PhD candidate in Aquatic Ecotoxicology: Faculty of Science – Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics. The Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics is one of eight research institutes of the Faculty of Science at the University of Amsterdam. The institute covers a wide range of subjects in both fundamental and applied research. Our scientific studies aim at a better understanding of the dynamics of ecosystems at all relevant levels, from genes to climate change, using a truly multi- disciplinary approach.
Project description
Innovation of ecotoxicological water quality assessment
The assessment of the chemical and ecological status of freshwater ecosystems each comes with specific scientific and practical limitations. Furthermore, to register the absence of compounds comes with high costs for water authorities. In this PhD-project we aim therefore to innovate ecotoxicological water quality assessment and to integrate this into a program for Smart Integrated Monitoring (SIMONI). We aim to incorporate passive sampling and effect monitoring with bioassays into ecotoxicological water quality monitoring and to identify hazardous compounds by means of effect-directed analysis (EDA). The designed Smart Integrated Monitoring program or model will pose an alternative for the current Water Framework Directive (WFD) monitoring. This PhD-project will improve the scientific quality, and meanwhile reduce the costs of ecotoxicological water quality assessment.
Five work packages are foreseen:
- passive sampling;
- optimization and validation of bioassay batteries;
- optimization and validation of bioassay trigger values;
- effect-directed analysis and
- toxicity traffic light modelling and design of a Smart Integrated Monitoring model.
Requirements
- MSc in Aquatic Ecology, Aquatic Ecotoxicology, Aquatic Toxicology or Environmental Chemistry;
- experience with experimental approaches relevant to the project, such as passive sampling, bioassays, effect-directed analysis and environmental hazard & risk modelling is recommended;
- experience with laboratory and/or field experiments, preferably with macroinvertebrates;
- interest to combine to theory, laboratory and field studies, and data analysis;
- skills with statistical analysis is appreciated;
- ability to work on a multidisciplinary topic in a multidisciplinary research team;
- driving license.
Further information
Appointment
The position will start preferably 1 September 2015, but is flexible. The full-time appointment will be on a temporary basis for a maximum period of 4 years. Initial appointment will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years. The full-time gross monthly salary will range from €2,125 in the first year to €2,717 in the final year, according to the Dutch salary scales for PhD candidates. The Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities is applicable. The annual salary will be increased by 8 % holiday allowance and 8.3 % end-of-year bonus.
Job application
Applications should include a detailed CV, a motivation letter, and the names and contact addresses of two references from which information about the candidate can be obtained.
Applications should be sent before 17 August 2015 to application-science@uva.nl. Please quote vacancy number 15-275 in the subject field. Interviews will be held 25 August 2015.
- Level of education: University
- Salary indication: €2,125 to €2,717 gross per month
- Last date: 16 August 2015
- Hours: 38 hours per week
- Vacancy number: 15-275