Phytoplankton Researcher

PhD Position in Environmental Science

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join our team at Deltares to work on a project focused on the dynamics of phytoplankton and its interaction with nutrient and carbon cycles in the Wadden Sea lagoon.

The successful candidate will have a strong background in environmental science, with experience in ecosystem modelling and a proven track record of working with large datasets. They will be responsible for enhancing the understanding of ecosystem functioning by integrating models with satellite data and in-situ observations, including data from citizen science.

The PhD candidate will also be expected to develop information products combining model data with observation data, using machine learning or data assimilation methods, and to discuss model results with stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Enhance understanding of processes at the land-sea interface based on combined use of in-situ data, satellite data and modeling;
• Improve existing ecosystem models of the Wadden Sea by better integration with observation data;
• Develop information products combining model data with observation data;
• Discuss model results with stakeholders;
• Participate in the relevant activities of the LandSeaLot consortium and your departments at Deltares and University of Amsterdam;
• Contribute to the Deltares deliverables of the LandSeaLot project.

Qualifications

• MSc degree in oceanography, limnology, marine biology, data science or related field;
• Experience in ecosystem modelling;
• Enthusiasm for building ecosystem understanding based on models;
• Proven technical skills to work with large datasets using scripts (R, Python, matlab etc.);
• Excellent English communication skills, written and oral;
• Enthusiasm for collaborating with a larger team of researchers and stakeholders with diverse backgrounds and disciplines.

About the Project

The LandSeaLot project aims to develop approaches to strengthen the integrated analysis of ecosystems at the land-sea interface. This project will be piloted in different case study areas, with the Wadden Sea lagoon being one of them. The successful candidate will be part of a multidisciplinary team and will have the opportunity to work with a large team of researchers and stakeholders.

What We Offer

• Supervision by a multidisciplinary team;
• Employment at Deltares and based at Deltares and University of Amsterdam;
• The PhD position is part of the PhD program of the University of Amsterdam, which offers excellent training and personal development opportunities;
• The gross salary will be in line with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU);
• Diverse and inclusive working environment.