Job Description

Field(s) of Specialization:

Marine nanoparticles and geochemical nanotechnology

Position Title:

PhD position on  marine nanoparticles and biogeochemical nanotechnology

School/Institute/Unit:

METU – Institute of Marine Sciences

Location:

Mersin - TURKEY

Summary Description:

In the frame of Horizon-Europe funded ERC Consolidator Grant project DeepTrace, we are looking a highly motivated PhD researcher to join our ERC research team at METU IMS.

 

ERC CoG DeepTrace (late 2022-2027) will advance a ground-breaking mechanistic, analytical and predictive understanding of how the life-supporting metals cycle across Earth's deep-sea ecosystems such as the Black Sea and hydrothermal vents, developing the application of metal nanoparticles as tracers of planetary redox habitability and bridging the study of Earth's Oceans with the Ocean Worlds of the Solar system.

 

DeepTrace will tap the potential of tracing redox metals as one of best opportunities in the next decade for detecting life in Ocean Worlds, and accelerate improved parametrizations of metal cycles for better prediction of Earth’s marine ecosystems under multi-stressors such as deoxygenation, warming and biodiversity loss.

 

The PhD fellow will be mainly involved in the analytical method development for the isolation and detection of saltwater nanoparticles with implications for in situ detection of NPs in Ocean Worlds plume ejecta.

 

Candidates  from not from marine science background but from all relevant engineering fields, geology, molecular biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics are encouraged to apply to these positions.  Motivation and capacity to take on a multidisciplinary challenge is the most important quality. Previous experience as nanotechnologist,  analytical geochemist or environmental chemist focusing on nanoparticles is a big plus.

 

You will be embedded in a highly diverse and multidisciplinary ERC research group led by Dr Mustafa Yücel (www.deepsearedox.com) and will be interacting with a range of researchers based at METU IMS as well as abroad. The position involves ERC-funded field trips and research cruises, support for travels to major conferences of oceanography, planetary geosciences and astrobiology. 

 

METU-IMS is the leading international marine science institute in Turkey with a 100% English education and research.  All METU-IMS faculty engage in teaching, research and service. The Institute carries out research on the Eastern Mediterranean as well as on the Aegean, Black Seas, and Turkish Straits System and global oceans.

 

This is a minimum 2 years full-time position expected start date in Fall 2023

 

The candidate will be based at the seashore-based METU-IMS campus, located in Mersin, Turkey.

Responsibilities:
  • Develop analytical nano-geochemical methods for the overall aims of the ERC DeepTrace.
  • Conduct laboratory preparations and sample analyses related to expedition work, and participate in sea going expeditions when needed.
  • Take part in ERC project activities, including meetings and workshops and represent IMS teams when needed.
  • Lead the drafting of project reports, deliverables and manuscript drafts.
  • Contribute to project management as needed.

Minimum Degree Required:

Masters degree  from not from marine science background but from all relevant engineering fields, geology, molecular biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics are encouraged to apply to these positions.  Motivation and capacity to take on a multidisciplinary challenge is the most important quality.

Required special knowledge, abilities, and skills:
  • Chemical analysis methods of complex water matrices
  • Fieldwork logistics and organization
  • Minimum of 2-year relevant experience in a similar role in an international or EU project
  • Excellent level of English. Other languages are a plus.
  • Excellent teamwork capability
  • Ability to travel in Turkey and abroad
  • Military obligations fulfilled where applicable

Preferred special knowledge, abilities, and skills:
  • Demonstrated ability to successfully work in a fast-paced environment, within and across departments/functions, managing multiple priorities
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Creativity thinking through new ideas and approaches

Posting Date:

May 2022

Closing Date:

Open Until Filled

Date Review Begins:

As soon as applications are received

Required Applicant Documents to Submit:

Applicants are asked to submit a CV, a 2-page (max.) statement of experience and interests, and names of at least 2 references as a single PDF file

Quick link for Posting:

Please send your application documents directly to Assoc. Prof. Mustafa Yücel (myucel@ims.metu.edu.tr) and also full details of the application procedure can be found here:

http://ims.metu.edu.tr/graduate-programs

Note that you will need English (TOEFL or equivalent) or ALES/GRE scores.

 

Proposed Start Date:

September 2023

Type of Contract:

 Minimum 2 years

Job Status:

Full-time

Salary:

Your salary will be at least at the level of a public university research assistant in Turkey and may increase in proportion to your skills, qualifications and performance.

Pay Basis:

Monthly 

Position open to internal candidates only?

No