Understanding the fate of P under oxygen-depleted conditions in past and present oceans

Over geologic timescales, phosphorus (P) is considered the ultimate limiting nutrient, and therefore, P bioavailability in oceans has major implications for global biogeochemical processes, such as the regulation of the carbon cycle. The redox cycling of P is tightly linked to iron (Fe), due to the potential for Fe particles to uptake and sequester P. Hence, the fate of P in the ocean closely relates to the redox chemistry of the water column, which has greatly changed through time. Modern oceans contain large amounts of dissolved oxygen, but oceans were characterised by various levels of oxygen depletion throughout most of Earth’s history, from strict anoxia to intermediate ‘dysoxic’ conditions. Today, dysoxic settings are expanding as oceanic ‘dead zones’, raising concerns about decreasing dissolved oxygen levels due to modern climate change. Therefore, understanding the fate of P in dysoxic conditions bears importantly on our knowledge of biogeochemical processes in past, present, and future oceans. Yet, while studies have shown that fundamentally different mechanisms operating under oxygenated and anoxic settings result in distinct P fluxes to the water column, the fate of P under dysoxic conditions is poorly understood.

Further information: http://www.lancaster.ac.uk/sci-tech/downloads/phd_364.pdf

Academic Requirements: First-class or 2.1 (Hons) degree, or Masters degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate subject.

Deadline for applications: Midnight 20 April 2018

Provisional Interview Date: TBC

Start Date: October 2018

For further information or informal discussion about the position, please contact Romain Guilbaud ([Email Address Removed])

Application process: Please upload a completed application form (download from http://www.lancaster.ac.uk/media/lancaster-university/content-assets/documents/lec/pg/LEC_Funded_PhD_Application-Form.docx) outlining your background and suitability for this project and a CV at LEC Postgraduate Research Applications, http://www.lancaster.ac.uk/lec/graduate-school/phd/apply-online/. Applications and CVs must be submitted as either word documents or pdf files, no other file types are accepted. Please note only applications submitted as per these instructions will be considered. Please do not email applications in as they will not be considered.

You also require two references, please send the reference form (download from http://www.lancaster.ac.uk/media/lancaster-university/content-assets/documents/lec/pg/LEC_Funded_PhD_Reference_Form.docx), with your details completed, to your two referees and ask them to email it to Andy Harrod ([Email Address Removed]), Postgraduate Research (PGR) Co-ordinator, Lancaster Environment Centre by the deadline. References must be submitted as either word documents or pdf files, no other file types are accepted.

Due to the limited time between the closing date and the interview date, it is essential that you ensure references are submitted by the closing date or as soon as possible.

Please note if English is not your first language you will be required to provide evidence of your proficiency in English (see: http://www.lancaster.ac.uk/study/international-students/english-requirements/requirements-p2/). This evidence is only required if you are offered the funded position, it is not required as part of this application process.