PhD position Animal Ecology

for the project: A regime shift of benthic organisms in the Wadden Sea: causes and consequences for higher trophic levels.

The aim of this project is to analyze whether documented historic and recent dramatic changes in higher trophic levels have contributed to a regime shift of benthic organisms in the Wadden Sea, and how this change in the food base now cascades back onto higher trophic levels. In this project the PhD candidate will make an analysis of long-term abundance and diet composition data at different spatial scales, to look at historic trends and indications of long term changes in food web structure and species abundances of fish. The PhD candidate is also expected to participate closely in the joint larger field experiment and include her/his own specific sub-experiments to determine the strength of important predators (shrimp) in controlling the benthic community. Within the larger experiment, the PhD is also responsible for documentation of bird, fish and crustacean communities.

Supervisors: Dr. H.W. van der Veer, prof.dr. T. Piersma (promotor).

Location: Animal Ecology, the Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Studies (CEES), University of Groningen and the Marine Ecology and Evolution group on Texel – Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ).

University Graduate
We are looking for highly motivated, enthusiastic and creative persons with a degree in biology or environmental science, with experience and/or a clear interest in experimental field ecology. In project 1 and 3 we search for persons interested in combining experimental approaches with analyses of large scale datasets and food web interactions; in project 2 we search for a person that will combine experimental ecology and theoretical modelling. The candidates must be able to design and carry out experiments in the field, and to interpret the results statistically. Candidates should be capable to clearly report on their results, both orally and in writing. We expect that the candidate will successfully complete a PhD thesis within 4 years.

University of Groningen

Since its foundation in 1614, the University of Groningen has enjoyed an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative centre of higher education offering high-quality teaching and research. Balanced study and career paths in a wide variety of disciplines encourage the 25,000 students and researchers to develop their own individual talents. Belonging to the best research universities in Europe and joining forces with prestigeous partner universities and networks, the University of Groningen is truly an international place of knowledge.

The University provides a career advisory service for partners of new staff who move to Groningen.

The University is an equal opportunities employer. Because women are still underrepresented in a number of fields, they are particularly encouraged to apply.

Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences

Maximum salary amount in Euro's a month 2558
Employment basis: Temporary for specified period
Duration of the contract: Four years
Maximum hours per week: 38

Additional conditions of employment:
The University of Groningen offers a salary of € 2000 gross per month in the first year up to a maximum of € 2558 gross per month in the final year. Objective of the temporary 4-year position is the production of a number of research articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals, which together will form the basis of a thesis leading to a PhD degree (dr.) at the University of Groningen. After the first year, there will be an evaluation as to the feasibility of successful completion of the PhD thesis within the next three years.

Additional information about the vacancy can be obtained from:

Dr. H.W. van der Veer
E-mail address:

 
Or additional information can be obtained through one of the following links.

Letters in English language, including a personal motivation (important!), curriculum vitae, and the names and addresses of three referees (including telephone number and e-mail address), to be sent before the 12th of October 2008 to:

Also send an electronic copy of your application to:

You can apply for this job before 12-10-2008 by sending your application to:

When applying for this job always mention the vacancy number AT208232.