PhD position: Assessing the combined effects of plastic pollution and global change in aquatic organisms

  • Oostende, West-Vlaanderen
  • Tijdelijk
  • Voltijds
  • 22 dagen geleden
Offer DescriptionBackgroundHuman activities have had a cumulative and significant impact on the health of marine ecosystems. Evidence suggests that ocean warming and acidification, and the proliferation of microplastics (1-5,000 µm) constitute some of major environmental issues, with potentially severe consequences for biota and ecosystems. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) projections indicate that by 2100 the mean sea surface temperature is expected to rise by 3°C (SSP5-8.5), while in coastal environments the frequency, extent, and intensity of heatwaves are projected to increase with global warming surpassing 1.5°C. On a regional scale, along the near-shore coastline of the English Channel, the surface water pH is already decreasing by 0.03 units per year. Concurrently, the levels of microplastics are anticipated to escalate, potentially reaching detrimental concentrations in ecosystems. However, the consequences of the combined exposure of keystone coastal species to microplastics and global change stressors is largely unknown. Considering the current projections, experts and policymakers alike emphasize the imperative for further research into the long-term impacts on marine organisms and ecosystems within a changing global environment.Project goalThe overall PhD project goal is to investigate the combined effects of microplastics and global change stressors (warming, acidification) on marine invertebrate species on a multigenerational scale, using a thorough research approach. The approach should answer fundamental primary research questions and will yield important data for a prospective risk assessment. The project results will overcome current limitations in the microplastics risk assessment, which do not account for multigeneration effects nor for combined effects with global change stressors. The project will address the specific objectives:
1) To assess individual and multigenerational effects of microplastic on marine invertebrates (objective 1: multigenerational response).
2) To assess interactive and cumulative effects of microplastics on marine invertebrates combination with global change stressors (objective 2: multiple-stress responses).
3) To quantify and assess the (future) risk of combined exposure to microplastics and global change (objective 3: prospective risk assessment).This project will be developed at the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ) in Ostend (Belgium), under the supervision of Dr Ana Isabel Catarino, leader of the research Team Plastics in Global and Local Waters, and in co-supervision with Prof Jana Asselman, head of the Blue Growth Research Lab at the Ghent University (Belgium).RequirementsResearch Field Environmental science » Other Education Level Master Degree or equivalentSkills/QualificationsCandidate profile
  • Postgraduate degree (Master's) in marine or lacustrine related sciences, ecology, bio-science engineering, or another relevant field (or to be obtained until September 2024).
  • Familiarity with relevant scientific literature, methodologies, and data analysis techniques related to effect assessment. Knowledge of R is a plus.
  • Ability to conduct experimental work, including planning, organizing, and executing.
  • Knowledge on the topic of plastic litter and/or climate change effect assessments, such as ecotoxicological effects, risk assessment, statistical data analysis.
  • Good mentoring skills and willingness to supervise junior team members (e.g. master students).
  • Ability to communicate:
- Effectively and professionally in English, including scientific papers, and other scientific materials.
- Complex scientific concepts to different audiences, including the civic public, colleagues, stakeholders, and policymakers. * Self-motivated, proactive, demonstrates strong collaboration skills and is committed to fostering a positive team-oriented work environment.
  • Ability to work across interdisciplinary fields and to collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
  • Flexibility to work in a scientific multicultural environment. This includes flexible work hours for field work or follow-up experiments, but also interacting within a diverse team of researchers.
Specific RequirementsMain responsabilities
  • Write an initial scientific project plan, which should include a literature review and research gaps identification, clear research goals and questions, milestones, outputs and a data management plan.
  • Plan and execute experimental and scientific work.
  • To take the initiative to discuss planning and report progress.
  • Manage data flow, from acquisition, validation to submission for open access repositories.
  • Lead and collaborate in high quality scientific outputs (peer reviewed papers).
  • Apply for extra funding opportunities (personal fellowship, grants, prizes, travel support, etc).
  • Communicate research findings effectively to academic audiences (e.g. national and international conferences and meetings) and to the broader public.
  • Collaborate with diverse professionals from multiple disciplines.
  • To contribute to events organised by the Research Department or the Institute, such as the VLIZ Marine Science Day or Research Seminars.
For each function, VLIZ considers enthusiastic involvement, collaborative and excellent professionalism, and integrity as important characteristics.Languages ENGLISH Level ExcellentResearch Field Environmental science » OtherAdditional InformationBenefitsOur offer
  • A four-year contract, in a dynamic and diverse setting at Innovocean Campus and the Marine Station, Ostend (MSO) (Ostend, Belgium).
  • A competitive remuneration package based on the candidate's qualifications and experience according to the salary scales set forth by the Flemish Government on 01-01-2009.
  • You will be registered at the university of Ghent Doctoral School, and have access to tailored training.
  • Additional benefits: holiday allowance, end of year allowance, meal vouchers, bicycle allowance, free public transport between home and work.
  • You will have access to an additional hospitalisation health insurance via VLIZ.
  • A good work-life balance including flexible working hours within a 38-hour working week and the possibility to work partly from home.
  • Opportunities for personal development (training).
About usOver the last 25 years, the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ) has become a knowledge institution indispensable to the marine research landscape. What started as an institute focusing on science support, has evolved into a national and international point of contact for marine research. VLIZ initiates and carries out multidisciplinary research and supports marine experts by providing research infrastructure, data, information and knowledge. VLIZ supports the blue economy and reaches out to a broad public. VLIZ further broadens its marine horizons and aims at becoming a world player in the field of marine and coastal research.
A stimulating working environment forms the base of our flourishing knowledge institute. The well-being of our employees comes first. VLIZ is looking for colleagues who, with their passion and knowledge, want to strengthen our growing institute and face the blue challenges of the future.Selection processAdditional informationFor more information concerning this vacancy, please contact Ana Catarino: .Does this vacancy appeal to you?Send in a cover letter and CV no later than 13th June 2024.By post: Jan Mees, General director, InnovOcean Campus, Jacobsenstraat 1, 8400 Oostende
By mail: with subject “Vacancy 2024-008_PhD project plastic pollution”
You can contact us by telephone on +32 (0)59 33 60 00.ProcedureBased on the received cover letters and CV's, a select group of candidates will be invited by 21st June 2024 for a single round of job interviews. In case you are selected for the interview, you will be informed by email. The job interviews take place in the offices of VLIZ (or online if necessary) on 2nd July 2024, in the morning. You will be invited to present yourself and the topic of your master thesis (5 min max, you can use powerpoint presentations).
Employment starts on 1st October 2024.Additional commentsVLIZ promotes equality and diversity in the workplace. You will be recruited based on competencies. Qualities of people are decisive, regardless of gender, religion, ethnic origin, age, sexual orientation, or any disability.
Do you have a disability? Please attach a document to your application so that we can adapt our selection procedure where necessary. This information will be handled with discretion. Website for additional job detailsWork Location(s)Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Flanders Marine Institute Country Belgium City Ostend Postal Code 8400 Street Jacobsenstraat 1 GeofieldWhere to apply E-mailjobs@vliz.beContact CityOstend WebsiteStreetFlanders Marine Institute Postal Code8400 E-Mailjobs@vliz.beSTATUS: EXPIRED

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