PhD Scholarship in Experimental Zooplankton Ecology

Technical University of Denmark -National Institute for Aquatic Resources (DTU Aqua)

A PhD position in experimental zooplankton ecology is available at the National Institute for Aquatic Resources (DTU Aqua) with starting date June 2014. DTU Aqua is a department at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) which focuses on research, advice and education in aquatic science and technology.

The position is affiliated with the Section for Marine Ecology and Oceanography at DTU Aqua (www.aqua.dtu.dk) and the Department of Biological Oceanography at the Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde (IOW), Germany (www.io-warnemuende.de/). The PhD position is part of an interdisciplinary BONUS project aiming at understanding causes, consequences and management implications of biodiversity changes in the Baltic Sea. The PhD student will study the physiological tolerance, phenotypic plasticity and adaptation capabilities of Baltic zooplankton in relation to environmental factors and projected future climate change.

Responsibilities and tasks The PhD project aims at providing a mechanistic understanding of potential changes in species composition and spatial distribution of Baltic key zooplankton in response to environmental change. The candidate will conduct experimental studies of the following aspects of zooplankton ecology: i) physiological tolerance and limits with regard to salinity and temperature, ii) phenotypic plasticity in important life history traits and iii) capacity to local adaptation.

The project will be carried out through international cooperation between DTU Aqua, which is situated in Charlottenlund, Denmark, and IOW in Warnemünde, Germany. Candidates should, therefore, be prepared to spend part of their time conducting experimental work at IOW in Germany.

QualificationsCandidates should have a master's degree in Biology, Aquatic Science and Technology or a similar degree with competences in marine biology. Experience in experimental designs, test and analyses or in experimental studies of zooplankton ecology is desirable. Similarly, knowledge and experience in culturing techniques of phyto- and zooplankton is of advantage.

Approval and EnrolmentThe scholarships for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval, and the candidates will be enrolled in Life Science Program at DTU. For information about the general requirements for enrolment and the general planning of the scholarship studies, please see the DTU PhD Guide.

AssessmentThe assessment of the applicants will be made by Associate Professor Marja Koski and Senior Research Scientist Jörg Dutz.

We offerWe offer an interesting and challenging job in an international environment focusing on education, research, public-sector consultancy and innovation, which contribute to enhancing the economy and improving social welfare. We strive for academic excellence, collegial respect and freedom tempered by responsibility. DTU is a leading technical university in northern Europe and benchmarks with the best universities in the world.

Salary and appointment termsThe salary and appointment terms are consistent with the current rules for PhD degree students. The period of employment is 3 years.

Further information 
For further information about the project, please contact Senior Research Scientist Jörg Dutz, jdu@aqua.dtu.dk, +45 3588 3418 or Associate Professor Marja Koski, mak@aqua.dtu.dk, +45 3588 3407.

Please do not send applications to these E-mail addresses, instead apply online as described below.

You can read more about DTU Aqua on aqua.dtu.dk.

ApplicationPlease submit your online application no later than 22 April 2014.

To view the full announcement and to apply, please click the Apply button below.