PhD Candidate: The Role of Surface Waters in the Greenhouse Gas Balance of Dutch Peat Meadow Landscapes

As a PhD candidate on this project you will focus on greenhouse gas emissions and carbon stocks of surface waters (with a focus on drainage ditches) in peat …

2 maanden geleden

Arbeidsvoorwaarden

Standplaats:: Houtlaan, Nijmegen, Gelderland
Dienstverband:: Tijdelijk contract / Tijdelijke opdracht
Uren per week:: 32 - 40 uur

Salarisindicatie:: € 3061 - € 3061 per maand
Opleidingsniveau:: WO

Functieomschrijving

As a PhD candidate on this project you will focus on greenhouse gas emissions and carbon stocks of surface waters (with a focus on drainage ditches) in peat meadow landscapes across the Netherlands. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from peatlands have been extensively studied. Considerably less attention has been paid to the emissions from the surface waters (e.g. in ditches) in these peatlands. Still, high production of GHGs within these surface waters and lateral inflow from adjacent lands may lead to ditches emitting considerable amounts of GHGs. So far, GHG emissions from surface waters in peat areas are poorly quantified. Quantification is needed to obtain full GHG emission estimates at the landscape scale. Currently, efforts are made to reduce GHG emissions from peatlands using mitigation measures such as paludiculture and the application of porous subsoil pipes that drain water in winter, but infiltrate in summer. At this stage, we lack insights into how these climate mitigation measures – aimed at reducing emissions from the terrestrial peat – affect open-water GHG emissions. Additionally, the role of hydrosere as a carbon sink in surface waters needs to be investigated. Hence, to quantify GHG emissions and carbon fluxes at the landscape scale and better understand the role of land use and mitigation measures, it is vital to study emissions from surface waters in addition to their terrestrial counterparts.

Functie-eisen

An enthusiastic and bright ecologist with a strong and proven interest in freshwater ecosystems who has an MSc degree (or equivalent) in ecology, earth sciences or a related field.
Experience with the analysis of large datasets, water-atmosphere interactions, and biogeochemistry is a plus.
A multidisciplinary interest, the ability to collaborate in a group, and a strong motivation to obtain a PhD degree are essential.
Proficiency in the Dutch language is advantageous but not essential.

Conditions

Employment: 32 - 40 hours per week (0.8 - 1.0 FTE).
The gross starting salary amounts to €2,395 per month, and will increase to €3,061 in the fourth year (p scale).
In addition to the salary: an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
Duration of the contract: you will be appointed for an initial period of 18 months, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, the contract will be extended by 2.5 years (4 year contract) or 3.5 years (5 year contract).
Your education task may be up to 10% of your appointment.
You will be able to use our Dual Career and Family Care Services. Our Dual Career and Family Care Officer can assist you with family-related support, help your partner or spouse prepare for the local labour market, provide customized support in their search for employment and help your family settle in Nijmegen.
Have a look at our excellent employment conditions. They include a good work-life balance (among other things because of the excellent leave arrangements), opportunities for development and a great pension scheme.

Additional information

For more information about this vacancy, please contact:
Dr. Ralf Aben, Postdoc researcher
Tel.: +31 24 365 2114
Email: Ralf.Aben@science.ru.nl

Dr. Sarian Kosten, Assistant professor
Tel.: +31 24 365 2472
Email: S.Kosten@science.ru.nl