welcome.
For further information and inquiries contact Dr. Blanca Ausín at blanca.ausin@irnasa.csic.es
Selection process
The selection committee will ensure a transparent, open, equal, and internationally accepted recruitment process, with special care for gender issues.
Applications will be valued based on better adaptation of the Curriculum vitae to the profile established and compliance with the requirements. Selected candidates will be invited for an on-line interview in which they will provide a 7-minute presentation and will answer questions from the selection committee.
