NIOZ is looking for a highly motivated marine researcher to join the team of Principal Investigators (PI) in its department of Coastal Systems research (COS). Depending on the qualifications of the successful applicant, the position will be filled at either a Senior (tenured) or Tenure-track level. The PI will (co-)develop world-leading research on the dynamics of macrozoobenthic organisms and communities within marine food webs. The position complements long-standing expertise at COS in advancing fundamental ecological understanding of marine systems.

The Vacancy
The PI is expected to establish a world-class, sea going research unit advancing fundamental process understanding on marine macrozoobenthic organisms and/or communities using a variety of approaches. There is considerable flexibility for the selected candidate to shape her/his own research line in consideration of the NIOZ strategic plan.  Examples of research areas may include (but are not limited to):

• using ecophysiological measurements to gain a cause-and-effect understanding of how abiotic and biotic factors interact to impact the vital rates (growth, reproduction, survival) of macrozoobenthic organisms;
• employing field sampling and experiments to understand processes shaping the distribution and productivity of macrozoobenthic taxa and ecosystem-level resilience to change;
• applying cellular and molecular measures including genetics to understand the trophodynamic structure and function of macrozoobenthic communities;
• coupling field and laboratory measurements within models to advance predictive capacity of the (cumulative) effects of pressures (e.g. climate change, changes in nutrient loading, habitat modification due to coastal or offshore infrastructure) on species, habitats and ecosystems;
• investigating the role of (changes in) macrozoobenthos communities in the functioning of the wider marine ecosystem (from sediment dynamics to predators).

The successful candidate will benefit from (and should take advantage of) ongoing, long-term macrozoobenthos sampling programs at NIOZ. These include SIBES and/or Balgzand in the shallow Wadden Sea. Field research can include a variety of habitats from estuaries, tidal flats, shallow coastal zones to deeper water areas (e.g. central North Sea). The PI should also be prepared to take advantage of the existing, cross-departmental research facilities offered at NIOZ particularly its oceanographic research fleet as well as its research aquarium.

You have a PhD plus relevant Post-doctoral or other professional research experience in ecology, marine science or a closely related discipline and a strong track record of process investigations on macrozoobenthic organisms and/or communities. You have an affinity for addressing ecological questions using a collaborative, cross-disciplinary, state-of-the-art approach. You are ready to lead an effective research team including the mentoring of early career scientists, building active collaboration at NIOZ research facilities. You have demonstrated success at building national and international research collaboration and a strong track record of publishing in peer-reviewed journals.

Fixed-term contract: 5 years.

Employment of this position at Royal NIOZ is by NWO (The Netherlands Organization of Scientific Research). Depending on the qualifications of the successful candidate, we offer either a lifetime (tenured) or tenure-track (review within 5 years) position.
In case the position is offered at the tenure-track level, the candidate will be hired for 5 years. At the end of a successful tenure track term, a permanent scientific staff position will be offered up to the level of senior scientist. Criteria for evaluation comprise a track record of publications that is far above average, proven skills in acquiring funding, and an international network.
The salary is compliant to the CAO-OI (Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Research Institutes), a pension scheme, a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, a year-end bonus of 8,3% of the gross annual salary, flexible work arrangements and 42 days of holiday leave (fulltime position).
You may expect attractive secondary employment conditions. We offer generous relocation expenses for employees coming from abroad and support with finding accommodation.
Royal NIOZ COS is located on the beautiful island of Texel in the World Heritage Wadden Sea. Texel offers sun, wind and beach, and a diverse but moderate level of facilities, including a thriving tourist industry, shops, sports facilities, primary schools and a high school. It is connected to the main land by an hourly to half-hourly ferry service, with crossings taking 20 minutes. The Royal NIOZ is situated next to the ferry terminal.

NWO-NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research

NWO-NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research is the national oceanographic institute and principally performs academically excellent multidisciplinary fundamental and frontier applied marine research addressing important scientific and societal questions pertinent to the functioning of oceans and seas. Second, NIOZ serves as national marine research facilitator (NMF) for The Netherlands scientific community. Third, NIOZ stimulates and supports multidisciplinary fundamental and frontier applied marine research, education and marine policy development in the national and international context.

COS integrates state-of-the art laboratory

The Department of COS integrates state-of-the art laboratory, field, and numerical modelling studies in frontier explorations of the drivers of the dynamics of marine habitats and food webs. COS examines how physical, chemical and biological processes interact to determine the distribution, composition and productivity of marine species - from primary producers to top predators - and marine habitats - from the coast to inter/sub-tidal and pelagic environments. Research is applied at both the regional and global scales.