The Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ) is the leading research institute in the Netherlands for the basic marine sciences. Five departments (Physical Oceanography, Marine Geology, Marine Organic Biogeochemistry, Biological Oceanography and Marine Ecology) carry out the multidisciplinary research of the institute. Approximately 250 persons are currently appointed at the NIOZ. NIOZ has a large variety of instrumentation and is operating modernly equipped research vessels for coastal and ocean studies. The institute is associated with the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO); it is located on the Wadden Island of Texel, close to the mainland. For further information see the NIOZ homepage at http://www.nioz.nl.
The Department of Biological Oceanography (department chair: Prof. Dr. Marcel Veldhuis), performs research on chemical and microbial processes in the marine environment and has a vacancy for a
PhD student
“Dynamics of acidification in the North Sea”
Vacancy number 2011-025
Burning of fossil fuels has led to accumulation of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. This has two major consequences, namely global warming and ocean acidification (“the other CO2 problem”). Sea surface water pH has decreased already by 0.1 unit, and based on atmospheric CO2 scenarios, it is projected to further decline by 0.0015-0.002 unit per year over the coming century. However, observations in the North Sea show stronger decreases of 0.02 unit per year. The North Sea is apparently acidifying 10 times faster than global ocean model predictions. This may have effects on photosynthesis by algae and bio-calcification by shellfish. It is essential to verify if indeed acidification of the North Sea is going very fast. This will be assessed by very accurate measurements onboard research vessel Pelagia, interpretations also by computer simulation of biology-chemistry-physics interactions of the entire North Sea, and publication of articles in international journals. Implementation of the research will be developed by the team with significant freedom of choices.
Requirements:
The successful applicant holds a BSc&MSc university diploma in natural science (chemistry, pharmacy, physics, biology) or engineering. Skills in modern computer-driven analytical chemistry, mathematics, simulation modeling, English writing, or sea-going experience would be an advantage but are not required. We expect that the candidates will successfully complete a PhD thesis.
We offer a full-time PhD position for 4 years, a pension scheme, a yearly 8% vacation allowance, year-end bonus and flexible employment conditions. Conditions are based on the Collective Employment Agreement for Research Institutes. Cost of relocation and help with housing is provided by NIOZ.
Further information on the project and the position can be requested of project leaders Prof. Hein de Baar (hein.de.baar@nioz.nl) and Dr. Elizabeth Jones (elizabeth.jones@nioz.nl) or otherwise from Jolanda Evers, Human Resources (Email: jolanda.evers@nioz.nl, phone +31-222-369371).
Application:
Applicants should send a cover letter with motivation for this project and vacancy number 2011-025, CV comprising date of birth and complete listing of BSc&MSc grades, a statement of research interest and the names, telephone numbers and email addresses of two referees, to the Human Resources Department attended to Ms. Jolanda Evers, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ), P.O. Box 59, 1790 AB Den Burg, Texel, The Netherlands or preferably by e-mail to: jobs@nioz.nl
Closing Date: 31 July 2011 or until a qualified candidate is identified, we aim for having the candidate onboard the RV Pelagia at the 1 to 25 September 2011 cruise.