Job Utrecht University, Faculty of Geosciences - PhD researcher in Sediment Biogeochemistry (1,0 fte)

The PhD-researcher will be employed in a project on: 

Recovery of sediment biogeochemical processes from anoxia

Low-oxygen conditions (hypoxia) are becoming increasingly common in coastal waters worldwide. While hypoxia can occur naturally, there is strong evidence for a world-wide increase in coastal hypoxia linked to human-activities, such as coastal eutrophication and climate-change. Hypoxia leads to mortality of benthic fauna and major changes in ecosystem functioning.  Within the framework of the Darwin Center for Biogeosciences, a new project will focus on how coastal sediment ecosystems recover from hypoxia. Partners include researchers at the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW).

We are looking for a highly motivated individual with an MSc or equivalent degree in Geosciences, Oceanography, Environmental Sciences or a related field. Experience, or a strong interest in biogeochemistry and modeling is desirable. He/she should communicate easily in English, both verbally and in writing.

Successful candidates will be offered a full-time PhD position for a period of four years, contingent on a (yearly) satisfactory performance, and with the specific intent that it results in a doctorate within this period. Conditions are based on the Collective Labour Agreement of the Dutch Universities. The gross monthly salary starts at € 2,042.- in the first year and increases to € 2,612.- in the fourth year, and is supplemented by a holiday allowance of 8% per year and a year-end bonus of 8.3%. We also offer a pension scheme, a health insurance allowance and flexible employment conditions

Utrecht University’s Faculty of Geosciences offers education and research concerning the geosphere, biosphere, atmosphere and anthroposphere. With a population of 2,200 students (BSc and MSc) and 575 staff, the faculty is a strong and challenging organisation. The faculty is organised in four Departments: Innovation and Environmental Sciences, Earth Sciences, Physical Geography, and Human Geography and Urban and Regional Planning.

For further details contact Dr Caroline Slomp at slomp@geo.uu.nl or 0031-30-2535514

You may also wish to visit the website of the Faculty of Geosciences: http://www.geo.uu.nl/ and the Geochemistry group: http://www.geo.uu.nl/Research/Geochemistry