PhD Scholarship Holder in Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry Institute of Geological Sciences, Polish Academy of Sciences in Poland

PhD scholarship opportunity at the Institute of Geological Sciences, Polish Academy of Sciences in Warsaw, within the Quaternary GeoEcology Research Group and the project “Isobase” funded by the National Science Centre (Poland) under the OPUS-29 programme.

The project, entitled “Variability of carbon and nitrogen isotopic baselines in Quaternary terrestrial ecosystems”, focuses on stable isotope biogeochemistry in temperate terrestrial ecosystems. The research aims to understand variability in δ13C and δ15N baselines in plants and mammalian herbivores, and to test whether more than one isotopic baseline can occur within a single ecosystem. The project combines modern and fossil ecosystems from Poland, including the Białowieża Forest, the Perspektywiczna Cave, and the Shelter in Smoleń III, with comparisons across Holocene forest assemblages, mammoth steppe, and Late Glacial tundra.

Methods include analysis of carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes in plant fractions (protein, cellulose, lignin) and herbivore bone collagen, together with novel approaches such as individual amino acid isotopic analysis, seasonal isotope studies in plants, local Suess effect reconstruction using tree rings, and comparative analysis across herbivore groups. The results are intended to improve isotope flux models and paleodietary interpretation in Quaternary science, paleoecology, archaeology, anthropology, and related fields.

The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Dr hab. Maciej T. Krajcarz, contribute to laboratory work, sample preparation, extraction and derivatisation of analytical fractions, data analysis and interpretation, scientific writing, conference outputs, and international presentations. The position includes doctoral studies at the GeoPlanet Doctoral School and access to advanced geochemical facilities and the Stable Isotope Lab.

Funding is provided as an NCN scientific scholarship for 48 months: PLN 5,000 brutto brutto per month for the first two years, increasing to PLN 6,500 brutto brutto per month for the remaining two years after a positive mid-term evaluation. The institute notes that relocation, accommodation, and living expenses are not covered.

Eligibility requires a Master’s degree in Earth and environmental sciences, chemistry, biology, or a related field, along with strong organisation, independence, teamwork ability, laboratory experience, critical thinking, and excellent English. Experience with Quaternary paleoecology, stable isotope analyses, and R is considered an advantage. Applications must be submitted by 30 September 2026.