The Department of Estuarine and Delta Systems (EDS, Royal NIOZ Yerseke) is looking for a highly motivated PhD to investigate bio-geochemical processes in intertidal environments in the Netherlands and China by means of comparative field studies and experiments. The selected candidate will collaborate in a multidisciplinary project to develop exciting scientific insights, and thereby contribute to management solutions for deltas in transition.

JOINT RESEARCH PROJECT BETWEEN CHINA AND THE NETHERLANDS “COPING WITH DELTAS IN TRANSITION"

Deltas, under pressure from climate change and increasing human activities, are undergoing transitions in their abiotic and biotic systems. Especially when the pressures exceed certain thresholds, substantial or even irreversible changes (i.e. regime shifts) can take place. The objectives of the joint research project are to identify the relevant thresholds, regimes and timescales, and to explore measures for coping with the transitions. The research is multi-disciplinary, covering hydrodynamics, sediment dynamics, geomorphology, biogeochemistry, and ecology. The project is financed by The Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST).

In this project, the Royal NIOZ collaborates with Delft University of Technology, SKLEC East China Normal University, and Tsinghua University. Within the Royal NIOZ, the focus is on changes in biogeochemical and biophysical processes in the intertidal environment.

THE VACANCY

Intertidal environments, such as tidal flats, salt marshes, and seagrass meadows, have high ecological and societal values, sustaining important coastal food webs. These habitats offer many ecosystem services, such as nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration, and coastal protection. The delivery of these services is to a large extent regulated by the species that inhabit these environments. For example, bioturbation intensity by benthic macroinvertebrates affects nutrient cycles. Human interferences and climate change might lead to changes in biodiversity of the intertidal environment, especially to changes in species functional traits which might result in a change in ecosystem services delivered.

In the PhD project “Bio-geochemical processes in intertidal environments under transition”, the candidate will study nutrient and carbon cycling processes in a variety of intertidal estuarine environments in the Netherlands (Westerschelde, Oosterschelde, Ems) and China (Yangtze), focusing on bare tidal flats.

The study will focus on (1) benthic primary production and sediment metabolism (2) the impact of animal activity on nutrient cycling. The PhD will work in a larger multidisciplinary team, and combine observations and modelling. More specifically, experimental and field observations on the effect of inundation/drying of tidal flats on sediment functioning, temperature, as well as the impact of resuspension/deposition processes induced by currents and waves (including extreme events) will be combined. Different sediment types will be selected to study the effect of bioturbation and bio-irrigation by the macrobenthos on sediment metabolism. Impacts of sediment supply and suspended sediment concentrations on benthic processes will also be part of the study.

The PhD will measure nutrient and oxygen fluxes, bio-irrigation and bioturbation rates, benthic primary production rates, and benthic composition in different types of intertidal habitats (sandy, muddy, exposed, sheltered, etc.) and in different seasons. From this, existing benthic biogeochemical models will be further developed and used to assess and quantify the transformations and fluxes of carbon and nutrients, in order to evaluate their response to future changes in deltas under transition. Ultimately the results will be used to predict possible future changes in the carrying capacity of these ecosystems and its effect on coastal food webs and nutrient cycles. Results may also be amenable to test if there is a risk for system collapse due to regime shifts in physical forcings.

The PhD will closely collaborate with other PhD’s in the project, especially with another Royal NIOZ PhD that will investigate bio-physical interactions in intertidal habitats.

Are you a highly-motivated and proactive researcher with an MSc degree in oceanography, ecology, biology or physical geography, with an affinity for biogeochemistry? Are you interested in doing innovative fundamental research in intertidal environments that may support future management of changing deltas? Do you like to work in muddy environments in the Netherlands and China? And are you not afraid of mathematical modelling? Then we gladly invite you to apply.

We are looking for a highly motivated PhD that has a good knowledge of marine (benthic) ecology. Good statistical knowledge and modelling affinity, as well as a feeling for basic physics, are a prerequisite. The candidate should have a keen interest in doing cutting-edge fundamental research, which can be translated into applicable knowledge. Candidates should be capable to plan and organize their own work, organize and carry out fieldwork in The Netherlands and China and meet deadlines imposed by the project. Excellent communication skills and an open collaborative attitude are essential for the success of this project.

The perfect candidate is open-minded, collaborative and communicative, and easily interacts with interdisciplinary project partners. Good English oral and writing skills are essential, as the candidate must publish the findings in scientific journals and effectively communicate results to partners and end-users.

Employment of this position at Royal NIOZ is by NWO (The Netherlands Organization of Scientific Research). We offer a position for 4 (fulltime) years with an excellent salary, a pension scheme, a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, a year-end bonus, and flexible work arrangements. You may expect attractive secondary employment conditions. We offer generous relocation expenses for employees coming from abroad and support with finding accommodation. Our labour policies are based on the Dutch Collective Labour Agreement of Research Centers.  

Estuarine and Delta Systems (EDS, Royal NIOZ Yerseke)

The Department of Estuarine and Delta Systems (EDS, Royal NIOZ Yerseke) is looking for a highly motivated PhD to investigate bio-geochemical processes in intertidal environments in the Netherlands and China by means of comparative field studies and experiments. The selected candidate will collaborate in a multidisciplinary project to develop exciting scientific insights, and thereby contribute to management solutions for deltas in transition.