University of Amsterdam Faculty of Science
Amsterdam, 1098 SM (Noord-Holland), 38 hours per week
Job description
Within the ERGO program of the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO), we are looking for an enthusiastic PhD student in ecology to work on the project "Potential ecosystem effects of future GM crop introductions through establishment of crop/wild hybrids or feral populations".
One aspect of Environmental Risk Assessments (ERA) of transgenic crops involves the introduction of the transgene in natural environments through outcrossing with a wild relative or through the establishment of feral populations. In the current project the likelihood of an expansion of hybrid/feral plants as well as the associated and potentially adverse effects on the ecosystem will be studied. The experimental systems are (i) hybrids between crop and wild lettuce (Lactuca sativa and L. serriola, resp.) as a model for crop/wild hybridisation, and (ii) Brassica napus as a model feral system. We specifically focus on abiotic stress related to salinity and drought.
The project focuses on experiments using different types of manipulations: changes to the local densities of plants, establishing new populations within and outside the current ecological range, and creating experimental populations in ‘oases' where they are not exposed to the stress of the surrounding environment (no transgenic plants will be introduced to the field). The work involves designing experiments, selecting and creating experimental plots, collecting data, specifically on the impact of the experiment on other species (pollinators, herbivores) and statistical analyses of the results. Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals.
Requirements
Required education/skills:University Graduate
Workfield(s):
- Research trainees, non-tenured lecturers, researchers(Scientific discipline: Natural Sciences)
Organization
University of Amsterdam
Faculty of Science
The University of Amsterdam (UvA) is a university with an internationally acclaimed profile, located at the heart of the Dutch capital. As well as a world center for business and research, Amsterdam is a hub of cultural and media activities. The University of Amsterdam is a member of the League of European Research Universities.
The Faculty of Science at the UvA is one of Europe's foremost institutions of higher education and research in its chosen fields of specialization. It plays an active role in international science networks and collaborates with universities and industry. The Faculty has approximately 2,000 students and 1,500 staff members spread over four departments and ten research institutes. Each institute has its own research programme, a substantial part of which is externally funded by the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO), the Dutch government, the EU and various private enterprises.
The Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) is one of the ten research institutes of the Faculty of Science. IBED 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 multidisciplinary approach.
Conditions of employment
Estimated maximum salary per month: eur 2000 - 2500
Employment basis: Temporary for specified period
Duration of the contract: see below
Maximum hours per week: 38
Additional conditions of employment:
The appointment will be on a temporary basis for a maximum period of four years (18 months plus a further 30 months after a positive evaluation) and should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis).
An educational plan will be drafted that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. PhD students are also expected to assist in teaching undergraduates. The salary is in accordance with the university regulations for academic personnel (Collective Labour Agreement) and will range from € 2,000.- (first year) up to a maximum of € 2,558.- (last year) gross per month (scale P).
Additional Information
Additional information about the vacancy can be obtained from:
Dr. ir. Danny Hooftman
Telephone number: 31 20 5257817
E-mail address: d.a.p.hooftman@uva.nl
Or Prof. dr. Peter van Tienderen
Telephone number: 31 20 5257896
E-mail address: p.h.vantienderen@uva.nl
Or additional information can be obtained through one of the following links:
You can apply for this job before 25-08-2008 (dd-mm-yyyy) by sending your application to:
Universiteit van Amsterdam, Faculty of Science - dept. PZ
S.H.M. Jongerius
Kruislaan 404
1098 SM Amsterdam
E-mail: application-science@uva.nl
When applying for this job always mention the vacancynumber AT 08-1036.
Job description
Within the ERGO program of the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO), we are looking for an enthusiastic PhD student in ecology to work on the project "Potential ecosystem effects of future GM crop introductions through establishment of crop/wild hybrids or feral populations".
One aspect of Environmental Risk Assessments (ERA) of transgenic crops involves the introduction of the transgene in natural environments through outcrossing with a wild relative or through the establishment of feral populations. In the current project the likelihood of an expansion of hybrid/feral plants as well as the associated and potentially adverse effects on the ecosystem will be studied. The experimental systems are (i) hybrids between crop and wild lettuce (Lactuca sativa and L. serriola, resp.) as a model for crop/wild hybridisation, and (ii) Brassica napus as a model feral system. We specifically focus on abiotic stress related to salinity and drought.
The project focuses on experiments using different types of manipulations: changes to the local densities of plants, establishing new populations within and outside the current ecological range, and creating experimental populations in ‘oases' where they are not exposed to the stress of the surrounding environment (no transgenic plants will be introduced to the field). The work involves designing experiments, selecting and creating experimental plots, collecting data, specifically on the impact of the experiment on other species (pollinators, herbivores) and statistical analyses of the results. Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals.
Requirements
Required education/skills:University Graduate
- Master in biology, with emphasis on ecology, evolutionary biology or plant physiology
- Good training in the planning, execution and statistical analysis of (field) experiments
- Ability to work together in a research team
Workfield(s):
- Research trainees, non-tenured lecturers, researchers(Scientific discipline: Natural Sciences)
Organization
University of Amsterdam
Faculty of Science
The University of Amsterdam (UvA) is a university with an internationally acclaimed profile, located at the heart of the Dutch capital. As well as a world center for business and research, Amsterdam is a hub of cultural and media activities. The University of Amsterdam is a member of the League of European Research Universities.
The Faculty of Science at the UvA is one of Europe's foremost institutions of higher education and research in its chosen fields of specialization. It plays an active role in international science networks and collaborates with universities and industry. The Faculty has approximately 2,000 students and 1,500 staff members spread over four departments and ten research institutes. Each institute has its own research programme, a substantial part of which is externally funded by the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO), the Dutch government, the EU and various private enterprises.
The Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) is one of the ten research institutes of the Faculty of Science. IBED 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 multidisciplinary approach.
Conditions of employment
Estimated maximum salary per month: eur 2000 - 2500
Employment basis: Temporary for specified period
Duration of the contract: see below
Maximum hours per week: 38
Additional conditions of employment:
The appointment will be on a temporary basis for a maximum period of four years (18 months plus a further 30 months after a positive evaluation) and should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis).
An educational plan will be drafted that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. PhD students are also expected to assist in teaching undergraduates. The salary is in accordance with the university regulations for academic personnel (Collective Labour Agreement) and will range from € 2,000.- (first year) up to a maximum of € 2,558.- (last year) gross per month (scale P).
Additional Information
Additional information about the vacancy can be obtained from:
Dr. ir. Danny Hooftman
Telephone number: 31 20 5257817
E-mail address: d.a.p.hooftman@uva.nl
Or Prof. dr. Peter van Tienderen
Telephone number: 31 20 5257896
E-mail address: p.h.vantienderen@uva.nl
Or additional information can be obtained through one of the following links:
- About the organization (http://www.uva.nl/start.cfm/la=en/th=main)
- About the department (http://www.science.uva.nl/english/home.cfm)
- About the function (http://www.uva.nl/vacatures/vacatures.cfm/31A40D40-1321-B0BE-A481923B9A6DD606)
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (http://www.science.uva.nl/ibed/home.cfm)
You can apply for this job before 25-08-2008 (dd-mm-yyyy) by sending your application to:
Universiteit van Amsterdam, Faculty of Science - dept. PZ
S.H.M. Jongerius
Kruislaan 404
1098 SM Amsterdam
E-mail: application-science@uva.nl
When applying for this job always mention the vacancynumber AT 08-1036.
