PhD in trophic transfer and ecotoxicological effects of nanoplastic

11 Apr 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Roskilde University

Research Field

Environmental science » Water science

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Denmark

Application Deadline

15 May 2024 - 23:59 (Europe/Copenhagen)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, invites applications for a position as PhD in trophic transfer and ecotoxicological effecs of nanoplastic from 01.08.04 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position as PhD is limited to a period of 3 years.

Description of the PhD project
The title of the PhD project is: Trophic transfer and ecotoxicological effects of nanoplastic in the marine environment. The PhD fellow is expected to conduct experimental studies which quantifies to what extent nanoplastics undergo trophic transfer within a marine food chain and internal fate within the test organisms of the nanoplastics. The studies will be conducted with metal doped particles, which will allow quantification of individual particles in the different tissues of the test specimens. The studies will include both benthic and pelagic species. Relevant ecotoxicological endpoints are furthermore expected to be studied during the experiments. The project is part of the MarinePlastic II project, funded by the VELYX foundation and the PhD fellow is expected to collaborate with partners within the project consortium and also visit Prof. Bethanie Almroth at Göteborg university for 3-4 months as the external research stay.

The Doctoral School
The successful candidate will be enrolled in the Doctoral School of Science and Environment in accordance with the rules issued by the Ministry of Technology and Science and additional regulations issued by Roskilde University. The PhD student will be employed in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish confederation of Professional Associations). The Doctoral School of Science and Environment is an international graduate school that covers a broad range of research topics within the areas of science and environment.

Read more here https://ruc.dk/doctoral-school-science-and-environment

The Department of Science and Environment
Department of Science and Environment is one of four departments at Roskilde University. The Department conducts basic and applied research within chemistry, physics, medical biology, molecular biology, environmental sciences and mathematics. Bachelor programs are offered within these areas, as are interdisciplinary Master programs. The Department’s laboratories are equipped with modern infrastructure and shared state-of-the art instrumentation. This includes but it not restricted to TOC, AAS, FT-IR, ICP-MS, GC MS, HPLC, CHNS elemental analyzer, ion chromatograph, FIA and electronic particle counters i.e., Coulter counters available.

Read more here https://ruc.dk/en/department-science-and-environment

Responsibilities and tasks
The PhD position is an educational position, and the main tasks are in accordance with chapter 3, Ministerial Order on the PhD Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions (https://ufm.dk/en/legislation/prevailing-laws-and-regulations/education… )

The ideal candidate is expected to:

• Lead a PhD project in the research group as a team member.
• Perform trophic transfer and ecotoxicological experiments investigating the fate and effects of nanoplastic within a marine food chain.
• Quantify nanoplastic in test specimens using ICP-MS.
• Disseminate the research in high impact international peer reviewed scientific journals.
• Mentor younger students within the focus of the research project or contribute to undergraduate teaching.

 

Qualifications
The ideal candidate holds an MSc in Environmental science or similar and has an outstanding track record and a critical mindset. Moreover, an open mentality with focus on research communication, inter-disciplinary curiosity and teamwork will be required to succeed. Moreover, the following qualifications are sought for:

• Experience with research in trophic transfer and ecotoxicology.
• Knowledge of plastic pollution and environmental impact will be an advantage.
• It will be a significant advantage with prior experience in working with nanoparticles and quantification with ICP-MS. 
• Proficiency with using R for data-analysis will be a strength.

You are required to be enterprising and to possess good communication skills and to be a visible, involved participant in the department’s daily activities and in the INM PhD network, in addition to being willing to engage in disciplinary and interdisciplinary collaboration also across the department.

Assessment
In the assessment regarding employment consideration will be given to;

• Relevant Master’s degree or equivalent (according to Danish Qualifications Framework for Higher Education: https://ufm.dk/en/education/recognition-and-transparency/transparency-tools/qualifications-frameworks/other-qualifications-frameworks/danish-qf-for-higher-education?set_language=en&cl=en ).
• Experience and qualifications as stated above.
• Scientific production and research prospective.
• The ability to promote and utilize research results.
   

In the assessment regarding enrollment consideration will also be given to the following criteria:

• Educational skills and any further professional qualifications
• Grades at Master’s programme or equivalent.
• Quality and relevance of the project description.
• Your description of the Ph.D. project – Here you describe in which direction you would like to work and how your qualifications fit into the project (approximately one page).
  • Quality and relevance of the project description
  • Quality and relevance of the methodical and theoretical choices
• Consistency and coherence between the problem and the choice of method and theory.
• If the PhD project seems realistic and feasible.
• Ability to complete the PhD project.

 

Questions
For further information about the position, please contact Associate professor Kristian Syberg on tel. (+45) 46743776 or email [email protected]  or Associate Dean of Education Annemette Palmqvist on tel (+45) 46742023 or email [email protected] .
 

Terms of employment
The employment is on full time, 37 hours per week and you will refer to Dean Susanne Sørensen.

The position will be filled according to the Agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC) and Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities.  
 

Application procedure 
After the deadline for applications the Dean will shortlist applicants for assessment with assistance from the recruitment committee including the chairperson of the assessment committee.

Shortly after the application deadline all applicants will be notified whether or not their application has been selected for assessment.

The shortlisted applicants will be informed about the composition of the assessment committee, and each applicant will be given the opportunity to comment on the composition of the committee and - later on - their assessment.

Once the recruitment process is completed, all applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application.
 

Application 
To apply for the position go to www.ruc.dk/en/job/  

Only applications in English are accepted. 

Applications must include: 
1. Cover letter 
2. CV 
3. Documentation of education including grades from Master’s programme or equivalent 
4. Your description of the PhD project 
5. Your time schedule of the PhD project 
6. If applicable: Documentation for any research experience, work experience or publications. 

 

Please submit your application no later than May 15, 2024. 

Material received after this date will not be taken into consideration. 

Roskilde University wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background. 

Requirements

Research Field

Environmental science » Water science

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Additional Information
Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Department of Science and Environment

Country

Denmark

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://candidate.hr-manager.net/ApplicationInit.aspx?cid=1310&ProjectId=147262…

Contact

City

Roskilde

Website

https://ruc.dk/en

Street

Universitetsvej 1, Postbox 260

Postal Code

40000

STATUS: EXPIRED