Applications are invited for two PhD positions in aquatic ecosystem ecology as part of a long-term interdisciplinary Transregional Collaborative Research Centre (SFB/TR 38; http://www-1.tu-cottbus.de/BTU/Innov/SFB) funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and involving several laboratories in Germany and Switzerland. Projects will build on a series of field experiments conducted in an experimental area located in a former mining area of Brandenburg, Germany, which serves as a model system for virgin landscapes. The overarching goal is to assess how shifts in physical structures during initial stream ecosystem succession shape aquatic communities and ecosystem processes. Special emphasis is placed on organic matter dynamics, ecosystem metabolism and microbial communities.
PhD students will be based in the research groups of Michael Mutz at Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus, research station Bad Saarow near Berlin, Germany (http://www.tu-cottbus.de/BTU/Fak4/Gewschu/english/home_e.htm), and of Mark Gessner at Eawag/ETH near Zurich, Switzerland (http://www.eawag.ch/~gessner). Accordingly, one of the students will be enrolled at the Brandenburg University of Technology, the other at ETH Zurich. The position based at Bad Saarow will have an emphasis on the regulation of the ecosystem metabolism, that near Zurich will have a stronger focus on microbial aspects. However, close collaboration is expected throughout the project and this will involve regular travel between locations and common field work at the experimental area in Germany.
We are looking for enthusiastic, highly motivated students with a Master’s degree or equivalent in Biology, Environmental Sciences or a related field. Background in stream ecology, microbial ecology, and/or molecular ecology is an asset but not mandatory. Field work can be challenging during adverse weather conditions. A clean driving licence is essential for this project.
Positions are for up to four years. Salaries will be according to standard national salary schemes (e.g. E 13 TV-L O, Teilzeit 50 v.H.). Closing date is 31 July 2007 but applications will be accepted after this date until the positions are filled. Starting date can be as soon as 15 August 2007.
Please email complete application documents including a letter of motivation, CV, transcripts, a brief description of your Master’s research or other research experience, any publications, and names and contact details of two referees to m.mutz@limno-tu-cottbus.de. Please indicate for which of the positions you apply or whether you are interested in both. In addition, please specify ‘Kennziffer: 48/07’ on your application.
For informal enquiries you may contact PD Dr. Michael Mutz (m.mutz@limno-tu-cottbus.de) or Prof. Mark Gessner (gessner@eawag.ch or gessner@stanford.edu).
PhD students will be based in the research groups of Michael Mutz at Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus, research station Bad Saarow near Berlin, Germany (http://www.tu-cottbus.de/BTU/Fak4/Gewschu/english/home_e.htm), and of Mark Gessner at Eawag/ETH near Zurich, Switzerland (http://www.eawag.ch/~gessner). Accordingly, one of the students will be enrolled at the Brandenburg University of Technology, the other at ETH Zurich. The position based at Bad Saarow will have an emphasis on the regulation of the ecosystem metabolism, that near Zurich will have a stronger focus on microbial aspects. However, close collaboration is expected throughout the project and this will involve regular travel between locations and common field work at the experimental area in Germany.
We are looking for enthusiastic, highly motivated students with a Master’s degree or equivalent in Biology, Environmental Sciences or a related field. Background in stream ecology, microbial ecology, and/or molecular ecology is an asset but not mandatory. Field work can be challenging during adverse weather conditions. A clean driving licence is essential for this project.
Positions are for up to four years. Salaries will be according to standard national salary schemes (e.g. E 13 TV-L O, Teilzeit 50 v.H.). Closing date is 31 July 2007 but applications will be accepted after this date until the positions are filled. Starting date can be as soon as 15 August 2007.
Please email complete application documents including a letter of motivation, CV, transcripts, a brief description of your Master’s research or other research experience, any publications, and names and contact details of two referees to m.mutz@limno-tu-cottbus.de. Please indicate for which of the positions you apply or whether you are interested in both. In addition, please specify ‘Kennziffer: 48/07’ on your application.
For informal enquiries you may contact PD Dr. Michael Mutz (m.mutz@limno-tu-cottbus.de) or Prof. Mark Gessner (gessner@eawag.ch or gessner@stanford.edu).
