Temporary contract | Initial 14 months | Belvaux

Are you passionate about research? So are we! Come and join us

The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) is a Research and Technology Organization (RTO) active in the fields of materials, environment and IT. By transforming scientific knowledge into technologies, smart data and tools, LIST empowers citizens in their choices, public authorities in their decisions and businesses in their strategies.

Do you want to know more about LIST? Check our website: https://www.list.lu/

The primary research question associated with this PhD position is: How do sublimation, diffusive transport and sorption of water vapour in snow, ice and permafrost soils affect water ice O-H isotope signals in the context of climate and hydrological reconstructions?

Alterations in summer precipitation O-H isotope signals have been related to sublimation-condensation processes, notably in cold regions such as Antarctica and Greenland, with implications for climate reconstructions from ice cores. Field data have shown evidence of post-depositional isotopic changes between seasons and interannually. Multiple processes are conjectured to be related to these changes: wind, air and snow water vapour content, pressure gradients, snow accumulation rates, etc. Consequently, water isotopes measured in snow, ice and permafrost cores require careful interpretation, notably when used as proxies of past climates. Beyond applications in the climatology and hydrology of the terrestrial water cycle, sublimation-condensation processes and the related O-H isotope fractionation are also relevant in the rapidly developing field of exo-hydrology.

How will you contribute?

The PhD candidate will be trained in isotope physics, isotope hydrology, isotope-enabled climate models, and science communication. He/she will have the opportunity to directly collaborate with project partners at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (D), Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (L), University of Luxembourg (L), and University of Zurich (CH).

MAIN MISSIONS

The PhD researcher’s main mission is to carry out doctoral research towards their thesis. The outcome of the thesis is valorised through different streams, such as publications and patents.

POSITION CONTEXT

The PhD researcher carries out doctoral research in the framework of a specific project (VITAMINS) funded through the Volkswagen Foundation and LIST.

Their work will be supervised at LIST by Prof. Laurent Pfister and at KIT by Prof. Erwin Zehe. The PhD award will be granted by the University of Luxembourg and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. At LIST, the PhD researcher will be incorporated into the RDI group Catchment and eco-hydrology, with group leader Prof. Richard Keim also contributing to the project.

TASKS

RESEARCH WORK:

• Follow and advance a research plan in agreement with their supervisor(s)
• Know the state of the art on the research topic of the thesis to be undertaken
• Manage the daily research work allowing to deepen the topic they are working on
• Take care of IP issues related to their research work
• Contribute to the preparation of progress reports on research for funding bodies as required
• Organise and participate in progress meetings with the supervisor(s)
• Contribute to the overall activities of the RDI group and department as required
• Actively collaborate with other researchers (LIST or external)
• Actively participate in group meetings, meetings with academic and non-academic collaborators

 DISSEMINATION, VALORISATION AND TRANSFER:

• Contribute to the drafting and submitting of papers to peer reviewed journals and conference proceedings
• Contribute to the creation of intellectual property rights (patents, licences, etc.)
• Prepare posters for conferences
• Present their work at local, national and international meetings with guidance and prior internal review
• Defend their thesis in a reasonable time frame (3 / 4 years)

 TRAINING:

• Participate in conferences and workshops in his/her research field
• Train themselves in specific techniques
• Follow courses at partner University (University of Luxembourg, KIT), where necessary

Is Your profile described below? Are you our future colleague? Apply now!

Education

•  MSc, Water science and/or water resources engineering

Experience and skills

• Skills in isotope physics
• Skills in isotope hydrology
• Skills in programming in Matlab or Python as well as stochastic numerical methods

It will be sufficient if they have skills in isotope physics or isotope hydrology, and an interest to gain skills in isotope-enabled climate models. We expect the candidate to be excited about tackling global challenges and have interest in the practical applications of fundamental science.

Language skills

• Good level both written and spoken in English

Your LIST benefits

• An organization with a passion for impact and strong RDI partnerships in Luxembourg and Europe that works on responsible and independent research projects
• Sustainable by design, empowering our belief that we play an essential role in paving the way to a green society
• Innovative infrastructures and exceptional labs occupying more than 5,000 square metres, including innovations in all that we do
• An environment encouraging curiosity, innovation and entrepreneurship in all areas
• Personalized learning programme to foster our staff’s soft and technical skills
• Multicultural and international work environment with more than 50 nationalities represented in our workforce
• Diverse and inclusive work environment empowering our people to fulfil their personal and professional ambitions
• Gender-friendly environment with multiple actions to attract, develop and retain women in science
• 32 days’ paid annual leave, 11 public holidays, 13-month salary, statutory health insurance
• Flexible working hours, home working policy and access to lunch vouchers

Apply online

Your application must include:

• A motivation letter oriented towards the position and detailing your experience
• A scientific CV with contact details
• List of publications (and patents, if applicable)
• Contact details of 2 references

Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by email will not be considered.

Application procedure and conditions

We kindly request applicants to provide their nationality for statistical purposes only, as part of our commitment to promoting diversity and ensuring equal opportunities in our workforce. This information will be kept confidential and will not be used for any discriminatory purposes.

LIST is dedicated to maintaining an inclusive work environment and is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to attracting, hiring, and retaining a diverse workforce. All applicants will be considered for employment without discrimination based on national origin, race, colour, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, religion, age, or disability.

Applications will be continuously reviewed until the position is filled. An assessment committee will thoroughly evaluate applications, adhering to guidelines designed to ensure equal opportunities. The primary criteria for selection will be the alignment of the applicant's existing skills and expertise with the requirements mentioned above.

PhD additional conditions:

• Supervisor at LIST: Prof. Laurent Pfister (laurent.pfister@list.lu)
• Co-supervision at LIST: Prof. Richard Keim and Prof. Kathryn Hadler
• Co-supervision: Prof. Erwin Zehe (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany)
• Work location: Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Belvaux, Luxembourg
• PhD enrolment: Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany & University of Luxembourg, Belval, Luxembourg (joint degree)

Applications for this position should be submitted by 08/11/2024.

• Candidates shall be available for starting their position in winter 2024. Please note that university enrolment fees (currently 200 EUR per semester at the University of Luxembourg) must be covered by the successful applicant. Your master diploma has to be recognized in Luxembourg. Please refer to:

https://www.uni.lu/en/admissions/diploma-recognition/

https://guichet.public.lu/fr/citoyens/enseignement-formation/etudes-superieures/reconnaissance-diplomes.html