The Marine Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry Laboratory at the University of South Carolina, Columbia campus, is currently seeking to hire at least one MS or PhD student, starting as early as January 2024, but with possibility of a later start (Summer or Fall 2024). The successful applicant will be working on a newly funded NSF project investigating water-column nitrous oxide cycling in the Arabian Sea. 

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a potent greenhouse gas as well as an ozone destructive substance. Low oxygen regions of the ocean are particularly important for both oceanic N2O cycling and its flux to the atmosphere. This project will advance current understanding of the microbiology and biogeochemistry of N2O production and consumption in marine oxygen deficient zones (ODZs) by quantifying rates and identifying major N2O sources in the Arabian Sea using natural abundance stable isotopic and isotopomer data, 15N-labeled incubations, as well as genomic and metatranscriptomic methods. Both ex-situ and novel in-situ 15N-incubations, which maintain natural trace-level O2 concentrations, will be used. Combination of these approaches will reveal dominant pathways of N2O production and N2O consumption as well as the microorganisms mediating these processes along vertical O2 and productivity gradients in the Arabian Sea ODZ. 

The successful candidate will be responsible for the biogeochemistry portion of the project only. Required qualifications include a BSc, and a strong background in chemistry, especially inorganic chemistry. Prior experience working with stable isotopes and participation in oceanographic research cruises is preferable, but not required. A MS is also preferable to be directly considered for PhD admission. If you are interested in this position, please send a CV, undergraduate transcript and cover letter to Prof. Annie Bourbonnais, e-mail: abourbonnais@seoe.sc.edu, preferably before the end of November 2023. More information about our dynamic research group and other projects is available on our website: www.abourbonnais.com. 

Information regarding application to graduate studies in the School of the Earth, Ocean and Environment at the University of South Carolina is available here: https://sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/artsandsciences/earth_ocean_and_environment/apply/graduate/index.php

Candidates are required to provide a statement of purpose (300-word essay) explaining their research interests, your professional goals, and your current plans to fulfilling their goals, a resume/CV, three letters of recommendation from faculty or other professionals in the field, undergraduate and graduate transcripts, and official TOEFL score (for international students). The deadline to submit graduate school application is January 8, 2024. 

The University of South Caroline strive to be an inclusive environment and does not discriminate in educational, or employment opportunities based on race, sex, gender, gender identity, transgender status, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetics, protected veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions.