Graduate Studies Opportunities, Plankton Ecology

We are seeking 2 graduate students (1 Ph.D., 1 M.Sc.) who are eager to work in the field of freshwater bloom ecology. Among the projects planned are 1) the relationship between weather, lake mixing and cyanobacterial bloom development and spatial distribution, 2) the ecophysiology of bloom species, and 3) the ecology of bloom control. Research methods can range from culture work, to innovative approaches to lake monitoring, to multi-lake surveys. These graduate positions will be based at the University of Quebec at Montreal (UQAM). Financial support will be provided through a research assistantship. There is funding available for intensive research exchanges with labs with similar interests worldwide. Other projects in the same program will include public health and epidemiology, watershed – lake interactions, qPCR bloom characterization and fluorometric methods of detection.

The UQAM is a French language institution. Teaching is in French, and so M.Sc. students must know French or be prepared to learn it. Ph.D. students are not required to know French, although it would be an advantage. Interested students should send a letter of introduction, academic resume, transcripts (photocopy or scan is acceptable), and be prepared to provide the names of two references, to Dr. David Bird (bird.david@uqam.ca, 514-987-3000 ext. 7859). E-mail enquiries and applications welcome. Starting date: immediate till summer 2009. English website: http://girofle2.telecom.uqam.ca/griluqam/

NSF-IGERT Ph.D. Traineeships in Geomicrobiology

We are excited to announce the availability of Ph.D. traineeships as part of a National Science Foundation Integrative Graduate Education and Research Training (IGERT) Program focused on the geomicrobiology of complex microbiological systems. This graduate program brings together expertise in hydrodynamics, geochemistry, microbial ecology, biochemistry and genomics. The primary goal of this research and education program is to train students to use consistent and coherent interdisciplinary approaches in the study of microbial communities that lead to a more comprehensive understanding of the important interface between the biosphere and geosphere. The novel training program encompasses research scientists focused on the microbiology of extreme thermal, psychrophilic, or industrial biofilm communities. For more information and application instructions, please consult the IGERT Program on-line at www.igertmsu.montana.edu. If you need additional information regarding program content or application procedures, please contact Drs. Bill Inskeep (binskeep@montana.edu) or Christine Foreman (cforeman@montana.edu).

PhD student position in microbial ecology

PhD position in microbial ecology
at the Department of Ecology and Evolution/Limnology, Uppsala University

Project description: The major aim of the PhD project is to study the effect of environmental disturbances on the composition of bacterial communities. Particular focus will be placed on the investigation of community assembly patterns and mechanisms in temporal habitats where disturbances, such as draught and other environmental changes, occur frequently. In addition, the project will address the resistance and resilience of bacterial communities and how they are related to the strength and frequency of a disturbance. Approaches will include field studies and lab- as well as field experiments. The project also requires the application of a range of molecular techniques to characterize the bacterial community composition. The results of this project will improve our knowledge about the regulating factors of microbial diversity and the responses of microbial communities to environmental change and perturbations.

The position will be placed within the Limnology programme at the Department of Ecology and Evolution at Uppsala University http://www.ebc.uu.se/limno/.

Qualifications: We are looking for a highly motivated candidate that is interested in working at the interface between general and microbial ecology. Applicants are requested to have a BSc or MSc in biology or a related field and should have a background in ecology or microbial ecology. Previous experience in the application of molecular methods will be considered an advantage, but is not required.

Applications (1 copy) should include a brief description of research interests and past research experience, Curriculum vitae and the name and contact information of 2 personal references. Relevant publications (articles, BSc / MSc thesis or similar) should be attached to the application. Applicants are also asked to indicate the earliest feasible starting date of employment in the application.

For further information about the position, please contact Silke Langenheder, e-mail: silke.langenheder@ebc.uu.se, phone: +46 18 471 6487. The trade union representatives are Anders Grundström, SACO , phone +46 18 471 5380, Carin Söderhäll, TCO/ST, phone +46 18 471 1996 and Stefan Djurström, SEKO, phone: +46 18 471 3315. Local salary guidelines are applicable.

Please submit your application to Registrator, UFV-PA 2008/2947 Uppsala University, Box 256, SE-75105 Uppsala, Sweden, or e-mail; registrator@uu.se before January 7, 2009. If an application is sent by fax or e-mail, it has to be completed by a written application within a week's time after the deadline of the application period.

Graduate Studies in Plankton/Microbial Ecology

Opportunities are available for students interested in pursuing M.S. or Ph.D. in the area of plankton/microbial ecology at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science. Students from underrepresented minority groups are particularly welcomed. Candidates should have strong background in natural sciences and strong quantitative skills. Field/lab experience related to plankton/microbial research is highly desirable. Assistantships are provided.

Exceptional students may qualify for fellowships. Interested individuals please send a brief description of your academic background and experience. Information about my research group can be found at:

http://www.vims.edu/bio/faculty/tang_kw.html. You may also contact me by email or by phone for more information: Dr. Kam Tang; 804-684-7602; kamtang@vims.edu.

2 PhD positions - Carbon cycling, Tana River basin

2 PhD scholarships are available within the project “Carbon cycling from a catchment perspective: an integrated approach to terrestrial-aquatic linkages in the Tana River basin (Kenya)”. This project (2009-2012) is funded by the Research Foundation – Flanders, and involves a collaboration between the Department of Earth & Environmenal Sciences at the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (Steven Bouillon, Roel Merckx) and the Department of Analytical and Environmental Chemistry at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Filip Meysman, Frank Dehairs). Both positions involve a 4 year PhD research program and are available from January 2009 onwards.


PhD 1: Stable isotope biogeochemistry of the Tana River Basin (Kenya)
The goal of this PhD project is to study the role of catchment land-use, vegetation patterns and soil characteristics on the origin and processing of organic matter in the Tana river system. The PhD will be based at KUL, and the research will involve various biogeochemical measurements during field campaigns together with in situ and laboratory 13C and 15N tracer experiments. The focus will be on the characterization of different carbon pools in the Tana river basin (incl. 13C and 14C on POC, DOC, DIC, and compound-specific stable isotope work on PLFA and n-alkanes), as well as quantification of the CO2 source/sink strength and aquatic metabolism throughout this tropical river basin. The laboratory experiments will focus on the exchange and partitioning of organic matter between dissolved and particulate phases.


Profile and qualifications: We seek a creative person with a broad interest in biogeochemistry and the functioning of ecosystems, who is motivated to work in a multidisciplinary research environment. Candidates must hold a Master degree in biology, geochemistry, geology, geography, or a related field in the environmental sciences. Previous experience with organic matter characterization and/or stable isotope techniques are strong advantages. Several fieldwork campaigns in Kenya will be required. Salary and employment terms are set in accordance with the university regulations at the time of appointment. Further information can be requested from Steven Bouillon ( steven.bouillon@ees.kuleuven.be).


PhD 2: An integrated modeling approach to carbon cycling in the Tana River Basin (Kenya)

The focus of this PhD project is to arrive at a quantitative understanding of the organic matter dynamics within the Tana River basin. The PhD will be based at VUB and the work will be a combination of experiments and modelling. In the modeling part, the applicant will use existing models as a template, in order to develop a reactive transport model for the downstream part of the Tana river (~700 km segment). This model needs to better constrain the source, transport and fate of suspended matter, particulate organic carbon, and dissolved organic matter along the flowpath of the Tana river system. Simulations will be carried out in an R-based biogeochemical modeling environment. The experimental part involves the joint 13C- and 15N-labelling studies that target the microbial processing and preservation of organic matter along the river continuum. The applicant will also assist with the biogeochemical measurements in the field campaigns.

Profile and qualifications: We seek a creative person with a broad interest in biogeochemistry and the functioning of ecosystems, who is motivated to work in a multidisciplinary research environment. Candidates must hold a Master degree in biogeochemistry, oceanography, geology, geography, chemical engineering, or a related field in the environmental sciences. Quantitative skills and experience with mathematical modelling are a plus. Salary and employment terms are set in accordance with the university regulations at the time of appointment. Further information can be requested from Prof. Filip Meysman (filip.meysman@vub.ac.be ).


To apply for either of these positions, please send a motivation letter, CV and and names of three references to Steven Bouillon (PhD1) or Filip Meysman (PhD2), before 31 th of December.

GK-12 Graduate Assistantships in Environmental Science

Graduate student teaching and research assistantships are currently available for the MS and PhD Environmental Science degree programs at Washington State University Vancouver (WSUV). Graduate students enrolled in the Environmental Science graduate program may also apply for WSUV GK-12 Graduate Teaching Fellowships. GK-12 Fellows serve as graduate teaching assistants in a middle-school science classroom for an entire academic year and stipends are very competitive ($30,000/year). All teaching/research assistantships include tuition waivers as part of their stipends.

Faculty research focuses on conservation ecology and genetics, marine ecology, molecular biology, oceanography, environmental physics and geochemistry, animal behavior, and neuroscience. Please see our website for more information about our graduate programs: http://www.vancouver.wsu.edu/programs/sci/mses.html

We do not accept students without a faculty advisor so please contact a faculty member in an area of research similar to your own about the potential for admission to graduate school: http://www.vancouver.wsu.edu/programs/sci/faculty.htm

WSU Vancouver is located in Washington across the Columbia River from Portland, Oregon, and is close to the Cascades, Puget Sound, and the Pacific Ocean, and thus offers significant opportunities for research, a variety of neighboring institutions and agencies for collaboration, and an excellent quality of life. Degree programs are offered across all WSU campuses and students in Vancouver may participate in activities in Pullman.

Priority applications are due January 10, 2009. Applications received after January 10 will be considered on a rolling basis.

Please contact Brian Tissot for additional information.

Brian N. Tissot
Associate Director & Graduate Programs Coordinator
Washington State University Vancouver
14202 NE Salmon Creek Ave.
Vancouver, WA 98686
Tissot@vancouver.wsu.edu
360.546.9611; 360-546.9064 (fax)

PhD student position in microbial ecology

PhD position in microbial ecology at the Department of Ecology and Evolution/Limnology, Uppsala University

Project description: The major aim of the PhD project is to study the effect of environmental disturbances on the composition of bacterial communities. Particular focus will be placed on the investigation of community assembly patterns and mechanisms in temporal habitats where disturbances, such as draught and other environmental changes, occur frequently. In addition, the project will address the resistance and resilience of bacterial communities and how they are related to the strength and frequency of a disturbance. Approaches will include field studies and lab- as well as field experiments. The project also requires the application of a range of molecular techniques to characterize the bacterial community composition. The results of this project will improve our knowledge about the regulating factors of microbial diversity and the responses of microbial communities to environmental change and perturbations.

The position will be placed within the Limnology programme at the Department of Ecology and Evolution at Uppsala University http://www.ebc.uu.se/limno/.

Qualifications: We are looking for a highly motivated candidate that is interested in working at the interface between general and microbial ecology. Applicants are requested to have a BSc or MSc in biology or a related field and should have a background in ecology or microbial ecology. Previous experience in the application of molecular methods will be considered an advantage, but is not required.

Applications (1 copy) should include a brief description of research interests and past research experience, Curriculum vitae and the name and contact information of 2 personal references. Relevant publications (articles, BSc / MSc thesis or similar) should be attached to the application. Applicants are also asked to indicate the earliest feasible starting date of employment in the application.

For further information about the position, please contact Silke Langenheder, e-mail: silke.langenheder@ebc.uu.se, phone: +46 18 471 6487. The trade union representatives are Anders Grundström, SACO , phone +46 18 471 5380, Carin Söderhäll, TCO/ST, phone +46 18 471 1996 and Stefan Djurström, SEKO, phone: +46 18 471 3315. Local salary guidelines are applicable.

Please submit your application to Registrator, UFV-PA 2008/2947 Uppsala University, Box 256, SE-75105 Uppsala, Sweden, or e-mail; registrator@uu.se before January 7, 2009. If an application is sent by fax or e-mail, it has to be completed by a written application within a week's time after the deadline of the application period.

PhD position Marine Viral Ecology

Phytoplankton losses in relation to changes in vertical stratification

In the Department of Biological Oceanography of the NIOZ, The Netherlands, we have a vacancy for a PhD student to participate in scientific research investigating the ecological role of viruses in the ocean.

Project description: Global warming will change the upper ocean’s physics, chemistry and consequently biological processes. The STRATIPHYT project('Changes in vertical stratification and its impact on phytoplankton communities')is a multidisciplinary project within the NWO-ZKO Ocean Theme, which results will fill in gaps in knowledge of how global climate change will affect the productivity of one of the most important sections of the ocean, the Northeast Atlantic Ocean. The project includes oceanographic cruises to the Northeast Atlantic Ocean and detailed laboratory experiments with representative phytoplankton species, both to be integrated in advanced models of hydro & plankton dynamics and
productivity.

The PhD will work on Subproject 3 that aims to mechanistically understand the ecological relevance of phytoplankton loss factors (viral lysis compared to grazing and sinking) in relation to changes in vertical stratification. Changes in stratification will have major effects on the physiology, growth and species composition of phytoplankton. This will subsequently impact viral lysis, grazing and sedimentation rates, with cascading effects on ecosystem functioning and biogeochemical fluxes. Abundances, community structure and algal loss rates will be determined during two scientific research cruises. Laboratory experiments will explore the effect of climate change related environmental factors on virus-host interactions, grazing and sedimentation under well controlled conditions. We are looking for a highly motivated candidate that must have a strong background in Aquatic Microbial Ecology (marine biology, biological oceanography, microbial ecology). Ideally, the successful candidate for the position should have experience in seagoing research, working experience in aquatic microbial / virus ecology, molecular analysis of micro organisms, and flow cytometry.

We offer a full-time PhD position for 4 years, a pension scheme, a health insurance allowance, a yearly 8% vacation allowance, year-end bonus and flexible employment conditions. Conditions are based on the Collective Employment Agreement of the NWO Research Institutes.

Further information on the project and the position can be obtained from the PI of the project Dr. Corina Brussaard (Email: corina.brussaard@nioz.nl, phone +31-
222-369513), or otherwise from Jolanda Evers, Human Resources (Email:Jolanda.evers@nioz.nl, phone +31-222-369371)

Application:
Applicants should sent an application letter, CV, and the name, postal and email address of two persons familiar with the previous performance of the applicant to the Personnel Department attended to Mrs. Jolanda Evers, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ), P.O. Box 59, 1790 AB Den Burg, Texel, The Netherlands or e-mail to: jobs@nioz.nl

Closing Date: December 15th 2008 or until a qualified candidate is identified.

The NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research is an independent research institute associated with the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO). NIOZ was founded in 1876 and is one of the oldest major oceanographic institutions in Europe. Its mission is to pursue curiosity-drivenmultidisciplinary marine research in coastal and shelf seas as well as in the open ocean through close co-operation between physicists, chemists, geologists and biologists. Marine research is carried out by five scientific departments: Physical Oceanography, Marine Geology, Marine Biogeochemistry, Biological Oceanography and Marine Ecology.

PHD PROGRAMME IN TRANSNATIONAL STUDIES AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AT THE BERLIN GRADUATE SCHOOL FOR TRANSNATIONAL STUDIES

Berlin Graduate School for Transnational Studies
Scholarships: 9 Doctoral Scholarships
Date: 3 year full-time PhD programme starting September 2009
Starting date for Applications: 1 December, 2008
Deadline for Applications: 1 February, 2009
Online application: www.transnationalstudies.eu

The Berlin Graduate School for Transnational Studies (BTS), a joint endeavour of the Freie Universität Berlin (FUB), the Hertie School of Governance (HSoG) and the Social Science Research Center Berlin (WZB), announces its next call for applications for its full-time PhD programme.

All three are leading institutions in the field of political science and its neighbouring disciplines. The programme draws upon their faculty, research projects, facilities and services.

The three-year English language doctoral programme is designed for exceptionally talented and motivated graduate students. It offers state-of-the-art survey classes, a strong training in research methods and research design, skills courses and individualized supervision. While the courses and training present an important part of the curriculum, the bulk of the workload for the PhD candidates in the programme will be in the form of independent research for their dissertations.

The successful applicants will be informed in the first half of April 2009 in order to enter to the doctoral programme in September of the same year. The three-year programme has a strong focus on social science theories and methods but also welcomes applications from adjacent disciplines like economics, history, law, and area studies. Dissertation topics should refer to one of the following three areas of concentration broadly defined:

• The analysis of national and transnational causes and consequences of political, societal and cultural globalization.
• The challenges to governance in international and transnational settings including issues of politization and legitimacy, as well as in areas of limited statehood.
• The comparative study of regional cooperation, including the EU.

The application requirements for the programme are:

• An exceptionally strong completed university degree qualifying for PhD studies in political science, international relations, sociology, economics, law or adjacent disciplines.
• Proof of C1 level English language skills or the equivalent.
• CV
• A short letter of motivation (600 words maximum)
• A research proposal (5000 words maximum
• Two letters of reference from faculty members

The deadline for applications to the doctoral programme is 1 February 2009. Applicants are required to apply online. The respective website will be available from 1 December 2008 at www.transnationalstudies.eu.