Emprego

post-doctoral position in periglacial geomorphology

CEAZA (Center of Advanced Research in Arid Zones)
Universidad de La Serena, Chile.


The glaciology group at CEAZA consists of 8 research scientists, profesionals and technicians focusing on evaluating and monitoring water resources from the cryosphere in the arid Andes of north-central Chile. We are seeking a post doctoral researcher with skills and experience in periglacial geomorphology / glaciology to join our team, which consists of glaciologists, meteorologists and GIS experts.

Our research consists of work spanning a broad range of cryospheric science, including snow cover and albedo mapping, glaciological, energy balance and permafrost studies, the results of which we seek to understand in the context of their climatological controls and their role in regional hydrological resources.

You will have:
A PhD in periglacial geomorphology, glaciology, or related discipline
Ability to work well in a diverse team
Ability to develop research ideas independently

Experience in any of the following areas is desirable:
Use of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) in permafrost terrain
Instalation of thermistor chains in boreholes to monitor ground temperature
Interpretation of stratigraphy from sediment cores and natural sediment cuts.
Knowledge of spanish

Practical details:
The position is available from November 15th , 2009
The duration of the appointment is 1 year, with possible extension to 2 and 3 years
Net salary is 13 000 000 Chilean pesos per year. Plus, each day of field work is paid at 40 000 pesos, adding about 600,000 pesos per year
Applications should be written in English or Spanish and include:
A curriculum vitae including a numbered list of publications
A research statement detailing relevant experience and how you plan to apply your skills within the research framework outlined below (no more than 1 page)
PhD diploma and other documents showing degrees and former positions relevant for this position.
A list of 3 potential referees

Application deadline: November 5th, 2009


Description of work to be undertaken

Fieldwork is to be carried in the the cordillera region of the upper Choapa valley, north-central Chile. Various rock glaciers are found in perched cirques in this region and the basic functioning of these landforms, including their present dynamic state and their hydrological significance, is currently unknown. The research program will involve Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) surveys, sediment core drilling, ground temperature measurements and analysis of high-resolution satellite imagery and aerial photos in order to gain understanding of rock glaciers in this area.
Data collected during the next field campaign will be analysed along with previously collected geophysical and sedimentological data at this site, and the postdoctoral researcher will be expected to summarize the results in a scientific publication. The succesful candidate will also be expected to take lead in all aspects of the project (scientific, logistic and administrative).


Research framework of glaciology group of CEAZA:

CEAZA is a scientific consortium, established in 2003 (http://ceaza.cl), dedicated to studying the impact of climatic change and oscillations (e.g. ENSO) upon the hydrological cycle and the biological productivity in the arid zones of Northern-Central Chile. The successful applicant will work as part of a glaciological group that is focused on evaluating the water resources from the cryosphere. The glaciology unit forms part of the Hydrology and Modeling group at CEAZA.

Further information on CEAZA can be found at:
http://www.ceaza.cl/index.php

Further information on the Hydrology and Modeling group can be found at:
http://ceaza.cl/index.php?option=com_content&task=section&id=7&Itemid=52

For further information about the expected area of work, the glaciology group, CEAZA, and practicals about living in Chile, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Christophe Kinnard ( Este endereço de e-mail está protegido contra spam bots, pelo que o JavaScript terá de estar activado para que possa visualizar o endereço de e-mail ).

Inquiries and applications should be submitted by email to:
Dr. Christophe Kinnard
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