Limnology Jobs & Studentships
Updated: 12 June 2008
Notices on the availability of limnologically-oriented jobs and graduate student opportunities are accepted. There is no charge for the service at this time, which is available to SIL members and non-members. Submissions may be edited for length and clarity. Those deemed inappropriate to the SIL mandate will be rejected at the discretion of the SILNews Editor.
Submissions should include: 1) a short title describing the position (job or graduate studentship), 2) location and duration of the position, 3) closing date for applications, 4) a short paragraph describing the position, including any citizenship, educational or employment prerequisites, and 5) information on where potential applicants may obtain further information, including names of contact persons, telephone numbers, fax numbers, e-mail addresses, and web site addresses, where appropriate.
Click here to submit an advertisement for the web site.
Senior scientist position
Duration: up to 4 years
Location: Potsdam, near Berlin (Germany)
Close date: until filled (posted 12 June 2008)Within a cooperation of the Dep. of Ecology/Ecosystem Modelling, Potsdam University (close to Berlin, Germany) and the Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB, Berlin) an up to 4-year position (last starting date 01.12.2008) is available for a scientist with a strong background in theoretical aquatic ecology, with special emphasis on food web analysis. It is part of the EU Marie Curie Transfer of Knowledge Project FEMMES (FEedback Mechanisms in Models for Ecological forecastS) and linked to the Graduate Initiative UPGradE and designated to advance the Centre of Ecological Modelling at Potsdam University.
Details of the research to be conducted are open to discussion and should be linked to previous experiences and current research interests of the applicant and to ongoing research of the hosts. To complement the expertise already available research in community ecology (e.g. analysis of ecological networks, trophic interactions in multi-trophic systems), adaptability of ecological systems and their representation in mathematical models (preferentially based on systems of differential equations) and climate change research is particularly welcomed. The analyses may be based on unusually comprehensive, temporally and taxonomically highly resolved measurements of plankton biomass, production and feeding interactions in e.g. Lake Constance and Lake Müggelsee which already provided the basis for quantitative food web models which may be further analyzed. Related topics are also welcomed as is teaching of post-graduate students.
The salary depends on the scientific experience and will include a substantial mobility allowance during the first two years. Language requirements: English fluent in speaking and writing, knowledge of German is not essential but helpful. The successful candidate is expected to hold a Ph.D. (preferentially since several years) and to have an excellent publication record in the field of conceptual ecology and modelling. Eligible are (1) Non-Germans who did not stay in Germany for > 1 year during the past 3 years, and (2) Germans who worked outside the EU or associated countries during at least 4 of the past 5 years.
Applications (including a CV, research proposal, and publication list) will be considered until the position is filled and should be sent by e-mail to Prof. Ursula Gaedke (gaedke@uni-potsdam.de). The previous 3 EU fellows acquired funding to continue their stay in Potsdam. We are trying to establish a tenured professorship on biological network analysis at Potsdam University. For further information see http://www.igb-berlin.de, http://www.bio.uni-potsdam.de/professuren/oekosystemmodellierung (incl. EU-Project FEMMES), and http://brandenburg.geoecology.uni-potsdam.de/users/schroeder/upgrade/home.html (Ph.D. Initiative „UPGradE“) and/or contact us (Prof. Dr. Ursula Gaedke, Institute for Biochemistry and Biology, Potsdam University, Am Neuen Palais 10, D-14469 Potsdam, Tel. +49 (0) 331 9771900; Prof. Dr. Klement Tockner, Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), Müggelseedamm 310, 12561 Berlin, tockner@igb-berlin.de, Tel.: +49(0)30 64181-601).
Contact person:
Prof. Dr. Ursula Gaedke
Ecosystem Maulbeerallee 2
D-14469 Potsdam, GERMANY
Telephone: ++49 (0)331 977-1900
Fax: ++49 (0)331 977-1948
Email: gaedke@uni-potsdam.de
PhD position
Duration: 3 years (+ extension for 3 more years)
Location: Potsdam, near Berlin (Germany)
Close date: 1 September 2008Within the DFG Priority Programme AQUASHIFT (The impact of climate variability on aquatic ecosystems: Match and mismatch resulting from shifts in seasonality and distribution) a Ph. D. position (50% E13) is available from now onwards for modelling trophic interactions within plankton communities during spring succession. Extending previous research (e.g. Tirok & Gaedke 2007 Oecologia; Tirok & Gaedke 2007 Aquat. Microbial Ecol.; Tirok & Gaedke, subm.; all available upon request) and based on outstanding data sets on long-term observations of plankton abundance, we aim to study predator (e.g. algivorous ciliates) prey (e.g. small phytoplankton) interactions and how they are modified by climate change. Special attention is given to a suitable representation of the adaptability (microevolution) of natural food webs at the level of individuals, populations and communities in the mathematical models since these are regarded as crucial for understanding and predicting ecosystem dynamics under climate change. This is done by exploring new methods to account for the natural diversity in the models. We consider recent developments in conceptual ecology (e.g. variability-biodiversity debate, complexity-stability debate) in our process-based ecological modelling based on systems of ordinary differential equations (occasionally also partial differential equations).
The project is linked to our EU Programme FEMMES (Feedback Mechanisms in Models for Ecological forecastS), and the successful candidate is invited to join the Potsdam Graduate Initiative UpGradE on “Modelling the response of populations, species and communities to global change”. This Graduate Initiative conducts interdisciplinary research and an education program which deals with different ecological and evolutionary aspects of the response of populations, species, and communities to global change and other anthropogenic impacts.
Applicants must have an above-average Master’s degree or equivalent in Natural Sciences and a good background and interest in conceptual/theoretical ecology and mathematics. Preknowledge in limnology and computer simulations (including e.g. MatLab) is highly welcome but not essential.
Applications, preferably in electronic form, should be send as soon as possible and should include a CV, copies of degree certificates, and possibly a letter of recommendation to Prof. Dr. Ursula Gaedke (email: gaedke@uni-potsdam.de). For more specific information see also the web pages (e.g. http://www.bio.uni-potsdam.de/professuren/oekosystemmodellierung ; http://www.ifm-geomar.de/?id=1985&L=1; http://brandenburg.geoecology.uni-potsdam.de/users/schroeder/upgrade/members.html ), and the literature provided and/or contact us.
Contact person:
Prof. Dr. Ursula Gaedke
Ecosystem Maulbeerallee 2
D-14469 Potsdam, GERMANY
Telephone: ++49 (0)331 977-1900
Fax: ++49 (0)331 977-1948
Email: gaedke@uni-potsdam.de
Joint Master: Ecocatch - Ecological Management of Catchments in Europe
Duration: 2 years (120 ECTS)
Location: Joint Master Programme, a cooperation between 8 European universities (www.ecocatch.eu/universities)
Close date: Varying dates at the different partner universitiesThe catchment an area that is drained by a river has become the basic unit for planning of a future sustainable society since the Water Framework Directive (WFD) has been adopted by EU. The WFD aims at making all water bodies of good qualitative and quantitative status and to protect and use the water resources in an ecological and sustainable way. Hence, there is an urgent need for professionals handling the implementation of the WFD.
The Ecocatch programme will make you acquainted with the ideas of the directive and familiar with the various environmental conditions prevailing in different parts of Europe. Most uniquely, you will learn to integrate the effects of all different ecosystems that the water passes through on the way from the source to the sea. You collaborate with students from different European countries, learning from each other and enjoying studying together.
The programme’s unique broad-based approach and the international European embedding of our programme means that with a European Master's degree in ‘Ecocatch’ under your belt, you will be well equipped to conduct research at universities and other research institutes (e.g. those affiliated with the National Academies of Arts and Sciences) across Europe. You can also aim for a career in central or regional government (e.g. at the ministries of environment or agriculture), at water boards, private companies or consultancies, conservation organisations or non-governmental organisations. Given that the Water Framework Directive is mandatory and is urgently required throughout Europe, the demand for graduates with a Master’s in the ecological management of catchments is considerable.
More info is available at the Ecocatch website: www.ecocatch.eu
MSc in Aquatic Resource Management
Duration: One year full time
Location: Kings College London (KCL) England and the University Marine Biological Station Millport (UMBSM) Scotland.The course is designed for those seeking vocational employment or research opportunities within the broad field of freshwater, estuarine and marine resources, their development conservation, regulation and management. A key feature of the course is the three month project placement (internship) within an organisation engaged in aquatic management or research.
The course has developed extensive links with the Environment Agency, other government agencies and departments, environmental consultancies and water utilities who provide a wide range of visiting lecturers in addition to placement opportunities. The course also has an outstanding employment record with over 90% of graduates gaining employment in the water management or research fields.
NERC studentships and departmental bursaries are available. For further details, course brochure or application form visit:
www.kcl.ac.uk/schools/sspp/geography/masters/aquatic.htmlContact person:
Dr Tony Bark
Department of Geography
Kings College London
150 Stamford Street, London SE1 9NN
United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7848 4403
Email: tony.bark@kcl.ac.uk
Ph.D Student, Paleoclimatology/Paleolimnology
Duration: 3 years
Location: INRS, Québec, Canada
Close date: noneThis project will be part of a multi-proxy study using chironomids, pollen, diatoms, grain size analysis and pigment analysis to reconstruct climate change through the Holocene. Students can chose between chironomids, pollen or diatom analysis. The project will include extensive fieldwork from spring to autumn 2004 to develop a training set in Quebec.
Short courses (2 weeks to a few months) with other specialists can be taken to improve the students's knowledge in taxonomy (e.g., in London for chironomids; in Ontario for diatoms; in Switzerland for pollen).
This project also includes a close collaboration with hydrologists at INRS to model the effect of climate change (past and future) on lake ecosystems in Quebec. This is a good opportunity for students be part of a multidisciplinary research project.
Contact person:
Isabelle Larocque
INRS-ETE, 2800 rue Einstein
Québec
Canada
Telephone: 1-418-654-3115
Fax: 1-418-654-2600
E-mail: isabelle_larocque@inrs-ete.uquebec.ca
MSc in Freshwater and Coastal Sciences
Duration: Can be taken as a one year full-time programme or on a part-time basis.
Location: The course is jointly convened by School of Biological & Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary, University of London (QMUL) and the Department of Geography, University College London (UCL)Aquatic ecosystems are vital global resources. However, issues such as habitat degradation, pollution, species introductions and climate change, severely threaten their ecological integrity and sustainability. The MSc in Freshwater and Coastal Sciences (FACS) aims to provide students with the necessary skills to understand and tackle these issues.
The programme is taught jointly by staff from the School of Biological & Chemical Sciences at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) and the Department of Geography at University College London (UCL). Together these two institutions offer possibly the best range of expertise in the aquatic ecosystem sciences within any UK university. This is further complemented by the involvement of staff from other departments (UCL Biology) and organisations such as the UK Environment Agency, NERC Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH), Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), the National Park authorities.
A wide range of systems are covered, from headwater streams, through rivers, lakes and estuaries to coasts. Field work is a key feature of many modules and is continued via a substantive individual research project, providing students with key independent research skills for further PhD research and hence into academia, or for prospective employment in the applied sector.
For more information:
Mrs Maggie Moran
School of Biological & Chemical Sciences
Queen Mary, University of London, Mile End Rd
London, United Kingdom
Telephone: 44 (0)20 7882 3012
Email: sbcs-pgadmissions@qmul.ac.uk