The University of Antwerp | PhD Fellowship Biology 2009
The University of Antwerp is a knowledge centre with 3.600 co-workers that performs ground-breaking and innovative research of international standing. The university takes special care to ensure optimum support and supervision of students, and pays constant attention to educational innovation. The university is an autonomous pluralistic institution that is committed to the enhancement of an open, democratic and multicultural society, and it pursues an equal opportunities policy.
The Ecosystem Management Research Group at the Department of Biology has the following position available:
Ph.D.-fellowship (m/f)
Impact of sediment related contamination on ecological status
The Ecosystem Management Research Group (ECOBE) is active in basic scientific research towards ecological and biogeochemical processes in rivers, wetlands and ecosystems, and in applied environmental research aimed at optimizing ecosystem management and management.
Description of the position:
Reaching a good ecological status is hampered by different stressors. One of the important stressors are contaminants present in the sediments, which have an impact on several biological quality elements especially fish and macro-invertebrates. In the waterbodies of the Antwerp harbour for example several toxic effects have been measured within the Modelkey project despite the fact that the chemical status did not indicate potential problems. This study is focusing on the analysis of the potential impact of sediment bound chemicals on the biological quality elements used as indicators for the ecological status of the Antwerp harbour docks. This project is in close cooperation with the research group Ecophysiology, Biochemistry and Toxicology.
Objectives:
You prepare a PhD with the following aims:
Analyse the metrics used for the biological quality elements for the harbour docks and determine which biodiversity can be expected as part of the obligations of the Water Framework Directive
Estimate the impact of chemical compounds present in water and sediments on the biological quality elements describing the maximal ecological potential
Determine the cause-effect relationship of observed toxic effects
Determine the impact of resuspension of contaminated sediments due to dredging or shipping activities
Your profile:
You have a Master degree (or equivalent) by preference in Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Bio-engineering or Environmental Sciences
You have excellent study results
You are interested and/or have expertise in the field of aquatic ecology, ecotoxicology and chemical analysis and in the interpretation of data sets
Expertise in laboratory techniques, field work, data analysis and chemical analysis is a plus
We offer:
A full-time contract for 1 year, extended with 3 years following positive evaluation. The position can be taken up immediately, preferably from October 1, 2009, but timing can be discussed
A challenging and rewarding research fellowship in a dynamical and flexible international research environment, where you receive significant freedom in developing your own research interests
A stimulating international collaborative network, with opportunities for study visits abroad
Application:
You can apply until August 31, 2009
To apply send your curriculum vitae and a motivation letter to Els Van Duyse (e-mail: els.vanduyse@ua.ac.be)
More information on the scientific content can be obtained by contacting:
Prof.dr.ir. Eric de Deckere tel +32(0)3/265.21.18 e-mail: eric.dedeckere@ua.ac.be
Prof.dr. Patrick Meire tel +32(0)3/265.22.64 e-mail: patrick.meire@ua.ac.be Prof.dr. Ronny Blust tel +32(0)3/265.33.44 e-mail: ronny.blust@ua.ac.be
Nice info, will try next time