Open PhD Position Geochemistry + Earth Science + Global Carbon Cycle Modeling

Title

How does the Earth’s climate system really work?

Primary Supervisor

TerryIsson (UniversityofWaikato–Tauranga)

Description

When subject to rapid perturbations and long-term climatic shifts, the Earth system is documented to have consistently responded to dampen this change, preventing climatic extremes such as runaway greenhouse or icehouse conditions. This has allowed for the sustenance of habitable surface conditions throughout its multi-billion-year history. Yet, our understanding of how this natural Earth thermostat works remains limited. For instance, processes and feedbacks within the globally coupled carbon silica cycles and the locus and mode of organic carbon production and export are both believed to play a prominent role. The overarching theme of this PhD will be to shed light on the inner workings of climate regulation on Earth, by coupling the global cycling of carbon to that of other key elements. The geochemical toolbox adopted here will include (but not be restricted to) field, mineralogical, isotope and geochemical modelling in collaboration with a well-rounded supervisory team. Specifics of the project will be co-developed with the candidate.

Prior experience

Prior experience in any of the following fields: isotope (or other) geochemistry, geology, global biogeochemical cycling, geochemical modelling is highly valued.

As part of your application package, kindly include:

1. CV (including 2-3 referee information)

2. Cover Letter (this can include: a description of why you want to undertake a PhD; how your

   previous experiences have prepared you for the research project that you are applying for; what your passions are within or outside of academia)

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled (21st Jan 2023) Kindly email your application to: terry.isson@waikato.ac.nz