The Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Ecology (ZMT) GmbH in Bremen is a member of the Leibniz Association, which is supported by the German Federal and State Governments. Through its research, Leibniz-ZMT GmbH contributes to developing science-based strategies for sustainable use of tropical coastal systems (www.zmt-bremen.de).

The ZMT has a vacancy for a Ph.D. student to start in January/February 2012 within the framework of a project titled "Adaptation strategies of Crustose Coralline Algae (CCA) to ocean acidification".

Background:

The continuous raising of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere, due to burning of fossil fuels, causes major environmental concerns. The oceans absorb approximately a quarter of the all CO2 emitted in the atmosphere. This CO2 is changing the chemical composition of seawater by reducing pH, carbonate ion concentration, and saturation states of biologically important minerals such as calcite and aragonite. These chemical changes are called "ocean acidification". Crustose coralline algae (CCA) are important calcium carbonate producers fostering reef accretion by stabilizing reef sediments. We are interested to investigate how CCA respond to increasing atmospheric CO2 particularly with respect to their growth and Mg-content and to assess how these responses change the competitive strength of these organisms. The work will be performed under controlled laboratory conditions in our state-of-the-art marine experimental facility (MAREE) and in close cooperation with the Systems Ecology Group of the ZMT and Jacobs University in Bremen. The appointment is for a three-year period. Salary will be according to the German TV-L 13 for a half-time position.

Requirements:

We are seeking an excellent PhD candidate with a background in biology, ecology, chemistry, biogeochemistry, or geology. The ideal candidate would have experiences with marine photosynthesizing and calcifying organisms.

Application:

To apply, please send a motivation letter, a complete CV with list of publications and skills, and names with email addresses and phone numbers of two referees in a single pdf-file to the address below. Only short-listed candidates will be notified.

Closing Date:

January 31, 2012 or until a qualified candidate is identified. The Leibniz-ZMT GmbH is an equal opportunity employer. Disabled persons with comparable qualification receive preferential status.

Contact:

Dr. Tim Rixen
Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Ecology GmbH
Fahrenheitstr. 6, 28359 Bremen, Germany
Tel: +49 (0) 421-23800-55, email: trixen@zmt-bremen.de