Background
The food web methodology ecological network analysis (ENA) provides candidate indicators for the Marine Strategy Framework Directive but is largely static from a temporal perspective and cannot handle environmental changes.
This project aims to change the biomass and physiology of ENA components based on environmental dependencies in order to trace changes in the ecological network. In a dynamic coupling with the ocean model FESOM-C, we will test the effects of increasing temperatures on the functioning of the food web, a necessary step towards an ecosystem model to include the entire food web along with the complex physical environments of coastal regions.
Tasks
- Identify available dependencies of phytoplankton and zooplankton physiology rates on temperature.
- Introduce these dependencies to available ENA models of the Sylt-Rømø Bight and validate the response.
- Establish a holistic, dynamic representation of the food web in the Sylt-Rømø Bight.
- Create a simple coupled ecosystem numerical platform.
- Assess the dynamic response of ENA indicators to abiotic changes.
Requirements
- Master’s or diploma degree in theoretical ecology, physical oceanography, or a related field
- Good programming skills
- Experience with ocean numerical solutions
- Knowledge of ecological functions
- Experience in handling large data sets
- Good skills in written and spoken English
Further Information
For further information, please contact Dr. Sabine Horn (sabine.horn@awi.de; +49(4651)956-4218) or Dr. Vera Fofonova (Vera.Fofonova@awi.de; +49(471)4831-1722).
The position is limited to 3 years. The salary will be paid in accordance with the Collective Agreement for the Public Service of the Federation (Tarifvertrag des öffentlichen Dienstes, TVöD Bund), up to salary level 13 (66%). The place of employment will be Sylt.
All doctoral candidates will be members of AWI’s postgraduate program POLMAR or another graduate school and thus benefit from a comprehensive training program and extensive support measures.
We look forward to your application!
Please submit your application, including (1) a letter of motivation, (2) a CV and copies of relevant certificates (master’s degree; training) and (3) two letters of recommendation or the contact information of two references, by February 21st, 2022. Electronic applications only.
Interviews of selected candidates are planned between April 25 and 29, 2022 (unless otherwise specified) and expected to be online.
Reference number 22/11/G/INSPIRES-b
More details can also be found in this link.
via AWI
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