M.Sc. or Ph.D. position in Coastal Sediment Biogeochemistry

We seek an enterprising and motivated student interested in studying biogeochemical processes in sandy coastal sediments. This graduate assistantship is available in August 2019. The students will join the research group of Markus Huettel in the Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science at Florida State University in Tallahassee/Florida.

Coarse sand sediments, as frequently found in the shallow shelf, represent huge filter systems at the land-ocean interface that are sites of intensive organic matter degradation and nutrient recycling, and thereby can control coastal water quality. Despite the abundance of sand beds in the coastal zone, the functioning of these sediments in the cycles of matter is not well understood.

The student will be involved in a project that focuses on the influence of the coastal sand filter on the water quality in the bays that line the northeastern Gulf of Mexico coast. The research combines field and laboratory studies, and the student should have a strong interest in experimental work and be able to work independently. The research program includes in-situ techniques for the quantification of geochemical processes within the sands and novel instrumentation that can measure exchange processes between sand beds and bottom water currents.

Applicants are expected to have a solid background in aquatic ecology, environmental science, or related disciplines. Experience in in quantitative methods, statistics, and scientific writing are meriting. To be considered, please send an application including your C.V., transcripts (unofficial is acceptable), GRE scores, a short letter summarizing your background and motivation, and the names and contact information for two professional references to mhuettel@fsu.edu.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled