PhD & postdoctoral opportunities in marine biodiversity research A PhD scholarship and a postdoctoral position are available in the Marine Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution research group, University College Dublin, Ireland (www.ucd.ie/zoology/marbee).
PhD scholarship: potential impacts of aquaculture A PhD scholarship is available as part of Sectoral IMpacts on BIOdiversity and ecoSYStem services (SIMBIOSYS), a project funded by the Environmental Protection Agency and involving researchers from Trinity College Dublin, University College Cork and University College Dublin. The research would focus on potential impacts of the oyster Crassostra gigas in Irish marine ecosystems. C. gigas has been cultured in Ireland on intertidal bag and trestle systems for ~30 years. More recently, some licenses have been issued for cultivation on the seafloor and a detailed risk analysis of this activity is being undertaken. Using sampling and experiments, this project will contribute to that risk analysis by assessing potential impacts on (i) native biodiversity, (ii) non-indigenous species whose spread may be facilitated by the oysters cultured under specified conditions and (iii) ecosystem functioning. The successful applicant would be co-supervised by Dr Tasman Crowe (University College Dublin) and Dr Francis O’Beirn (Marine Institute). They would collaborate closely with an MSc student at the Marine Institute and with other members of the SIMBIOSYS project. Funding is available for 4 years (stipend: €17,000 per annum; EU tuition fees and research costs also provided). Applicants should hold, or realistically expect to achieve this summer, at least a 2.1 honours degree (or equivalent) and/or a relevant MSc and demonstrate high potential for success in ecological research. There is no restriction on nationality, but a successful non-EU applicant would have to contribute to higher tuition fees. A driving license is essential. Experience of identifying invertebrates is desirable; skills in diving & boat-handling would also be beneficial. Deadline for applications: 13 Jun 2008; preferred start date: Aug-Sept 2008. Postdoctoral position: Biodiversity-Ecosystem Functioning relationships Field and laboratory experiments on intertidal macroalgae and biofilms will address the following questions: (i) At which level (functional group or species) does biodiversity affect functioning of ecosystems? (ii) by what mechanism does biodiversity affect functioning of ecosystems? (iii) How does the role of biodiversity in ecosystem functioning vary according to environmental context? Manipulations of biofilm will be done in collaboration with Prof D. Paterson, University of St Andrews, Scotland. Funding (from Science Foundation Ireland) is available for 2 yrs 5 mths (salary: €38,740 - 42,310). There is no restriction on nationality, but applicants requiring a work permit may need to cover additional administrative costs. Candidates should hold a PhD and must demonstrate aptitude for experimental ecological research and high quality publication. A driving license is also essential. Relevant experience in marine ecology, biofilms and/or ecosystem functioning is highly desirable. Deadline for applications: 21 May 2008; preferred start date: July-Aug 2008. * * * * * To apply for either post, send a full cv (including contact details for 2 referees) and a letter of application outlining your relevant experience to Dr Tasman Crowe – [EMAIL PROTECTED] – School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland. Tel: + 353 (0)1 716 2194, Fax: +353 (0)1 716 1152. Further information is available on request.
