PhD opportunities – Organic Geochemistry Group at CU Boulder

The Organic Geochemistry Group in the Department of Geological Sciences and the Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research (INSTAAR) at the University of Colorado Boulder is seeking for prospective students interested in pursuing a PhD in Geosciences in the fields of (1) paleoceanography and (2) ocean biogeochemistry.

1. Evaluating Climate Change and Kill Mechanisms Associated with the End-Cretaceous Mass Extinction: A Model-Data Comparison Approach. This PhD project aims to tests hypotheses about the relationship between dramatic climate change, marine ecology, and carbon cycling across the Cretaceous/Paleogene mass extinction event. Research includes laboratory and analytical activities examining lipid biomarkers and their stable isotope composition using samples from ocean and continental drilling, which will be incorporated into climate and biogeochemical models. https://spark.adobe.com/video/UoIFOafxAH6hL  

2. Microbial Lipidomics in Changing Oceans. This PhD project aims to tests hypotheses about lipid remodeling in marine microbes as a physiological adaptation to multiple environmental stressors using observational (cruises) and experimental (microcosm and mesocosm experiments) approaches. Research includes laboratory and analytical activities examining intact polar lipids (IPLs) and their degradation products (core lipids), which will be incorporated into larger dataset of metagenomics, metatranscriptomic, and geochemistry.

Applications from students with a robust foundation in Earth sciences, or related disciplines, and from diverse backgrounds and traditionally marginalized groups in STEM fields, are particularly encouraged to apply. Familiarity with organic and/or stable isotope geochemistry, paleoenvironmental sciences, oceanography, and data analysis is desired, but not essential. Interested candidates should contact Dr. Julio Sepúlveda (jsepulveda@colorado.edu), including a brief interest statement and a CV/resume as a single PDF file.

The Organic Geochemistry Group is a diverse group of researchers from different backgrounds and nationalities that welcomes and embraces diversity. We are part of the Organic Geochemistry Lab, a state of-the-art analytical facility equipped with instrumentation in gas and liquid chromatography, low- and high-resolution mass spectrometry, and stable isotope ratio mass spectrometry, with an active network of collaborators. As the flagship university of the state of Colorado, CU Boulder is a dynamic community of scholars and learners with a proud tradition of academic excellence situated on one of the most spectacular college campuses in the country. Collectively, CU Boulder researchers produce more papers in the geosciences—and generate more citations to those papers—than those at any other university in the world.

For more information about the Department of Geological Sciences Graduate Program*, INSTAAR, and our university, please visit: Department of Geological Sciences, Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research, University of Colorado Boulder 

*GEOL graduate program deadlines: International students (12/01); Domestic students (12/15)

Fall Preview: Explore a Michigan PhD (Virtually), September 24 and 25, 2020

The Earth and Environmental Sciences PhD program at the University of Michigan invites juniors, senior, recently graduated, or Master’s students, to participate in a virtual preview of our graduate program. We are eager to recruit students for this event who will contribute to our department's mission of promoting diversity and inclusion in the Earth and environmental sciences.

This event is an opportunity to explore graduate education, participate in admissions workshops, and meet world-renowned faculty and current graduate students. During your visit you'll learn about:

• state of the art research happening at U-M
• the admissions process
• what graduate school is like and how it all works
• interdisciplinary opportunities for students with Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Geology, or Mathematics degrees

This event is open to US citizens or non-citizens alike. If you come from a background that is traditionally under-represented in the Earth and environmental sciences and/or if you actively work towards promoting issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM fields, you are especially encouraged to apply. 

Application Link

Application Deadline: Wednesday, August 26, 2020, 5:00PM EDT

PhD Position, Paleoecology, Miami University, Ohio

PhD Position, Paleoecology, Miami University, Ohio

Project title: Identifying ecosystem properties promoting stability and resistance: Modeling Late Ordovician paleocommunity dynamics and functioning across the Richmondian Invasion
PI: Dr. Carrie Tyler

Email: tylercl at miamioh.edu

Website: https://www.carrietyler.com

Start date and duration: Fall Semester 2020 for 4 years.

Position description:
I am pleased to announce a PhD fellowship for a highly motivated, enthusiastic and independent person interested in shallow marine Ordovician ecosystems and the effects of invasion on community structure. Background knowledge of quantitative paleoecological data analysis, R, graph theory, network analysis, predator-prey interactions, or Ordovician ecosystems are desirable but not required.

Project description:

The Cincinnati Series (USA) preserves a well-documented influx of species which will be used to construct food web models of shallow marine paleocommunities from the Late Ordovician (Katian) before, during, and after the Richmondian Invasion to test hypotheses determining the effects of biotic immigrations on ecosystem structure and functioning. This project aims to identify changes in ecosystem dynamics resulting from asymmetrical biotic interchange, isolate properties promoting stability and resistance, and make explicit predictions regarding the outcome of Antarctic invasions. This project has a strong programming component, and the successful candidate will be required to develop high competencies in R, particularly with respect to graph theory.

Setting and requirements:
The project is funded by a grant from the NSF grant to PI Tyler, and will provide support in the form of a Research Graduate Assistantship for up to four years contingent upon adequate degree progress. Master students that are graduating over the summer are welcome to apply. More information about Miami University can be found at: https://miamioh.edu/cas/academics/departments/geology/

  
Application requirements:
- Master’s degree in a relevant field prior to start date (geosciences, paleontology or paleobiology or equivalent)
- Eager to acquire new competences and knowledge
- Fluent in English with high competency in writing in English
- Ability to work in an interdisciplinary and collaborative environment, and to work independently

- Ability to write clear scientific reports and disseminate results
- Strong quantitative skills

How to apply:
Please contact Dr. Carrie Tyler (tylercl at miamioh.edu) to discuss your interest in the position and include your CV. The successful candidate will be required to apply for admission to the PhD program at Miami University, more information about graduate admission requirements can be found here:  https://miamioh.edu/graduate-school/admission/index.html