The Netherlands: PhD Studentships in Oceanograpgy

PhD Studentships in Oceanograpgy, the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO), The Netherlands

The project “Consequences of Phosphorus Reduction for the Dynamic Transfer of Organic Matter between Primary Producers and Primary Consumers” is part of the Sea and Coast Programme of the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO).

In this project, we will investigate how phosphate availability regulates the productivity and composition of functional groups of phytoplankton and microphytobenthos in the western and central Wadden Sea. The implications of phosphate related species selection on the food web structure and the carrying capacity of the Wadden Sea will be addressed by defining the transfer of microalgal carbon to various development stages of selected benthic primary consumers. New views on the functioning of the lower food web are to be conceptualized in a biogeochemical model and provide essential information on the direction and magnitude of change in Wadden Sea carrying capacity as a result of management policies and global change.

PhD-student 1 (vacancy number CEME-MM-08428) will study the primary production and the group specific production by using a combination of techniques making use of variable fluorescence and stable isotope labelling of biomarkers and will also investigate the factors limiting algae growth. Primary location: NIOO-CEME, Yerseke.

PhD-student 2 (vacancy number NIOZ-08429) will investigate the production of benthic microalgae (MPB) using oxygen microsensors and will investigate the effect of MPB on sediment water exchange. These processes will be used by the PhD-student to develop a biogeochemical model describing the processes. Primary location: NIOZ, Texel.

PhD-student 3 (vacancy number NIOZ-08430) will investigate the transfer of primary organic carbon to various larval stages of marine bivalves as representatives of primary consumers. This transfer will be studied for various compositions of food (algae), and the consequences of P limitation will be evaluated in terms of growth and development rates of the larvae. Primary location: NIOZ, Texel.

Appointment:
The appointment will be initially for 1 year, which will be extended to 4 year provided that the applicant has proven to be well suited for the job. The project will start in January 2009.

Salary:
The gross salary starts at approx. € 2.000,- per month in the 1st year, and will gradually increase to a maximum of approx. € 2.600,- per month in the 4th year. Conditions are based on the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities (NIOO) or the Collective Employment Agreement for Research Institutes (NIOZ).

Information:
More information and a complete project description can be obtained for PhD1 from the project leader Dr Jacco Kromkamp (j.kromkamp@nioo.knaw.nl, +31-113-577481), for PhD2 from Dr Eric Epping (epping@nioz.nl, 31-222-369444) or from Dr Karline Soetaert (k.soetaert@nioo.knaw.nl, +31-113-577487), and for PhD3 from Dr Katja Philippart (katja@nioz.nl, 31-222-369563).

Applications:
Written applications including CV, reference list and vacancy number should be sent to Prof. Dr C.H.R. Heip, director NIOO-CEME, P.O. Box 140, 4400 AC Yerseke, The Netherlands or by e-mail to j.kromkamp@nioo.knaw.nl