The Department of Coastal Systems research (COS), NIOZ welcomes applications for the Postdoc positions: Modelling Wadden Sea Food Web Dynamics in the Netherlands.
The Post-doctoral researcher will work with NIOZ PIs and international collaborators on the modelling of the Wadden Sea food web to explore how various abiotic and biotic drivers structure and impact the functioning of the system. This modelling work derives from the need to develop a flexible platform to examine spatial and temporal changes in the tidal and sub-tidal habitats to address policy-relevant questions such as how and where to best implement nature-based solutions such as habitat restoration and/or the placement of no-take marine protected areas, and projecting climate change impacts in light of other, multiple stressors.
The focus is on including mechanistic descriptions of how trophic and non-trophic interactions influence the biogeochemical cycles and energy flow through the Wadden Sea food web. Depending on the interest of the post-doctoral researcher, there is flexibility in the work program.
Topics to be addressed by this modelling research include:
- facilitation via habitat-forming species of plants and animals creating hard substrates such as oysters and mussel beds and/or submerged aquatic vegetation;
- changes in the performance of individuals and populations based on mechanistic (physiological-based) understanding of responses to key abiotic drivers (e.g. temperature, salinity, nutrients);
- how biological traits of species, particularly macrozoobenthic organisms, influence biogeochemical cycles of nitrogen, carbon and phosphorous;
- patterns of predator-prey overlap and how predators respond to changes in prey availability or quality
- patterns of spatial connectivity across the Wadden Sea and adjacent habitats via migration patterns of consumers such as fish and birds that use the area as nursery and/or feeding grounds.
Location: Royal NIOZ COS is located on the beautiful island of Texel in the World Heritage Wadden Sea.
Duration: 2.5 years
Salary
- The salary is compliant to the CAO-OI (Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Research Institutes),
- A pension scheme,
- A holiday allowance of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8,3% of the gross annual salary,
- Flexible work arrangements and 42 days of holiday leave
- NIOZ offers generous relocation expenses for employees coming from abroad and support with finding accommodation.
Job Requirements
Here are some features that make one an ideal candidate for this Post-doctoral research position:
- Have a PhD in ecology, marine science or a closely related discipline.
- Have knowledge and/or some demonstrated experience in numerical modelling techniques used to depict trophodynamic interactions and/or food webs.
- Scientific performance is demonstrated in peer-reviewed publications.
- Have an intense yet broad curiosity on how coastal food webs function including trophodynamics and biophysical and biogeochemical feedback mechanisms.
- Strong quantitative skills in the numerical analysis of ecological field data.
- Are a team player, ambitious and have excellent written and oral communication skills.
Application Process
The applications should include:
- a cover letter describing their motivation for applying for this PhD researcher position,
- a CV including contact information for three references.
To apply for the Postdoc position: Modelling Wadden Sea Food Web Dynamics, click here.
Application Deadline: April 22, 2022.
For more information, visit the official site.
