Stellenangebot / Job offer
PhD position in Trait-based Ecosystem Modeling
The Institute of Coastal Systems – Analysis and Modeling invites applications for a 3-year PhD position in Trait-based Ecosystem Modeling. The Ecosystem Modeling group at the Institute of Coastal Systems – Analysis and Modeling is internationally leading in the field of trait-based ecosystem modeling.
Your tasks:
Predicting the response of marine ecosystems to natural or anthropogenic changes is a key challenge in marine and coastal research. The PhD candidate is expected to investigate the ecological dependencies of long-term ecosystem dynamics on multiple external drivers. From the many factors affecting these trends the project will focus on de-eutrophication as a bottom-up control and accelerated trophic cascading due to global warming as a top-down control.
The PhD student will combine and possibly further develop two existing mechanistic trait-based ecosystem models: a size-based plankton model describing ecological interactions, and a model resolving ecophysiological traits, flexible stoichiometry, and biogeochemical processes. Numerical experiments should unravel how bottom-up and top-down controls are mediated by adaptive processes (trait variations) and system feed-backs.
Your profile:
Applicants with a degree in environmental, biological, physical, or related sciences and a background in numerical modeling are encouraged to apply. The candidate should demonstrate programming experience (e.g., R, Fortran, Linux/Unix) and strong writing skills. She/He will benefit from related graduate activities and programs in Geesthacht and at the Universities of Hamburg and Kiel.
