Two ocean acidification PhD positions will be available at the Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Ecology (ZMT) in Bremen/Germany beginning this year. Please find below the details for each position and contact details. A first tentative deadline for applications is March 15.
The Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Ecology GmbH (Leibniz-ZMT GmbH; www.zmt-bremen.de) in Bremen is a member of the Leibniz Association, which is supported by the German Federal and State Governments. Through its research, Leibniz-ZMT GmbH contributes to developing science-based strategies for sustainable use of tropical coastal ecosystems such as mangroves, coral reefs, sea grass meadows as well as rivers, estuaries and the adjacent coastal waters. It addresses issues related to the functioning of these habitats, their interactions with the hinterland and the open ocean as well as their response to anthropogenic interventions and climate change. To cover the entire complexity of interactions between humans and the environment, the ZMT conducts research with an interdisciplinary approach which includes both natural science and social science working groups.
Effects of environmental change (nutrification, acidification) on calcareous green algae
The PhD student position will be part of the working group at ZMT focusing on the effects of environmental change (nutrification, acidification) on carbonate secreting communities. The PhD project will focus on calcareous green algae in various modern tropical environments. We are looking for a student with a background in carbonate sedimentology and/or marine botany.
Requirements:
– MSc or equivalent degree in geology or biology
– basic analytical skills in carbonate sedimentology
Contact: for questions Prof. Hildegard Westphal: hildegard.westphal@zmt-bremen.de;
applications should be sent to Isabel.sanz.jannke@zmt-bremen.de
Physiological and ontogenetic responses of tropical benthic calcifiers towards changing environments
Marine flora and fauna are facing ocean acidification, rising water temperatures and other stressors, particularly in tidal and estuarine environments. The aim of the project is to understand how selected tropical calcifying species from different phyla (coralline algae, coral, crustacean, mollusc) respond to single and combined effects of abiotic stressors in their environment. The study will focus on physiological (e.g. photosynthesis, respiration and calcification) and ontogenetic (e.g. development, growth and survival) responses of organisms and their critical tolerance levels to multiple stressors.
Requirements:
– ecophysiological background with experience in performing lab experiments with marine organisms and sound practical skills regarding their cultivation
– willingness to conduct research in the tropics, making previous field experience desirable
Contact: Dr. Andreas Kunzmann: andreas.kunzmann@zmt-bremen.de
ZMT is an equal opportunity employer. Disabled persons with comparable qualification receive preferential status. Applicants of any nationality are eligible to apply for this position. Applicants should hold a Master or ?Diploma? degree as specified above. We seek excellent and highly motivated candidates with team spirit and interest in multidisciplinary research. Proficiency in English is mandatory in all projects. All positions are for a 3-year period. Salary will be according to the German TV-L E13 (50%). The call is open until filled with an initial application review date of March 15th, 2011. Applications should include a short outline of research interests and experience, two letters of reference, and a complete CV by email in a single pdf-file to the respective contact person. For financial reasons we cannot refund travel expenses.
Leibniz-Zentrum für Marine Tropenökologie GmbH
Fahrenheitstrasse 6
28359 Bremen
Germany
Homepage: www.zmt-bremen.de
