PhD positions in Coastal Biogeochemistry, Nature-based solution, and Paleoceanography

The Marine Biogeochemical Dynamics Laboratory at the Chinese University of Hong Kong is inviting applications for a PhD student position in biogeochemistry or paleoceanography. The specific thesis topic will be determined collaboratively between the candidate and the supervisor, based on the candidate's interests and strengths.

Potential research topic (not exclusive):

• Upper ocean stratification in the North Atlantic and its impact on deep-water ventilation during climate analogues.
• Monsoonal influence on the nitrogen cycle in the Indian Ocean over the last 1.2Myr using foraminifera-bound nitrogen isotope (collaboration with Prof. Montse Alonso-Garcia, University of Salamanca)
• Wetland as nature-based solution for nitrogen removal in eutrophic water.
• Carbon dynamics in wetlands; interaction between the carbon, nitrogen and sulfur cycle (collaboration with Prof. Sean Crowe, UBC)

We encourage applications from enthusiastic and self-motivated students who have demonstrated academic and research excellence in environmental or earth sciences, chemistry, or a related quantitative discipline. Applicants should have a 1^st class honours degree or a 2.1 honours degree plus Masters (or GPA>3.5). Degree from an institution ranked in the top 100 of major university rankings (THE, QS, etc) will be favoured. Experience in geochemistry, paleoceanography and/or mass spectrometry is considered an asset.

Successful applicants will be supported in their application to the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPF; https://www.gs.cuhk.edu.hk/admissions/scholarships-fees/hkpfs) and will have the chance to join the Chinese University of Hong Kong, ranked 36^th best university globally by the 2025 QS World University. CUHK is recognized internationally as a dynamic and comprehensive university of world-class standing. With its distinguished excellence in research and outstanding performance in teaching, it attracts first-class teaching and research staff and brilliant students from around the world and was recognized as the 3^rd most international university by the Time Higher education raking in 2021. More information about graduate study in CUHK can be found here: https://www.gs.cuhk.edu.hk/admissions/why-cuhk/about-cuhk

The position will be granted with a competitive salary. Interested candidates should send a cover letter, their CV (including the name of at least 3 references) and transcripts to Prof. Benoit Thibodeau at benoit.thibodeau@cuhk.edu.hk. The application deadline is the 15^th of November 2024 and starting date is the 1^st July/August 2025. However, we encourage applicant to apply as early as possible to have more time to discuss research proposal. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Applicants for whom English is not the first language, or who have not undertaken their degree studies with English as the language of instruction, must attain a satisfactory English language test score (TOEFL).

More information about the Marine Biogeochemical Dynamics laboratory can be found on the website: http://thibodeau-biogeochemistry.org