Dept. of Marine Ecology, University of Gothenburg
the award will be in the area of natural sciences with specialisation in ecology
The Department of Marine Ecology has vibrant research and teaching programmes spread across three campuses: in the city of Gothenburg and at two research stations, one in Tjärnö close to the town of Strömstad, and the other in Kristineberg, Fiskebäckskil. The Department has broad research interests in a variety of specialisations of marine ecology including ocean acidification and the reproductive ecology of marine invertebrates. This 4-year (max) PhD studentship is a full-time salaried position within the Faculty. Current starting salary is 19,850 SEK per month. The position can be combined with teaching duties (up to 20% FTE per year), in which case the duration of appointment will be prolonged pro rata.
About the position: increasing levels of CO2 in the atmosphere are causing the oceans to become more acidic – the oceans are now 30% more acidic than they were when mankind began burning fossil fuels 150 years ago. Continued release of CO2 at current rates will cause ocean pH to fall far more, and estimates suggest that by the year 2100 the oceans will be up to 3x more acidic than today (pH=7.7). This PhD position is part of the jointly funded Swedish EPA/EU project ”ECOSUPPORT” (”advanced modeling tool for scenarios of the Baltic Sea ECOsystem to SUPPORT decision making”), comprising 12 partners from nations bordering the Baltic. The aim of the project is to model future effects of climate change on marine ecosystems. This PhD position will investigate the effects of marine climate change (pH, temperature, salinity) on the reproductive and early life-history ecology of key species in the Baltic, Kattegatt and
Skagerrack. This will be achieved using a combination of field observations, field and laboratory experiments in collaboration with modellers within ECOSUPPORT.
We are now looking for a biologist with a background education and BSc(Hons) or MSc (or equivalent) in a relevant topic. Selection criteria include practical experience and documented ability to conduct complex experiments in the laboratory and the field. Demonstrated research experience in inorganic marine chemistry, experimental design and analysis, larval ecology of marine
invertebrates, and/or ocean acidification will also be advantageous. The capacity to work independently and possession of good oral and written English skills are essential. The appointee will partake in experimental and modelling workshops within the ECOSUPPORT programme, and in collaboration with other researchers and PhD students.
The appointee will be located within the Department at the Tjärnö research station, under the supervision of Prof. Jon. Havenhand, from whom further details and information can be obtained (jon.havenhand@marecol.gu.se). Information regarding terms of appointment can be obtained from the Head of Department, Per Åberg (Per.Aberg@marecol.gu.se).
Applications
Applications must contain a short CV, copy/copies of degree certificate(s), a summary of the applicant’s Honours research project or (if available) Masters thesis, the address of at least one referee who has direct experience of the applicant’s previous work, plus a short statement (1-2 sides A4) addressing the applicant’s goals and ambitions within the subject area of the position, noting any particular reasons why this project is especially relevant.
Applications should be sent to:
Göteborgs universitet, Marin ekologi – Tjärnö, Annci Niklasson,
SE-452 96 Strömstad, Sweden.
Mark you application with ref. nr. E 334 4646/08
Applications should arrive no later than 5 January 2009.
Union representatives: SACO Martin Björkman, tel +46 31-773 3608, SEKO
Lennart Olsson, tel +46 31-773 1173, OFR-S Astrid Igerud, tel +46 31-773 1167.
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