Postdoctor in Ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE)

Subject area

Experimental evaluation of the combined effects of changes associated with ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) implementation

Subject area description

Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement (OAE) is a marine Carbon Dioxide Removal (mCDR) technique that may have a significant role in facilitating large scale CO2 removal to substantially reduce global warming and ocean acidification. However considerable uncertainties and knowledge gaps remain regarding its efficacy, technological and economic viability, its environmental and ecological impacts and its governance.

This 2 years postdoctoral position is part of the EU Horizon project OAeSIS (https://oaesis.eu/), a diverse, interdisciplinary team of leading experts in natural science, law, governance and socio-economic assessments. One key aspect is quantifying the impacts of OAE on key species, communities and biodiversity, including interactions with other marine ecosystem stressors - assessing the feasibility and sustainability of OAE as a tool to counteract climate change and ocean acidification

The position specifically focuses on resolving the combined effects of changes associated with different OAE implementation methods through experiments using a range of marine organisms. This will allow to produce performance curves for key drivers associated with OAE deployments, multiple stressors experiments, and modelization of performance landscapes for different OAE methods using experimental data and literature review.

This will be done in close collaboration with key partners within the consortium, particularly with the University of Copenhagen and the International Atomic Energy Agency. The position will contribute to enabling informed decision and policy-making regarding the potential application of this leading mCDR approach as a climate mitigation tool.

Duties

Task #1 - To resolve the non-linear biological effects and potential interactions for all main drivers (TA, pH, trace elements) associated with OAE deployment combined with modelling.

Evaluation of state-of-the-art using meta-analysis;

Fill-up the gaps by resolving performance curves for each driver using key species and life-history stages in laboratory experiments;

Development of a mechanistic model for biological impact of OAE deployment at the species level;

Use the model to project impacts under different scenarios.

Task #2 - Experimentally evaluate the model developed in Task #1 using a multiple stressor experimental approach, identify potential novel interactions and use the collected data to improve the mechanistic model

Perform complex multiple stressors experiments

Improve the mechanistic model developed in Task #1 accounting for potential interactions.

The work will thus include:

Field sampling of key species (e.g. echinoderms, bivalves);

Perform single and multiple drivers experiments manipulating the carbonate chemistry and trace elements simulating different methods for OAE deployment;

Meta-analysis of the existing literature;

Statistical analysis to resolve performance curves and landscapes;

Publication of the results and communication with other partners and stakeholders in the OAeSIS project.

Eligibility

The eligibility criteria for employing teaching staff are set out in Chapter 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance and in the Appointment Procedure for Teaching Posts at the University of Gothenburg.

To be eligible for appointment as a postdoc, the applicant is required to have a doctoral degree, a doctoral degree in art or a foreign degree that is deemed to be equivalent to a doctoral degree. This eligibility requirement must be met before the employment decision is made.

In the first instance, those who have completed their degree no more than three years prior to the end of the application period shall be considered. Those who have completed their degree more than three years prior to the end of the application period may also be considered in the first instance if special grounds exist. Special grounds relate to leave of absence due to illness, parental leave, commissions of trust within union organisations, service within the defence services or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical service or service/assignment relevant to the subject area.

Assessment criteria

Required qualifications for the employment:

The main criterion for selection will be the research potential of the applicant.

To be eligible for appointment as a postdoc, the applicant is required to have a doctoral degree in a field relevant for the research project

Excellent communication skills, written and spoken, in English are necessary since we work in an international environment.

Specialization in marine biology/eco-physiology, as well as experience in experimental design, marine animal culturing and meta-analysis is required

Desirable qualifications for the employment:

Experience in manipulation and measurement of seawater carbonate chemistry (e.g. ocean alkalinity enhancement, ocean acidification)

Ability to design and perform complex laboratory experiments on a range of marine animals, including early life-stages

Understanding of multiple stressors and ability to develop strategies to resolve their combined effects (e.g. ecotoxicology, global change biology)

Good statistical skills (e.g. non-linear modeling), including experience in meta-analyses

The most qualified candidates, in relation to the assessment criteria in the advertisement, are invited for an interview.

Regulations for the evaluation of qualifications for academic positions are given in Chapter 4, Section 3 - 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance.

Employment

The employment is a temporary employment during 2 years, 100 % of full time, placed at the Department of Biological and Environmental Science. Starting date as soon as possible or upon agreement.

Application

Submit your application via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal by clicking the “Apply” button. It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per the vacancy notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline. Read the full ad and apply through: https://web103.reachmee.com/ext/I005/1035/job?site=7&lang=UK&validator=9b89bead79bb7258ad55c8d75228e5b7&job_id=p41216

Applications must be received by: 2026-09-07