Interview: "Changes in the environment will impact the strength of the biological carbon pump, which is crucial for climate regulation."

POSTDOC OPPORTUNITY: Philipp Assmy wants to hear from potential MSCA candidates interested in joining his team to determine the distribution, impact, and environmental drivers of harmful algae and their toxins in Svalbard fjords. Only candidates with extensive prior expertise related to the research topic will be considered for this opportunity.

Selected candidates will join iC3’s MSCA support programme, which has an outstanding track record of helping candidates to write winning proposals. Please see here for more details on current MSCA opportunities with iC3 and our support programme.

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What is the focus of your research? 

The focus of my research in recent years has been on ice-ocean interactions and their impact on polar marine ecosystems. This includes both land ice, such as glaciers and ice sheets, as well as sea ice. The research examines how changes in runoff from land into the coastal ocean or fjords and the loss of sea ice impact marine ecosystems and the carbon cycle.  

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Why is it important to study that now? 

Due to accelerated climate change, the Arctic is warming four times faster than the global average, with some regions warming even faster. There is an urgent need to understand what these rapid changes mean for marine ecosystems.

Another aspect of interest is the biological carbon pump, which sequesters atmospheric carbon dioxide in the deep ocean. Changes in the environment will impact the strength of this pump, which is crucial for climate regulation. 

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Are you also studying Antarctica? 

Yes, I have a strong interest in Southern Ocean research. My PhD and postdoc work involved iron fertilization experiments in the Southern Ocean.

Although my recent focus has been on the Arctic, I maintain collaborations in Antarctic research. The Arctic research includes not just Svalbard but also the central Arctic Ocean and other regions. 

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How are you conducting this research? 

I am an observationalist, conducting fieldwork and collecting samples for analysis. We go into the field every year, often multiple times. I work closely with experimentalists and modelers, collaborating with a large network of researchers.

While we collect samples and conduct some analyses in the field, most samples are sent for detailed analysis through collaborations or service labs. 

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What technologies or methodologies are you most excited about? 

I am excited about advancements in genomics, remote sensing and big data analysis.

Genomics can link cellular processes to planetary scales, providing insights into how plankton organisms function in their environment.

Remote sensing helps extrapolate findings from limited samples, offering a broader view of ecosystems.

Big data and AI could revolutionize our understanding of the interactions of plankton organisms from the planetary (remote sensing) to the molecular level (DNA sequencing) by synthesizing large and complex (e.g. hundreds of species in one sample) datasets.

These technologies can significantly enhance our understanding of marine ecosystems. 

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How would you allocate an unlimited budget for your research? 

I would invest in building a research environment with a team of experts working on similar topics. This would create a hub of expertise, allowing for long-term collaborations and a broader impact. While resources and access to polar regions are important, it is the people who make the difference in advancing research. 

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What qualities and skills are you looking for in a postdoc or a collaborator? 

I value personal chemistry and independence in collaborators. It's important to see colleagues as humans with strengths and weaknesses. I expect collaborators to be self-driven and organized, with a team spirit essential for polar science. The ability to work well in a team is crucial, especially in fieldwork. 

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What is the work environment like at the Norwegian Polar Institute? 

The Norwegian Polar Institute offers a fantastic and diverse work environment. Although it is a small institute with about 180 employees, it covers a broad spectrum of research areas, from atmospheric science to marine ecology. This diversity allows for easy collaboration and interaction with experts in various fields.

The collegial atmosphere and numerous fieldwork opportunities make it an exciting place to work, especially for early career researchers. 

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What do you do for fun? 

An ideal day off involves waking up without job or child duties, enjoying a nice breakfast, and then going fishing on my boat in the fjord on a sunny day.

It's a perfect way to disconnect and recharge. 

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Can you share a book that has significantly influenced you? 

"The Myth of Normal" by Gabor Maté has been influential. It explores how humans are forced to function in a somewhat dysfunctional system, often going against our nature. It resonated with me, reflecting on the flaws in the science system and how it can grind you down.

Another impactful book is "Merchants of Doubt" by Naomi Oreskes, which discusses how influential lobbies deny climate change, drawing parallels with past denials in other industries. 

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What is your personal motto? 

When it comes to publication, my motto is "expect the worst, hope for the best." It's about maintaining a positive attitude towards life while being prepared for challenges. 

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If you are interested in applying for an MSCA postdoctoral fellowship with Philipp, please send him an email briefly outlining your proposed research project and enclose your CV. Subject line: “MSCA candidate enquiry”.