Dear all,

Please pass along the following information for an open PhD position to interested students in your institutes
contact email address: [log in to unmask]


ALFRED WEGENER INSTITUTE FOR POLAR AND MARINE RESEARCH (AWI)
Member of the Helmholtz-Association of German Research Centers

Methane concentrations show rapid changes during the last ice age, which may be attributed either to changes in 
terrestrial sources or to a methane release from marine gas hydrates. The goal of the German Research Foundation 
(DFG) project MEPHISTO is to answer this important question using isotopic measurements on CH4 in polar ice cores.

Applications for a PhD-student in the DFG project MEPHISTO are currently invited:

Applicants should hold a MS (Diploma) in physics, chemistry, geochemistry or geoecology. 
Salary is paid according to the German civil service remuneration system BAT as far as it is applicable at AWI, the 
position is limited to three years starting as early as December 2005
The position will perform carbon and hydrogen isotopic studies of CH4 in bubble enclosures in polar ice cores and based 
on these measurements will quantify changes in the methane cycle during the last glacial cycle. Based on previously 
established methods for  13CH4 analyses, a pyrolysis method for hydrogen isotopic measurements has to be 
established. Experience in gas chromatography and if possible mass spectrometry on air samples is therefore desired.
Interpretation of the data takes place in an interdisciplinary environment within the working group at AWI and in 
cooperation with scientists within the European Project for Ice Coring in Antarctica (EPICA). For the analytical work a 
state-of-the-art mass spectrometry and a fully equipped cold lab as well as technical support are at the student's 
disposal. 
Active participation in expeditions to polar regions is expected. AWI is an equal opportunity employer and supports 
specifically the compatibility of family and career by various measures. Please consider the job note on our homepage.
For further information concerning the position, please contact Dr. Hubertus Fischer (email: hufischer@awi-
bremerhaven.de). 
Qualified applicants should send applications (including CV, a short summary of previous scientific work, copies of 
certificates etc.) stating the reference number 64/GEO to Stiftung Alfred-Wegener-Institut für Polar- und 
Meeresforschung, Personalabteilung, Postfach 12 01 61, 27515 Bremerhaven (http://www.awi-bremerhaven.de). 
Closing date will be 15th of November, 2005.



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Jochen Schmitt
Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research
Am Alten Hafen 26
D-27568 Bremerhaven
Germany
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Building D, room: 3410
phone: 0049-(0)471-4831-1345
fax:      0049-(0)471-4831-1149
email: [log in to unmask]