Date

PhD Student Position Available
Physical Geography
Specializing in Periglacial Geomorphology
Department of Earth Sciences
Uppsala University
Sweden

Application Deadline: Monday, 15 March 2004
Start Date: ASAP

For further information, please contact:
Dr. Jan Boelhouwers (jan.boelhouwers [at] natgeog.uu.se)
Prof. Else Kolstrup (else.kolstrup [at] natgeog.uu.se)

or go to:
http://www.geo.uu.se


OVERVIEW
Uppsala University invites applications for a PhD student position at
the Department of Earth Sciences. The department consists of five
programs with approximately 200 employees. The programme for Environment
and Landscape Dynamics consists of 15 employees and is responsible for
education and research in physical geography and Quaternary geology.

This PhD position is available in support of a study partly funded
through the Swedish Research Council entitled "Environmental Controls on
Frost Heave and Solifluction Processes in Northern Sweden." The project
currently focuses on Swedish Lapland in the Abisko region, but may be
expanded to Western Dronning Maud Land (WDML), Antarctica.
BACKGROUND
In periglacial environments frost creep and solifluction are regarded as
widespread and important denudational processes. Considerable effort has
been made in obtaining movement rates of solifluction in Scandinavian
mountains. However, a critical shortcoming is its inability to establish
relationships with climate. As solifluction and frost heave form
important processes of mass transfer and soil disturbance in northern
Scandinavia, their relationship with climatic parameters should be known
to understand current and potential impacts under various climate change
scenarios. The aim of this project is to arrive at a rational
understanding of the landscape importance (spatial distribution, process
rates) of frost heave and solifluction processes and how these are
controlled by relevant environmental parameters. Methods will include a
combination of field-based process monitoring and GIS-based spatial
analysis.

ELIGIBILITY
The applicant will have completed an MSc in physical geography with a
strong background in geomorphology. A proven ability to express him or
herself in writing is required. Field-based experience in
geomorphological process studies and a working experience in GIS will be
a strong advantage. The successful applicant will be able to work
independently in the field under adverse weather conditions and in
difficult terrain.

The holder of the PhD-student position shall primarily devote her/his
time to individual research studies. Other departmental work, such as
educational or administrative can be part of the position (max 20%). The
applicant must be eligible for PhD studies. Priority is given to those
who are deemed to show the greatest aptitude for a successful completion
of graduate studies.

Local guidelines at Uppsala University determine the salary levels. The
university is striving for a more even balance between genders. A
majority of the PhD students within the department are men. Women are,
thus, especially invited to apply.

Please send your written application to:
Registrar
Uppsala Universitet
Box 256
SE-751 05 UPPSALA
Sweden

Mark your application: UFV-PA 2004/707

If the application is sent by fax (+46 18 471 2000), it should be
followed by a signed original application as soon as possible.

Application Deadline: Monday, 15 March 2004
Start Date: ASAP

For further information, please contact:
Dr. Jan Boelhouwers (jan.boelhouwers [at] natgeog.uu.se)
Prof. Else Kolstrup (else.kolstrup [at] natgeog.uu.se)

or go to:
http://www.geo.uu.se