on “The effects of bioirrigation on benthic foraminifera”(vacancy number 72082)
The Darwin Center for Biogeology is a virtual Dutch research institute, which aims at performing cutting-edge science in the central field of Biogeology where Biology and Earth Sciences meet. Its research mission is to understand the functioning of global, regional and local ecosystems, focusing on change and feedback at all time scales in and between biotic and abiotic components of a changing Earth. The Center is partially funded by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO),
Recently, a new research programme was started in close collaboration between Utrecht University (UU) and the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), entitled:
Niche engineering and the evolution of biogeochemical cycles through time
Modern marine environments are characterized by complex faunal communities living in the sediment with densities and diversities that vary depending on sediment type, availability of oxygen and organic matter load arriving at the sea bottom. Some species play an extraordinary role in creating suitable environments for other taxa to live in. These keystone species, for example deep burrowing lugworms, are regarded as niche engineers. Through geological history, origination of such niche engineers is hypothesized to have lead to sudden bursts in evolution of other infaunal taxa.
The programme embraces two Ph.D. positions. Currently, we are looking for a candidate for the Ph.D. position at Utrecht University concerning the project:
The effects of bioirrigation on benthic foraminifera
Project description:
The aim of this project is to study the effects of the presence of various types of niche engineers on the surrounding meiofauna, in particular the foraminiferal population, and on biogeochemical cycling. Bioturbation, burrow ventilation, bioirrigation and grazing are activities that may have a significant impact on the vertical distribution of benthic foraminifera in marine sediments. Alternatively, foraminifera seem to have a considerable impact on the bacterial population and, consequently, the biogeochemistry.
The project will involve laboratory experiments with the coupled system biogeochemistry-bacteriaforaminifera in sediment cores with different imposed biogeochemical conditions, and with or without artificial bioirrigation. It also involves field sampling of marine sediments (Wadden Sea).
The project will be supported by ongoing modeling work within the research groups of Stratigraphy & Paleontology at Utrecht University and Microbial Ecology at NIOO-KNAW.
Qualifications:
We are looking for a highly motivated individual with excellent communication skills who is interested in interdisciplinary research combining various fields of biogeology. The candidate holds an M.Sc. or equivalent degree in an appropriate field.
Terms of employment:
We offer a full-time Ph.D. position for 4 years, with monthly salary starting at € 1956,- in the first year to € 2502,- in the last year of appointment. We also offer a pension scheme, a collective health insurance and flexible employment conditions. Conditions are based on the Collective Employment Agreement of the Dutch Universities and are supplemented with a holiday allowance of 8 % per year and a year-end bonus of 3%.
Further details:
For further details, please contact:
dr. Mariëtte Wolthers (wolthers@geo.uu.nl) or Prof.dr. Bert van der Zwaan (bzwaan@geo.uu.nl),
You may also wish to visit the following websites:
- Utrecht University’s Institute of Earth Sciences: http://www.geo.uu.nl/ivau,
- the Netherlands Institute of Ecology NIOO-KNAW: http://www.nioo.knaw.nl
- the Darwin Center for Biogeology: http://www.darwincenter.nl
How to apply:
Applications, including a curriculum vitae, a statement of your research interests, and the names and addresses of 2 references, must be sent to
Faculty of Geosciences - Personnel Department
PO Box 80115
3508 TC Utrecht, The Netherlands
or submitted by e-mail to: peno@geo.uu.nl.
The Darwin Center for Biogeology is a virtual Dutch research institute, which aims at performing cutting-edge science in the central field of Biogeology where Biology and Earth Sciences meet. Its research mission is to understand the functioning of global, regional and local ecosystems, focusing on change and feedback at all time scales in and between biotic and abiotic components of a changing Earth. The Center is partially funded by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO),
Recently, a new research programme was started in close collaboration between Utrecht University (UU) and the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), entitled:
Niche engineering and the evolution of biogeochemical cycles through time
Modern marine environments are characterized by complex faunal communities living in the sediment with densities and diversities that vary depending on sediment type, availability of oxygen and organic matter load arriving at the sea bottom. Some species play an extraordinary role in creating suitable environments for other taxa to live in. These keystone species, for example deep burrowing lugworms, are regarded as niche engineers. Through geological history, origination of such niche engineers is hypothesized to have lead to sudden bursts in evolution of other infaunal taxa.
The programme embraces two Ph.D. positions. Currently, we are looking for a candidate for the Ph.D. position at Utrecht University concerning the project:
The effects of bioirrigation on benthic foraminifera
Project description:
The aim of this project is to study the effects of the presence of various types of niche engineers on the surrounding meiofauna, in particular the foraminiferal population, and on biogeochemical cycling. Bioturbation, burrow ventilation, bioirrigation and grazing are activities that may have a significant impact on the vertical distribution of benthic foraminifera in marine sediments. Alternatively, foraminifera seem to have a considerable impact on the bacterial population and, consequently, the biogeochemistry.
The project will involve laboratory experiments with the coupled system biogeochemistry-bacteriaforaminifera in sediment cores with different imposed biogeochemical conditions, and with or without artificial bioirrigation. It also involves field sampling of marine sediments (Wadden Sea).
The project will be supported by ongoing modeling work within the research groups of Stratigraphy & Paleontology at Utrecht University and Microbial Ecology at NIOO-KNAW.
Qualifications:
We are looking for a highly motivated individual with excellent communication skills who is interested in interdisciplinary research combining various fields of biogeology. The candidate holds an M.Sc. or equivalent degree in an appropriate field.
Terms of employment:
We offer a full-time Ph.D. position for 4 years, with monthly salary starting at € 1956,- in the first year to € 2502,- in the last year of appointment. We also offer a pension scheme, a collective health insurance and flexible employment conditions. Conditions are based on the Collective Employment Agreement of the Dutch Universities and are supplemented with a holiday allowance of 8 % per year and a year-end bonus of 3%.
Further details:
For further details, please contact:
dr. Mariëtte Wolthers (wolthers@geo.uu.nl) or Prof.dr. Bert van der Zwaan (bzwaan@geo.uu.nl),
You may also wish to visit the following websites:
- Utrecht University’s Institute of Earth Sciences: http://www.geo.uu.nl/ivau,
- the Netherlands Institute of Ecology NIOO-KNAW: http://www.nioo.knaw.nl
- the Darwin Center for Biogeology: http://www.darwincenter.nl
How to apply:
Applications, including a curriculum vitae, a statement of your research interests, and the names and addresses of 2 references, must be sent to
Faculty of Geosciences - Personnel Department
PO Box 80115
3508 TC Utrecht, The Netherlands
or submitted by e-mail to: peno@geo.uu.nl.
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