M.Sc. & Ph.D. Position on Catchment Sea Interactions

Field(s) of Specialization:

-        Catchment sea interactions in the East Mediterranean

-        Spatial and temporal dynamics of the surface and groundwater discharges

-        Quantification of radioactive isotopes (mainly Ra228) in surface and groundwaters

-        Physical oceanography models on annual water budgets

Position Title:

PhD & MSc Students

Department:

Marine Biology and Fisheries (At METU-IMS, Mersin)

Location:

Mersin – TURKEY

Summary Description:

We are seeking highly motivated PhD and MSc students to join our research project funded by TÜBİTAK 1001 programme focusing on catchment-sea interactions in the East Mediterranean. The researchers will be principally working with Dr. Korhan Özkan (www.korhanozkan.org), Dr. Koray Özhan (http://ims.metu.edu.tr/people/ozhan-koray-assistant-prof-dr) and Dr. Ekin Akoğlu (https://loop.frontiersin.org/people/381933/overview) as well as collaborating with researchers from Louisiana State University (USA), Hacettepe University and Akdeniz University. The project will be conducted at the Middle East Technical University (METU) Mersin Campus and the students will enroll graduate programmes at the Institute of Marine Sciences (IMS).

2 positions (1 PhD and 1 MSc) are focused on quantification of radioactive isotopes (mainly Ra228) in surface and groundwaters along the East Mediterranean coastline as well as in the Mediterranean Sea waters to understand the role of Submarine Groundwater Discharges in the water and nutrient budget of East Mediterranean.

The tasks involved in this graduate research projects are:

• Conducting 1 year survey of surface and groundwater sources along the East Mediterranean coastline.

• Conducting 2 basin scale cruise in Cilician Basin (Mediterranean waters between Turkey and Cyprus).

• Sampling during surveys and conducting/coordinating relevant laboratory analyses for Ra228 and water chemistry of the sampled waters at METU IMS, Akdeniz University and Louisiana State University

• Study the spatial and temporal dynamics of the surface and groundwater discharges at pilot sites

• Study the role of surface and groundwater discharges in coastal productivity.

1 Msc position is focused on modelling of SDG in relation to the water budget of Cilician Basin. The tasks involved in this graduate research project are:

• Examining available physical oceanography models in Cilician Basin and update if necessary to provide an annual water budget.

• Constructing a box model for SGD in Cilician basin, using the concentrations measured during

the project.

• Join relevant fieldwork and cruises.

School/Institute/Unit:

-        METU - Institute of Marine Sciences (Mersin)

Minimum Degree Required:

• 2 Positions: Background in biology, chemistry, geology, environmental and geological engineering is preferred.
• 1 Position:  Background in biology, chemistry, geology, environmental and geological engineering, mathematics and statistics is preferred.

Required special knowledge, abilities, and skills:

• 2 Positions: The candidates are required to have basic knowledge on aquatic ecosystems.
• 1 Position: The candidates are required to have basic knowledge on aquatic ecosystems and skills on statistics and strong command of computer programming languages (preferably R, Matlab or Fortran).

Preferred special knowledge, abilities, and skills:

• 2 Positions: Experience in fieldwork and laboratory analyses in aquatic sciences as well as GIS and statistical skills are preferable.
• 1 Position:  Experience in hydrodynamic modelling is preferable.

Proposed Start Date:

Autumn 2020

Closing Date:

Open until the positions filled

Date Review Begins:

As soon as applications are received.

Required Applicant Documents to Submit:

Please send your CV, transcripts (bachelor and master), exam results (language and GRE), recommendations and a brief letter of motivation  to Dr. Korhan Özkan – okorhan@metu.edu.tr.

Optional Applicant Documents for Upload:

Quick link for Posting:

-        For more inquiries please check the link below: https://msphd.metu.edu.tr/en/graduate-application

-        You can also contact us for informal inquiries.

Salary:

-        3500 TL per month for PhD

-        3000 TL per month for MSc

Pay Basis:

Monthly 

Additional Information:           

We offer 2 years stipend (3500 TL per month for PhD and 3000 TL per month for MSc) with possibility extension. The PhD stipend accommodate a comfortable student life in Turkey (minimum salary in Turkey is 2300 TL). The graduate student dormitory is free at METU Mersin Campus. METU campuses offer comprehensive living and recreation facilities.

METU PhD Application Criteria:

METU Graduate student applications criteria require official Graduate Record Exam (A) and language scores (B). A list of accepted examinations is given below. Examinations recommended for international applicants were marked with an asterix (*). Native English speakers and applicants having a university degree with English education are exempted from English tests. For more inquiries please check the link below:

https://msphd.metu.edu.tr/en/graduate-application

For more information:

www.metu.edu.tr

ims.metu.edu.tr

Position open to internal candidates only?

No