The GKSS Research Centre is located in Geesthacht near Hamburg, Germany, with a further centre in Teltow near Berlin, and is a member of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres. With its approximately 700 employees it undertakes, in collaboration with universities and industry, research and development in the areas of coastal research, materials research, regenerative medicine, and structure research with neutrons and synchrotron radiation.

The Institute for Coastal Research in Geesthacht (near Hamburg, Germany), invites applications for a 3-year position:

A PhD studentship is available for candidates with background in biology and mathematical modelling. The main objective of this PhD study is to understand the adaptive response of aquatic food-webs to climate change, particularly in relation to the spring bloom phenomena. The PhD student will use a model which integrates primary production, adaptation in cell size and algal stoichiometry and zooplankton grazing. The model will be applied to recent mesocosm experiments investigating the impact of climate variability (temperature, light) on aquatic ecosystems. The topic is part of the DFG-funded AQUASHIFT project.

The department of ecosystem modelling, at the Institute for Coastal Research, hosts an interdisciplinary and highly motivated group of researches, comprising 6 scientists and 7 PhD students (coast.gkss.de/ecomod). The group is actively involved in a number of national and international projects.

Requirements: Applicants with experience in environmental sciences, oceanography, biology, physics or in other related fields are encouraged to apply. A strong background in modelling and programming, as well as working knowledge in marine ecology and biogeochemistry are also desirable.

For further details, please contact: Prof. Dr. Kai Wirtz, wirtz@gkss.de, Fon: +49-4152-87-1513 or -1526

We offer an appropriate salary, related to TV-AVH as well as the usual public sector social benefits. GKSS is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer seeking to increase the proportion of female faculty members. Qualified women are therefore especially encouraged to apply. Physically handicapped persons will be favoured if they are equally qualified. The GKSS strongly supports equal opportunities.

A Curriculum Vitae (CV) together with a statement of research and two references (address) should be sent by May 5, 2008 (late applicants will be considered until the position is filled) using the code KO 4 (PhD) to GKSS-Research Centre, Personalabteilung, Max-Planck-Str. 1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany, or via e-mail to personal@gkss.de.