Job Information
- Organisation/Company
- University of Niš, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics
- Department
- Biology and Ecology
- Research Field
- Environmental science » EcologyEnvironmental science » Water science
- Researcher Profile
- First Stage Researcher (R1)
- Country
- Serbia
- Application Deadline
- Type of Contract
- Temporary
- Job Status
- Full-time
- Hours Per Week
- 40
- Offer Starting Date
- Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?
- HE / MSCA
- Marie Curie Grant Agreement Number
- 101072777
- Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?
- No
Offer Description
PhD positions, 100% for 36 months
University of Niš, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, Department of Biology and Ecology, Niš, Serbia
Starting date: 01 June 2023
End of application: 07 April 2023
We are inviting two motivated doctoral candidates to participate in two exciting projects titled "Bioturbation facilitates vertical transport of MnP from lentic systems into groundwater” and "Quantifying the impact of soil bioturbators on MnP fate and transport through the soil towards groundwater"
“Bioturbation facilitates vertical transport of MnP from lentic systems into groundwater”.
The main objective of this project is to identify spatial and temporal patterns of transport for different MnPs in sediment of lentic systems (ponds) caused by bioturbation.
The successful candidate will conduct a series of indoor acute and chronic toxicological experiment, mesocosm and in situ experiments, aimed to anayse MnP transport patterns in sediments and reveal the bioavailability of MnP and their potential transfer towards groundwaters. Additionally, the successful candidate will determine the impact of main acting bioturbators on MnP transport, providing more insight into how benthic communities can process sediment MnP, and quantify resulting changes of community structure.
The successful candidate will be based in the workgroup of community ecology and ecotoxicology at the University of Niš, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, Department of Biology and Ecology. The project will involve short secondments to the LUDWIG-MAXIMILIANS-UNIVERSITAET MUENCHEN (Germany), COMMUNE DE LYON (France), DALHOUSIE UNIVERSITY(Canada) and UNIVERSITE CLAUDE BERNARD LYON 1 (France).
“Quantifying the impact of soil bioturbators on MnP fate and transport through the soil towards groundwater”.
The main objective of this project is to determine how soil bioturbators (tubifex worms) can be affected in their behaviour by exposure to soil MnP.
The successful candidate will construct the numerical model for the simulation of modes and pathways of the MP transport in the soil food webs. Additionally, the successful candidate will conduct the quantitative assessment of the MP impact on the organismal and community functioning in soils and propose actionable monitoring strategies for MP in the soil food webs.
The successful candidate will be based in the workgroup of community ecology and ecotoxicology at the University of Niš, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, Department of Biology and Ecology. The project will involve short secondments to THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM, and ROEHAMPTON UNIVERSITY LBG (UK).
The successful candidates will become a part of the PlasticUnderground Horizon Europe ITN Project. Overall, applications are invited for 14 PhD positions funded by the Marie-Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network PlasticUnderground.
The PlasticUnderground Doctoral Network (DN) is an international, multi-partner, inter-sectoral doctoral research-training network with the aim to prepare an international cohort of Doctoral Candidates in the development of solutions to the emerging plastic pollution crisis in soils and groundwater. Given the evolving understanding of subsurface soil and groundwater ecosystems as long-term storage pools of micro- and nanoplastics, interdisciplinary capacity that can support and provide guidance for the management of these systems, as well as development of adequate technological, social behavioural and legislative solutions is urgently needed. This interdisciplinary DN will integrate comprehensive training opportunities in cutting edge technological innovations, regulatory and behavioural approaches across traditional disciplinary and sectoral boundaries. The consortium comprises universities, research institutions and companies located in the UK, France, Spain, Serbia, Italy, Switzerland, Cyprus and Germany.
We are offering a supportive and stimulating research environment at the Ecology/Ecotoxicolgoy workgroup at the University of Niš and a large support network of mentors and co-supervisors. Working conditions in the lab are conducive for a good work-life balance. We are offering flexibility of working time, and are in general a family-friendly lab.
Requirements
- Research Field
- Environmental science » Ecology
- Education Level
- Master Degree or equivalent
The candidates must not yet be in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of recruitment. The position is part of a doctoral network (see below) and provides ample opportunities for international and inter-sectoral secondments, international joint experiments, advanced training courses (ATCs) among other activities. The candidates can be of any nationality, but must comply with the following mobility rule: At the time of selection by the host organization, the candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the host organization for more than 12 months in the three years immediately prior to recruitment.
The candidates should hold a Master of Science degree in Biology/ Ecology/ Toxicology/ Biotechnology/ Environmental Science or similar.
A strong interest in animal ecology will be necessary for the completion of the project. Strong command of quantitative analysis in R, python or equivalent will be a strong asset. Background in ecotoxicology and mesocosm experiments and interest in aquatic insect larval ecology and ontogeny will be considered a plus.
The candidates must demonstrate that their ability to understand and express themselves in both written and spoken English is at a sufficiently high level to derive the full benefit from their training.
We are especially seeking for a good team worker being able to cooperate closely with people in the workgroup and national and international colleagues of a wide network.
- Languages
- ENGLISH
- Level
- Good
- Research Field
- Biological sciences » Biology
Additional Information
We offer: Horizon Europe-funded PhD position (100 %) for 36 months; interdisciplinary research project and working environment (hydrobiology and ecotoxicology/living organism laboratories); international and inter-sectoral secondments; advanced training courses. The candidates will be remunerated according to the standard Marie Curie rate, which includes monthly living allowance, mobility allowance, and if applicable family allowance and allowance for long-term secondments.
We are offering a supportive and stimulating research environment at the Ecology/Ecotoxicolgoy workgroup at the University of Niš and a large support network of mentors and co-supervisors. Working conditions in the lab are conducive for a good work-life balance. We are offering flexibility of working time, and are in general a family-friendly lab.
MSc (or equivalent) in Biology/ Ecology/ Toxicology/ Biotechnology/ Environmental Science (with 300 ECTS and average mark of at least 8 at each level of study, the candidates with a background in related disciplines to biology will have to pass the entrance exam); good English communication skills (oral and written); ability to work in teams; high mobility; high motivation; strong interest in animal ecology and ecotoxicology.
Please send your application to pmfinfo@pmf.ni.ac.rs until April 07, 2023. The application should include:
1) The Application form
2) CV
3) The copy of the travel document (ID or passport)
4) Copies of original diploma of bachelor’s and master’s degree
5) transcript of records. NOTE The recognition of equality and the recognition of the validity of a foreign certificate (diploma of bachelor’s and master’s degree). The proof of ongoing nostrification is also acceptable. The nostrification process is done by the University of Niš.
6) The proof of payment for application (3000RSD)
7) The proof of payment for the entrance exam (only for candidates with a background in related disciplines; 7.000RSD)
8) letter of motivation
9) the names and contact details of two potential referees.
The position is limited to 36 months with a starting date of 01 June 2023.
Applications of women are strongly encouraged. Severely challenged persons will be given preference in case of otherwise equal qualifications.
Work Location(s)
- Number of offers available
- 2
- Company/Institute
- University of Niš, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics
- Country
- Serbia
- City
- Niš
- Postal Code
- 18000
- Street
- Višegradska 33
- Geofield
Where to apply
- pmfinfo@pmf.ni.ac.rs
Contact
- City
- Niš
- Street
- Višegradska 33
- Postal Code
- 18000
- djuradj.milosevic@pmf.edu.rspmfinfo@pmf.ni.ac.rs
- Phone
- +381-64-111-7412