The Department of Aquatic Food Webs of the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-CL) offers
2 PhD POSITIONS (M/F) Vacancy number CL-AFW-09440 Project description: Project 1, Autonomous Negative Trends (ANT) investigates the ecosystem of the 2 largest lakes in the Netherlands, IJsselmeer and Markermeer. These are wetlands of international importance, but the biodiversity of the lakes (especially birds) is in strong decline. The project aims to understand the causes of this decline, which are likely to be found in changes in the structure of the aquatic food web. This food web is under stress from re-oligotrophication , climate change, summer blooms of toxic cyanobacteria and high silt concentrations. The successful candidate will work in a team of 5 PhD students, each focusing on a separate part of the food web (one PhD candidate will focus on integration at the whole ecosystem level). In the project advertised here the emphasis will be on lower trophic levels in the foodweb: phyto- and zooplankton. Lab- and fieldwork will be combined and integrated with theoretical modeling. Experiments will be done in chemostats for phytoplankton and flow through systems for zooplankton, applying relevant combinations and levels of stressors, as mentioned in the text above. Of specific interest is the change in C:P of the phytoplankton under impact of re-oligotrophication and climate change and consequences for higher trophic levels. The history of Daphnia populations in the lake (first colonization and wax and wane through periods of eutrophication and re-oligotrophication) will be assessed using molecular markers on Daphnia clones which are hatched from sediment cores taken from sedimentation areas in the lakes. Project 2, Cyanobacterial blooms and iron addition (CyFe) aims to investigate to which extend addition of iron may mitigate blooms of nuisance cyanobacteria in shallow peat lakes. These lakes are situated in an area of the Netherlands (at the foot of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug) where – historically - strong seepage occurs, seepage water which is rich in iron that lowers the biological availability of phosphorous. Furthermore the project aims to understand shifts within the phytoplankton community. To be more specific: it has been observed that biomanipulation of these lakes has resulted in a shift from filamentous cyanobacteria to N2-fixing and colonial cyanobacteria. This shift towards colonial cyanobacteria like Microcystis has resulted in increased problems with surface bloom (scum) formation. Part of the research aims to deepen our understanding of the process of bloom and scum formation under influence of turbulent mixing, light and nutrients, in relation with the dynamics of zooplankton and submerged macrophytes. This work is integrated with modeling efforts by Deltares and NIOO to develop an early warning system, which on basis of the mid-term weather forecast predicts the occurrence (time and location) of surface blooms in recreational areas. Throughout the project lab- and fieldwork will be combined and integrated with theoretical modeling. This work is done in close collaboration with the group of Prof Huisman at the University of Amsterdam. Most of the experimental work will be done in mesocosms of various designs: from indoor mesocosms, which offer full control (so-called Limnotrons), to experimental lakes, where manipulation of macrophytes is a realistic option. The successful candidate will work closely together with a partner, employed by Radboud University, Nijmegen who will focus on biogeochemistry of iron addition. Both projects are built upon applied questions, but there is ample opportunity for more fundamental, curiosity driven research in both of them. Given the applied background the PhD students will work closely, not only with fellow PhD students and senior scientists but also with lake management. Requirements: Candidates have a master degree (or an equivalent degree) in Biology or the Environmental Sciences. Preferably they have expertise in one of the following fields: aquatic ecology, microbiology, marine biology, or plant physiology. We are looking for highly motivated candidates for these PhD positions. Successful applicants should have strong backgrounds in biology or a related subject in environmental sciences, must be team workers, have inquisitive minds, and have the stamina to bring the project to a good end. We look for candidates, who have the drive to develop themselves to professionals working at the crossroads of science and nature conservation / management. Appointment: NIOO offers a position in a leading aquatic research group, with first class experimental facilities and highly motivated colleagues. On site accommodation could be made available for the first 6 months of the project. This is a temporary 1-year appointment that upon satisfactory evaluation will be prolonged for a maximum of 4 years total. The appointment will start late summer 2009. Salary: The gross salary starts at € 2.042,- per month in the 1st year, and will gradually increase to a maximum of € 2.612,- per month in the 4th year, scale P, Collective Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO-Nederlandse Universiteiten), excluding 8% holiday pay and a year-end bonus. We offer an extensive package of fringe benefits. Location: You will be working at the Centre for Limnology (CL) in Nieuwersluis. In the course of 2010 the CL will move to Wageningen. Information: Additional information is available upon request from Dr. Bas Ibelings <mailto:Dr.%20Bas%20Ibelings> , email [email protected] / tel +31 (0294) 239337 and /or Prof. Dr. Ellen van Donk <mailto:Prof.%20Dr.%20Ellen%20van%20Donk> , email [email protected] / tel +31 (0294) 239353. Information on the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO) can be found at http://www.nioo.knaw.nl <http://www.nioo.knaw.nl/> . Application: Please send your application and short motivation including complete curriculum vitae and names and contact details of 2 referees - mentioning project 1 (ANT) or project 2 (CyFe) - to Prof. Dr. H.J. Laanbroek, NIOO, Centre for Limnology, P.O. Box 1299, 3600 BG Maarssen, the Netherlands or by e-mail to [email protected]. The closing date for application is June 24th 2009. Lisette N. de Senerpont Domis (PhD) email: [email protected] postal mail: Aquatic Food web Studies Centre for Limnology NIOO-KNAW Rijkstraatweg 6 3631 AC Nieuwersluis THE NETHERLANDS phone/fax: +31-294239351/+31-294-232-224
