Reconstructing paleoenvironments using molecular fossils

University of Kiel

Flexible

35h / week

English B1

In the ocean, microorganisms can respond to changes in environmental conditions by changing the composition of their lipid cell membranes. These lipids are found ubiquitously in marine sediment and can be preserved as molecular fossils for millions of years. Therefore, lipids that can be attributed to a specific source organism are used as biomarkers to reconstruct ocean temperature in the past. In the framework of this internship we will investigate the potential of biomarkers for reconstructing past climate, e.g., by growing cultures of microorganisms under different stress conditions or by extracting and analyzing biomarkers from geological samples. The specific focus of the internship is flexible depending on the interests and qualifications of the student.

Tasks and duties entrusted to the student:
In the ocean, microorganisms can respond to changes in environmental conditions by changing the composition of their lipid cell membranes. These lipids are found ubiquitously in marine sediment and can be preserved as molecular fossils for millions of years. Therefore, lipids that can be attributed to a specific source organism are used as biomarkers to reconstruct ocean temperature in the past. In the framework of this internship we will investigate the potential of biomarkers for reconstructing past climate, e.g., by growing cultures of microorganisms under different stress conditions or by extracting and analyzing biomarkers from geological samples. The specific focus of the internship is flexible depending on the interests and qualifications of the student.

Skills to be acquired or developed:
The student will learn a range of skills, including microbial culturing, lipid extraction, and mass spectrometric analysis of lipids.

Compensation:

Erasmus + grant available depending on eligibility criteria of your home university

"Dr. Felix Elling Leibniz-Laboratory for Radiometric and Isotope Research Ludewig-Meyn-Str. 14, R.01.007 24118 Kiel, Germany Tel: +49 (0)431 880 3894 Email: felix.elling@leibniz.uni-kiel.de"