A PhD position is offered within the newly funded research project bundle "Sensitivity of Mountain Permafrost to Climate Change - SPCC". The position is located within the research project SPCC3: "Spatial assessment of permafrost characteristics and dynamics in alpine periglacial environments".

Knowledge of the internal structure and characteristics of the subsurface in permafrost-dominated periglacial environments is a key to assess ongoing and future impact of climate change on permafrost dynamics. Alpine permafrost environments show a great small-scale heterogeneity concerning permafrost occurrence and subsurface characteristics especially at the fringe of discontinuous permafrost distribution. Within the research project the sensitivity of alpine permafrost environments to climate change shall be investigated with a combined approach using different methodologies for the investigation of surface and subsurface characteristics. Two-dimensional geophysical methods are applied to perform a detailed geophysical mapping (pseudo 3D) of the subsurface lithology, structure and ice content. Spatio-temporal variability of alpine permafrost dynamics is determined by direct measurements of temperature within representative shallow boreholes, near-surface temperature and geoelectrical monitoring.
The successful candidate needs a university degree (Master/Diploma) in Physical Geography, Earth Sciences, Geophysics or a related discipline. The position involves fieldwork in rough alpine environments; hence, he/she is expected to be enthusiastic about mountain permafrost and the alpine cryosphere. Basic fitness and capability of performing fieldwork independently are required. Experience in conducting geophysical and geomorphological fieldwork in alpine or subarctic environments is an advantage. Willingness to collaborate in a team is expected.

Place of work: Department of Physical Geography, University of Würzburg, Germany. Contract duration: 3 years

Starting date: as soon as possible

Please send your application (including letter of interest, CV, publication list, copies of academic certificates etc) to:

Dr. Christof Kneisel
University of Würzburg
Department of Physical Geography,
Am Hubland
97074 Würzburg, Germany
kneisel@uni-wuerzburg.de