University of Antwerp
The University of Antwerp is an open, student-oriented, democratic and pluralistic university. It aims for high quality and stimulates innovation in education, research and service. It is the ambition of the Universiteit Antwerpen to find answers for actual and relevant scientific, social and policy problems.
Starting from a solid tradition, it continuously aims for a renewing, original and multidisciplinary approach. As a privileged actor in the contemporary knowledge society, the Universiteit Antwerpen considers itself predestined to play a pioneering role in the context of a number of pillars of research of national and international renown. It thinks of multidisciplinary collaboration as an important stimulator of innovative research and supports the development of initiatives in virgin paths and territories of research that might lead to innovating insights.
The University of Antwerp takes special care over all employees, as the quality of education, research and service also depends on them. Every member of staff as an individual can count on the recognition of his/her dignity and of his/her contribution to the realization of the tasks of the university. All members of staff are expected to treat each other on equal terms and in a spirit of mutual respect and trust. Staff policy is oriented at bringing about sustainable staff relations by means of e.g. aiming for maximal opportunities for development and promotion for those who have the appropriate qualifications and capacities, aiming for maximal job security, with a strong social concern, in particular for the family duties of the members of staff, and aiming for equal opportunities for women and members of staff with a migrant background.
In the department of biology of the Faculty of Sciences is following full-time position (m/f) available:
PhD-fellowship
Biological control on silica fluxes through upland ecosystems
Background:
The Ecosystem Management Research Group (ECOBE) is active in basic scientific research towards ecological and biogeochemical processes in rivers, wetlands and ecosystems in general, and in applied environmental research aimed at optimizing ecosystem management.
Function:
- You are directly participating in innovative research towards the role of ecosystems in the terrestrial silica cycle. This is a quickly developing research topic, in which the Ecosystem Management Research Group has gained international recognition.
- During your fellowship, you will develop silica-signatures for several ecosystems (forest, cropland and grassland), using advanced isotope techniques and weathering product ratios. These signatures will be linked to silica signatures observed in riverine ecosystems, to track the relative influence of upland ecosystems in controlling riverine fluxes of silica.
- The fellowship is part of cooperative FWO (Research Foundation Flanders, 2009-2013) project involving the KULeuven (Research Group Physical Geography), University of Antwerp (Ecosystem Management Research Group and the Research Group Ecophysiology, Biochemistry and Toxicology) and Africamuseum in Tervuren (Brussels).
- You are required to apply for a PhD fellowship sponsored by FWO during your first year of employment. The team leaders will help you in preparing this application. Meanwhile, you are funded as a University of Antwerp PhD fellow.
Your profile:
- You have a masters degree in Biology, Geology, Environmental Sciences, Earth Sciences or in a relevant research field.
- Knowledge of the statistical software R or S-PLUS and GIS-applications is a plus.
- You are an ambitious young researcher, prepared to dig her- or himself for 100% into an innovative new research topic
- Knowledge of biogeochemical cycles in either aquatic or terrestrial ecosystems, or both, is a plus.
- Expertise in laboratory techniques is welcome
Our offer:
- A challenging and rewarding research fellowship in a dynamical research environment
- A starting contract for one year, that can be prolonged to 4 years after positive evaluation
- The contract can take effect from September 2009. The starting date can be determined together with the successful applicant.
- A wide range of possibilities to attend scientific courses
- Regular dissemination of you research at international conferences
- A flexible research environment, where you receive a significant freedom in developing your own research project. This occurs in continuous interaction with the team leaders, and should enhance and stimulate the scientific achievements within the research group.
Apply:
- Please apply before August 30, 2009
- To apply, complete the mandatory application form (in attachments your curriculum vitae and briefly (250 words) summarize your motivation and relevant knowledge).
More information about the fellowship can be obtained by contacting either Dr. Eric Struyf (eric.struyfatua.ac.be, phone +32 3 2652304) or Ir. Stefan Van Damme (stefan.vandammeatua.ac.be, phone +32 3 2652263).
