Doctoral scholarship holder aquatic ecology

Department: Department of Biology
Regime Full-time

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The Department of Biology in the Faculty of Sciences is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of aquatic ecology

Background :

This research project is carried out within the ECOSPHERE group of the University of Antwerp. The research of ECOSPHERE concentrates on the ecology of aquatic ecosystems and wetlands and the processes in the land-water interaction along the whole river continuum and the river-coastal sea interaction. The studied systems vary from small streams with riparian margins over larger rivers and floodplains to estuaries, from the scale of a single molecule to an entire ecosystem. These studies, both descriptive and experimental in nature, are integrated to predict the impact of different management options on the functioning and the biodiversity of the system.

For more than 20 years, special attention is paid to the study of the Schelde estuary and the scientific support of necessary management actions to meet both human use as the ecological functioning of the system. To gain more insight and to support decision making in the Schelde estuary, an ecosystem model was developed at UAntwerpen. This model builds on the MOSES model that was developed in the 1990s by Karline Soetaert and Peter Herman, affiliated with the then NIOO-CEME, now NIOZ-Yerseke. It was used at the time to investigate the mortality of zooplankton in the Western Scheldt, a time when the water quality of the estuary was still extremely poor close to and in the mouth of the North Sea. With the same model, calculations were made to create a carbon budget of the entire ecosystem or to estimate nitrogen fluxes to the North Sea.

At UAntwerpen, the model has been expanded and refined in various ways. In the current version, the Boven-Zeeschelde and the Rupel also belong to the model domain and boundary conditions are defined at the lock complex in Merelbeke and at the confluence of the Dijle and the Nete. Based on Tom Cox's research into primary production and its influence on oxygen dynamics in the Scheldt, the dynamics of phytoplankton became more realistic modeled.

Interest in pelagic primary production (the build-up of biomass by phytoplankton) has increased in recent years. An important reason for this is the changes in dynamics of suspended material that have been observed in different estuaries in response to changes in the geometry of estuaries (deepening, channelization, depoldering, etc.). Abrupt changes (so-called critical transitions) have also been observed in the Scheldt in recent decades. In light-limited systems, the amount of sludge in suspension is one of the most important determinants of primary production. Given the many observational and theoretical indications that human interventions influence the dynamics of suspended material, in light-limited systems the influence on primary production is one of the most closely examined ecological impacts of interventions that change geometry.

With climate change, further expansion of harbors and the need for new measures to protect against floodings, the estuary faces new challenges. This creates also new challenges for modelling the Schelde ecosystem. The existing model tools offer a solid foundation for further development of the model where it seems most useful. A better approach to lateral areas is an option, where ways to explicitly include the lateral systems can be implemented as a separate model box where processes can take place under changed conditions (e.g. more light availability). Processes in the soil can also be included.

The above challenges are the subject for a doctoral study. The candidate must therefore have a solid mathematical background, combined with a basic knowledge of biochemistry and ecology.   

You will work in a team on this project. Although the PhD is mainly focusing on modeling, you can assist in estuary fieldwork, experiments and monitoring to gain more insight in different processes. 

Position

• You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in the field of Ecosystem Management with a focus on modelling estuarine ecology.
• You will publish scientific articles related to the research project.
• You work in a team to give advice to stakeholders, based on model results.
• You will cooperate with scientists of the ECOSPHERE research group within the frame of other doctoral and externally funded projects to form an integrated research strategy.

Profile

• You hold a Master degree in (Bio-)Engineering or other disciplines with strong mathematical background.
• You have basic knowledge of (estuarine) ecology and biochemistry
• You have knowledge of statistics, knowledge of modelling and/or GIS
• You can demonstrate excellent study results.
• Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision .
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies .
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.

What we offer

• We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of one year. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed for a maximum of 4 years in total.
• The contract can start immediately after selection.  The effective start date will be determined in consultation with the selected candidate.
• Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts  for doctoral scholarship holders on the pay scales for Contract Research Staff (Dutch: Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP).
• You will do most of your work at Campus Die Eiken in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here .
• Additional training and education possibilities.
• Participation in international conferences

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including 31 January 2024 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button, complete the online application form and be sure to include the following attachments: a motivation letter and your academic CV
• The selection committee will review all of the applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision has been made, we will inform you about the next steps in the selection procedure.
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions  or send an email to [email protected] . If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Prof. dr. Jonas Schoelynck ([email protected] ) or Ir. Tom Maris ([email protected] ) or Tel +32 3 265.22.63

The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award  for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity  and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.