Jobs

PhD position in Community Ecology f/m

PhD position in Community Ecology f/m
For 1,0  fte

Vacancy number: 1.2012.00014

The department of Ecological Science, section Animal Ecology, VU University Amsterdam, The Netherlands has a PhD position available for the project:

"Community responses to extreme weather events"
Climate change is predicted to increase the frequency of extreme weather events, such as heat waves or dry spells. Differences among species in the ability to cope with these extreme environmental conditions may disturb species interactions and cause unexpected shifts in community composition that cannot be predicted from studying single species. In this project we aim to understand community responses to climate change using a terrestrial soil invertebrate community on the green beach of the island of Schiermonnikoog as a model system. Experimental work will include 1) measuring species performance over gradients of temperature, moisture, and salinity in the laboratory; 2) creating experimental communities to quantify shifts in species composition after an extreme event; and 3) assessing the impacts of repeated extreme events on the ecological communities in the field. The research will be carried out at the VU University in Amsterdam and on the island of Schiermonnikoog.

Tasks
• Executing scientific research as detailed in the project description;
• publication of results of the research in scientific journals as well as in a thesis;
• assisting in undergraduate courses given within the Department of Ecological Science;
• following the PhD educational programme as prescribed by the institute.
Requirements
• MSc degree in Biology, preferably with advanced courses in ecology, evolutionary biology, ecophysiology, or equivalent;
• affinity to work with small invertebrate species;
• proficiency in both written and spoken English;
• excellent social skills, ability to work independently and high motivation will be assets.
Further particulars
The initial appointment will be for a period of 1 year. After satisfactory evaluation of the initial
appointment, it can be extended for a total duration of  4 years. This period has to result in a written thesis. You can find information about our excellent fringe benefits of employment at www.workingatvu.nl 
 
Salary
The salary will be in accordance with university regulations for academic personnel, and amounts
€2.042,- gross per month in the first year up to €2.612,- in the fourth year (salary scale 85) based on a full-time employment.

Information
For additional information please contact: Dr. M.P. Berg
Phone number +31 (0)20 59 87077
E-mail: m.p.berg@vu.nl

Application
Upon request, applicants can obtain the complete project description from Désirée Hoonhout (tel. +31 20 5987004; desiree.hoonhout@falw.vu.nl). Further information can be obtained from Dr. M.P. Berg (tel. +31 20 5987077; m.p.berg@vu.nl). Applicants are requested to write a letter in which they describe their abilities and motivation, accompanied by a curriculum vitae and two reference names. Written applications should be sent before February 16, 2012 to: VU University Amsterdam, attn. Dr. Y.K.M. Kops, managing director, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
It is also possible to apply by e-mail to: vacature.falw@vu.nl

Please mention the vacancy number in the e-mail header or at the top of your letter and on the envelope.

Any other correspondence in response to this advertisement will not be dealt with.

We have no jobs at our department but you can also check for other possibilities at the Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences (mainly in Dutch).