Upcoming research opportunities

Post-doctoral position on the Functioning of the Biological Carbon Pump

Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada

Applications considered until position filled

Uta Passow at Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) is currently searching for a post-doctoral fellow to join her lab, the AEON-lab, to investigate the functioning of the Biological Carbon Pump (BCP). Understanding, in a quantifiable sense, the BCP is a prerequisite for predicting the changing oceanic role in the global carbon cycle and its impact for climate change, as well as for assessing climate manipulations and respective credits. While ship-based measurements of the BCP provide fairly detailed and comprehensive information for the BCP at that time and location, spatial and temporal resolution is poor, a great disadvantage in a patchy environment. Autonomous platforms such as BGC-Argos provide comparably greatly improved spatial and temporal resolution of relatively coarse proxies characterizing the BCP. The primary focus of this position is to link both approaches, providing a synthesis of ship-based measurements and linking those to BGC-Argo data or vice versa.

Success requires demonstrated skills in working with large data sets, e.g. advanced data analysis skills, as well as an understanding of the bio-chemical and physical process that drive the pump. The successful candidate will have a proven track record of peer-reviewed publications on questions pertaining to the BCP, and of integrating and synthesizing different data sets, (e.g. BGC-Argos, trap samples, marine snow catchers) to answer relevant questions regarding the BCP. The ability to work independently as well as in an international team with diverse groups of scientists is also essential. Applicants should have a PhD or equivalent.

This is a one-year position with the opportunity for an extension after a 6 month review. The primary mentor is Dr. Uta Passow, in collaboration with Dr. Katja Fennel, Dalhousie University, and other project PIs. The successful candidate will work with international researchers, e.g. involved in the large BGC-Argo Project and in the Transforming Climate Change project, bridging disciplines and synthesizing data while focusing on quantifying the BCP. The position includes a travel budget to foster collaborations and networking, and access to professional development resources that MUN offers, such as the Lab2Market program, and the Memorial Center for Entrepreneurship. The successful candidate will find a supportive, diverse environment within Ocean Sciences, which aims for world-class cold-ocean research.

Newfoundland is a spectacular place to live and MUN, which is Newfoundland and Labrador’s only university, plays an integral role in the education and cultural life of the region while providing a distinctive and stimulating environment for research and learning. St. John’s is a safe, friendly city with great historic charm, vibrant cultural life, and easy access to a range of outdoor activities.

To apply please submit:
1-2-page statement describing your suitability for this position
A Curriculum Vitae
Three reference letters – please ensure that the file name of the letters include your name
Applications and reference letters can be emailed directly to Uta Passow at uta.passow (at) mun.ca

Postdoctoral Fellow in Oceanography / Marine Science

Ghent University, Belgium 

Application deadline 18 January 2026

Are you a marine scientist with a passion for ocean carbon cycling and autonomous observational technologies? Join our team at Ghent University as a Postdoctoral Fellow working on the ERC-funded CarbOcean project.

What you’ll do:
As part of the Marine Optics and Remote Sensing (MarSens) group , you will:
Conduct cutting-edge research on the ocean carbon cycle, especially the carbonate pump, using next-generation BioGeoChemical-Argo floats with novel sensors
Participate in oceanographic campaigns (~20 days at sea per year)
Carry out laboratory experiments with optical sensors and marine particles 

Who we’re looking for:
A PhD in Oceanography or Marine Science
Experience with Ocean Colour satellite data and BioGeoChemical-Argo data
Proficiency in Python and/or R programming
Fluent in English
Field or lab experience and knowledge of the carbonate pump are assets 

Contract & Start:
Full-time position (minimum 18 months, extendable up to 36 months)
Start between March and June 2026
Competitive Ghent University benefits included (holidays, training, allowances) Universiteit Gent

How to apply:
Interested? Send your CV, motivation letter, and diploma to griet.neukermans (at) ugent.be

Full details on the position

PhD opportunity Ecological drivers of the ocean carbonate pump and carbon export: linking biodiversity, trophic interactions, and carbonate biogeochemistry

Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain.

Application deadline: 28th February 2026

This PhD project will investigate how ecological processes influence the magnitude and efficiency of the carbonate pump and how these dynamics affect (organic and inorganic) carbon sequestration in the deep ocean. The research objectives are: 1) Quantify the contribution of key calcifying plankton (e.g., coccolithophores, foraminifera, pteropods) to pelagic carbonate stock, production and export under varying ecological and environmental conditions and the role of shallow biological dissolution; 2) Determine how diversity, trophic interactions and ecological traits regulate carbonate production, dissolution, and export throughout the water column; and 3) Assess how the carbonate pump modulates organic carbon transfer to the deep ocean.

Eligibility: Worldwide
Duration: 4 years (fully funded)

Further details and how to apply