We invite applications for a postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Freshwater and Marine Ecology, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) at the University of Amsterdam (UvA). The position will be for the duration of two years and is part of a 5-year Vidi research project funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO). The postdoctoral researcher will conduct research on corals living in extreme/marginal reef environments to better understand how environmental variability alters coral stress tolerance to future ocean conditions (warming, acidification, deoxygenation/hypoxia). This position is part of the research group of Dr Verena Schoepf (www.verenaschoepf.com).
What are you going to do?
You will investigate how fluctuating environmental conditions alter coral resistance to heat, acidification and low-oxygen stress. You will conduct controlled aquarium experiments to simulate different variability regimes in combination with future ocean conditions, analyze seawater physico-chemical conditions and conduct coral physiological analyses. You will also conduct fieldwork in extreme/marginal coral reef environments in the Caribbean where corals are naturally exposed to extreme and variable conditions. The aim is to investigate whether such an environmental history is linked to enhanced stress tolerance. Finally, you will supervise BSc and MSc student projects that are aligned with the postdoc project, and communicate your results via conference presentations and publications in peer-reviewed journals, while closely working with the project team.
Your experience and profile
- PhD in marine biology, ecology or environmental science, or a related discipline
- committed researcher, demonstrated by publications in international refereed academic journals;
- An interest in, and understanding of, how marine organisms adjust their physiology to environmental stress, especially in the context of climate change
- Experience with setting up and running aquarium experiments where temperature, pH and dissolved oxygen are manipulated
- Experience with laboratory work, preferably related to coral eco-physiology and seawater chemistry (e.g. nutrients, carbonate chemistry)
- Experience with marine fieldwork in tropical locations and willingness to conduct fieldwork in the Caribbean
- SCUBA diving certificate and scientific diving experience, preferably Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent
- Good analytical and statistical skills, including the use of programming languages such as R
- Excellent English skills and demonstrated skills in scientific writing (published papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals).
- An ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- Driving license
Any questions?
Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:
- Dr Verena Schoepf, Assistant Professor, v.schoepf@uva.nl, see also www.verenaschoepf.com
Job application
If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the link. We accept applications until and including 11 December 2022.
Applications should include the following information (all files besides your cv should be submitted in one single pdf file):
- a cover letter describing your motivation and addressing how you meet the selection criteria (2 pages max);
- a detailed CV including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience;
- a list of publications;
- the names and email addresses of two references who can provide letters of recommendation.
Only complete applications received within the response period via the link below will be considered.
Universiteit van Amsterdam, 23 November 2022. More information.
