PhD position, Reconstruction of Alpine glaciations from cave sediment records - La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland
PhD position, Reconstruction of Alpine glaciations from cave sediment records - La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland
Location
La Chaux-de-Fonds
Switzerland
Theme
Category
Post date
Monday, August 26, 2024 - 16:42
Logistics
100%, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, fixed-term (4 years)
In the frame of a SNF-funded project involving 2 PhD students, SISKA (Swiss Institute of Speleology and Karstology) (https://www.isska.ch/en/) is looking for a curious and motivated speleologist interested in combining sedimentological observations with hydrogeological processes to understand the glacial record hosted in cave sediments.
The position is for a period of 4 years, with 20 % compulsory work distributed over the employment period on SISKA’s other projects. This work is contingent on the qualifications of the candidate and will be decided upon appointment according to SISKA’s needs.
The PhD project may start on October 1 2024 or on a mutually agreed upon date thereafter.
Deadline for applications is August 31 2024 or until the position is filled.
In the frame of a SNF-funded project involving 2 PhD students, SISKA (Swiss Institute of Speleology and Karstology) (https://www.isska.ch/en/) is looking for a curious and motivated speleologist interested in combining sedimentological observations with hydrogeological processes to understand the glacial record hosted in cave sediments.
The position is for a period of 4 years, with 20 % compulsory work distributed over the employment period on SISKA’s other projects. This work is contingent on the qualifications of the candidate and will be decided upon appointment according to SISKA’s needs.
The PhD project may start on October 1 2024 or on a mutually agreed upon date thereafter.
Deadline for applications is August 31 2024 or until the position is filled.
Description
This project focuses on the reconstruction of Alpine glaciations during the Quaternary to better understand the regional climate dynamics on orbital time-scales. In a multi-disciplinary approach combining cave science, glacial geology and geochronology SISKA will survey evidence of past glaciations overriding the Last Glacial Maximum. In particular, they will tackle the following research questions:
1) How many times did the Alpine ice reach the Jura Mountains?
2) When did these glaciations occur?
3) Is it possible to associate these glaciations with distinct atmospheric flow patterns?
For this project, SISKA has partnered up with the Glacial geology group at University of Bern. Together, they will analyze the petrography of Alpine clasts, determine their provenance and burial age. Herewith, they aim at providing complementary data for the paleoenvironmental interpretation of sediment cores retrieved from ongoing drilling campaigns in over-deepened Alpine valleys.
1) How many times did the Alpine ice reach the Jura Mountains?
2) When did these glaciations occur?
3) Is it possible to associate these glaciations with distinct atmospheric flow patterns?
For this project, SISKA has partnered up with the Glacial geology group at University of Bern. Together, they will analyze the petrography of Alpine clasts, determine their provenance and burial age. Herewith, they aim at providing complementary data for the paleoenvironmental interpretation of sediment cores retrieved from ongoing drilling campaigns in over-deepened Alpine valleys.
Tasks
In this PhD project, the selected candidate will conduct systematic field work to identify and describe sedimentary outcrops in caves of the Jura Mountains. The candidate will be responsible for the geomorphological mapping and the 3D spatial analysis of the sediments as well as for monitoring modern sediment transport to provide the contextual framework. Sediment analysis will include clast petrography and provenance analysis. Together with the second PhD student on the project the candidate will determine the chronology of selected sediment sequences. Lab work, in particular, will include speleothem sample preparation for U-series dating during short mobility research stays at University of Innsbruck (Austria).
Aside from the research, the selected candidate will be involved in a multidisciplinary team focusing on cave and karst research. And will gain experience in applied karstology and science communication by contributing to SISKA’s projects and outreach activities constituting up to 20% of the work time.
Aside from the research, the selected candidate will be involved in a multidisciplinary team focusing on cave and karst research. And will gain experience in applied karstology and science communication by contributing to SISKA’s projects and outreach activities constituting up to 20% of the work time.
Requirements
• MSc in Earth Science, in some cases a MSc in Environmental or Atmospheric Science would be considered if there is appropriate background in geology and speleology.
• Prior work such as MSc thesis should demonstrate a strong interest in cave science and/or Quaternary geology.
• Demonstrated experience in speleology with proficiency in SRT.
• Strong skills in scientific writing are required, as are solid English communication
skills. French is an asset.
• Ability to work productively in a multidisciplinary team, and willing to travel for
short research stays in EU with different collaborating institutions.
• Prior work such as MSc thesis should demonstrate a strong interest in cave science and/or Quaternary geology.
• Demonstrated experience in speleology with proficiency in SRT.
• Strong skills in scientific writing are required, as are solid English communication
skills. French is an asset.
• Ability to work productively in a multidisciplinary team, and willing to travel for
short research stays in EU with different collaborating institutions.
Applications
For questions about the position:
Dr Marc Luetscher, SISKA. marc.luetscher@isska.ch, +41 32 913 35 33
Dr Marc Luetscher, SISKA. marc.luetscher@isska.ch, +41 32 913 35 33
Application deadline
Further information
For questions about the position:
Dr Marc Luetscher, SISKA. marc.luetscher@isska.ch, +41 32 913 35 33
Dr Marc Luetscher, SISKA. marc.luetscher@isska.ch, +41 32 913 35 33
Contact email