University Assistant (predoc): UrbAn.CVie - Anthropocene stratigraphic signals
Supervision: Michael Wagreich (Department of Geology)
Project outline:
The Anthropocene, a discussed potential new unit of the Geological Time Scale, is defined by the dominant anthropogenic influence on the geosphere. The PhD project is part of the large project frame UrBan.CVie including historical and natural sciences work packages, and investigates the transformation of the landscapes from the Roman city of Carnuntum to Vienna’s urban environments, by analysing lithofacies, sedimentology and geochemistry of urban and peri-urban anthropogenic strata and the downstream Vienna archive of fine-grained Danube deposits using sediment cores for geochemical, i.e. trace metals, isotope and microplastic signals. The evolution and applicability of the ca.1950 Anthropocene stratigraphic base boundary will be evaluated, using artificial radiogenic nuclides in fine-grained sediments for the possible definition of the Anthropocene. Mining and smelting-related trace metal contamination signals such as lead, copper, and iron have been proven in several kinds of geological and anthropogenic archives. In recent times, plastic and especially microplastic has become an important candidate as potential marker for the Anthropocene and provides a technofossil stratigraphy. The PhD project will tackle research questions such as: How have anthropogenic sediments and anthrosols evolved in time and space from the Romans to today? Can we identify and quantify the 'Great Acceleration' after WW2? What is the stratigraphy of urban anthropogenic geological signals inferred for an Anthropocene chronostratigraphic definition like trace metal contamination, artificial isotopes/nuclides, and microplastics downstream of Vienna?
The project is part of the WWTF funded project “From Romans to the Anthropocene, from Carnuntum to Vienna: An Urban Anthropocene Field Lab [UrbAn.CVie]”
Job Description:
The position aims to deepen and extend the professional and scientific education targeting a doctoral degree. Tasks and responsibilities include:
● Independent research and development of an academic profile targeting a doctoral degree. We expect the successful candidate to sign a doctoral thesis agreement within 12 months.
● Participation in research, teaching and administration of the research group/department
● Participation in publications / academic articles / presentations
● Participation in teaching and independent teaching of courses as defined by the collective agreement
● Supervision of students
● Participation in evaluation activities and in quality assurance
● Participation in the organisation of field campaigns, conferences, workshops and meetings
The candidate who is selected for this position joins VISESS as a PhD student member.
Profile:
● Earth Sciences / Environmental Sciences: Master Degree or equivalent
● Excellent command of written and spoken English and German
● experiences with sedimentology, petrology and geochemistry field and laboratory methods
● GIS and basic geostatistics knowledge
● ability and willingness to organize and do field teamwork
We offer:
● Job grading in accordance with collective bargaining agreement: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc) with relevant work experience determining the assignment to a particular salary grade
● An active and inspiring research environment, a vibrant PhD community and many ways to connect with peers from home and abroad on a social and professional level
● A broad range of interdisciplinary training possibilities and school activities, such as leadership skill trainings, workshops, seminars, mobility and summer schools
Expected starting date: Ideally 1 June 2022
Duration of employment: 3 years with the possibility of extensions up to 4 years. The employment relationship is initially limited to 1.5 years and automatically extended to a total of 3 years unless the employer submits a declaration of non-renewal after a maximum of 12 months. In exceptional, well argumented cases and on the condition that budget is available, there is the possibility of extensions up to 4 years.
Extent of employment: 30 hours/week
Application: Interested students can apply until the deadline of 15 April 2022 via: <https://visess.univie.ac.at/how-to-apply/>.
Further information: For further information, please contact <admin.visess@univie.ac.at>.
The University pursues a non-discriminatory employment policy and values equal opportunities, as well as diversity (http://diversity.univie.ac.at/). The University lays special emphasis on increasing the number of women in senior and in academic positions. Given equal qualifications, preference will be given to female applicants.