Funded PhD studentship: Modelling the implications of changes in abiotic conditions for the plankton dynamics in seasonally stratified lakes

The University of Konstanz, with its “Institutional Strategy to promote Top-Level Research”, has been receiving continuous funding since 2007 within the framework of the Excellence Initiative by the German Federal and State Governments.

The Limnological Institute at the University of Konstanz is one of the leading institutes in lake research in Europe that offers excellent research facilities and an open collaborative atmosphere. We invite applications for a

PhD-Position in Ecological Modelling
(Salary Scale 13 TV-L / 75%)

as part of the Research Training Group R3 (RTG). The successful candidate will play a central role in the project: Modelling the implications of changes in abiotic conditions for the plankton dynamics in seasonally stratified lakes. Based on numerical models the project investigates the response, resilience, and reversibility of plankton food-webs under trophic and climatic change in freshwater lakes of different depths. The research involves model development in MATLAB, numerical experiments with abiotic forcing scenarios, and comparison with existing field observations.

Your profile:

• Master degree in biology / ecology, mathematics, physics, oceanography, environmental engineering or informatics.
• Expertise in the field of numerical modelling, experience with ecological models, and interest in theoretical ecology
• Capability of conducting independent research and scientific writing
• Good communication skills in English. Proficiency in German is not required.

We offer:

The position is funded for 36 months and will start as soon as possible. The candidate will work within an interdisciplinary team of researchers at the Limnological Institute in Konstanz.

The University of Konstanz encourages disabled persons to apply. They will be given preference if appropriately qualified (contact + 49 7531 / 88 – 4016).
The University of Konstanz is an equal opportunity employer that tries to increase the number of women in research and teaching.
The University of Konstanz is committed to further the compatibility of work and family life.
The University of Konstanz offers a „Dual Career Couples Program“.

Applications should include a letter of motivation, a complete CV including a list of publications and the names and contact information of two referees (incl. one letter of recommendation).
All application documents should be assembled in a single PDF file and sent to Prof. F. Peeters at [Email Address Removed] until 31th of May.

For further enquiries please contact Prof. F. Peeters at [Email Address Removed] .
Information on the research group: https://www.limnologie.uni-konstanz.de/en/peeters/ and the RTG: https://www.rtg-resilience.uni-konstanz.de/.