PhD-position: Deep-sea predator-prey interactions
Location:
- The Netherlands (Texel Island)
- Field work in North Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea
Organization: Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ) - Department of Coastal Systems (COS)
Contract Type:
- Full-time PhD position
- 4-year contract (1 year + 3 years after positive evaluation)
Project Description: The PhD position is part of the NWO-Vidi project "Tracing top predator-prey interactions into the deep sea". The research focuses on investigating deep-sea predatory interactions between cetaceans and their prey, combining sea-going research with laboratory analysis.
Key research activities:
- Study dynamics between toothed whale deep sea foraging behaviour
- Analyze composition and dynamics of prey fields in the deep sea
- Conduct research cruises on oceanographic vessels and day-trips on small vessels
- Apply multiple research methods including biologgers, unpiloted aerial systems, echo sounders, hydrophones, cameras and environmental DNA-analysis
Requirements: Essential:
- Master's degree in marine ecology/biology, oceanography or closely related discipline
- Experience with cetacean and/or deep-sea cephalopod or fish ecology
- Programming skills (R, Python or Matlab)
- Strong English communication and writing skills
- Team player with ability to work independently
- Driving license B
Desirable:
- Experience with biologging, echo sounders, or species-habitat association modelling
Benefits:
- Salary according to PhD candidate scales (CAO-WVOI)
- 338 annual holiday hours (40-hour work week)
- 8% holiday allowance
- 8.33% year-end bonus
- Pension scheme via ABP
- 100% reimbursement of public transportation
- Relocation support for international candidates
- PhD registration at University of Amsterdam (UvA)
How to Apply:
- Deadline: February 20, 2025
- Online pre-interviews: First week of March 2025
- In-person interviews: Third week of March 2025
- Expected start date: May 1, 2025 or shortly after
- For specific questions contact: Dr. Fleur Visser
- For procedural questions email: working@nioz.nl
