Doctoral fellowship on ‘Understanding Tidal Sandbank Dynamics and Impacts of Sand Extraction in Sediment-Scarce Environments’ (m/f/x)
Context
Most of the sand needed for beach replenishment, land reclamation and construction is extracted from sandbanks in the sea. However, the North Sea off Belgium and the southwestern Netherlands has a limited available supply. Large-scale sand extraction in this area not only carries the risk of depletion, but also influences the dynamics of the tidal sandbanks and their associated ecology. The BANX research project aims at developing field-based computer models and data-analysis techniques to detect and understand the effects of large-scale sand extraction from sandbanks in sand-scarce environments. Sand scarcity is an emerging phenomenon that may lead to a global crisis. With BANX, we want to contribute to increasingly sustainable extraction strategies that can be applied worldwide. The Belgian-Dutch collaboration in BANX is funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO) and is coordinated by the University of Twente (Netherlands).
The Institute of Natural Sciences is a research institution with extensive multidisciplinary expertise of ecosystems. Several monitoring programs are coordinated that study the environmental impacts of human activities at sea, allowing status assessment of the marine environment. With more than 30 years of experience in sand-extraction research, we target the development of integrated approaches that combine the geological substrate, the seabed environment and the water column. Applied and basic research is conducted, studying processes both in the field and with models. From the research, recommendations are formulated that contribute to an increasingly sustainable exploitation of the marine environment.
Job description
The doctoral research at the Institute of Natural Sciences focuses on: (1) Quantification of geological boundary conditions for application in modelling studies (occurrence of erosion-resistant layers, thickness and composition of different sediment types) using existing subsurface models. (2) Detailed analysis of seafloor morphology through time as an indicator of changing ecosystems, using bathymetric time series (including multibeam data from 1999 onwards, and lower resolution for older data). (3) Testing hypotheses about the causes of these changes, relying in part on data from sea-going campaigns.
Your PhD will be promoted at Ghent University, Department of Geology. The research is done in close collaboration with fellow researchers at the University of Twente (Water Engineering & Management) who are responsible for model development. The project is guided by an extensive stakeholder community (government, industry, environmental organizations) from Belgium, the Netherlands and the United Nations.
Profile
Diploma: Master's degree in physical sciences (e.g., geology, geography), engineering, or a related field (holders of foreign diplomas will have to apply for a diploma equivalence procedure).
Technical and generic qualifications:
Enthusiasm for (marine) research, an innovative spirit, and good oral/written communication and interpersonal skills.
Open, collaborative and inclusive attitude.
Strong technical and analytical competencies. Affinity with programming is essential; experience with analysis of large data sets and ability to apply AI is an advantage (e.g., automated pattern and object recognition).
Willingness to work closely with modelers.
Flexibility to participate in multi-day campaigns at sea.
Good knowledge of English.
Assets:
Knowledge of Dutch is a plus.
We offer
A full-time position for a 4-year term, with a start date in November 2024.
The amount of the fellowship is equal to wage scale SW10 without seniority.
A dynamic, challenging, diverse and stimulating research environment.
Workplace: Institute of Natural Sciences in Brussels (Vautierstraat 29, 1000 Brussels).
Benefits
Telework opportunities with telework and office allowance
Offices closed between Christmas and New Year
Laptop providing
Meal vouchers (6€ per day, of which 1,01 € per day charged to employee)
Workplace accessible by public transport
Home-workplace free public transport
Various training opportunities (to be followed during working hours)
Vacation pay and end-of-year bonus
Possibility to receive a language bonus
Possibility to receive a bicycle allowance
Free admission to the RBINS museum and also other federal scientific institutions with Belspo card (Fine Arts Museum, Central Africa Museum, Planetarium, etc.)
10% discount in the Museum Shop and the Dino Café
Tourist Attraction Passport (with conditions)
How to apply?
Please send your motivation and CV (including possible publications and thesis) by 04th September 2024 at the latestwith reference to ‘Application NWO-BANX’ in the mail header to : Ms. Yolande Maes (ymaes@naturalsciences.be.
For more information on:
Job content or working conditions: Vera Van Lancker (vvanlancker@naturalsciences.be (Professor at Ghent University, supervisor of the research).
The BANX Project: https://www.nwo.nl/en/projects/20622
Institute of Natural Sciences: https://www.naturalsciences.be/en/science
For all administrative questions, please contact the HR department: hr@naturalsciences.be.
The selected candidates will be invited to an interview in the week of September 9, 2024.
Only applications that meet the profile and come in on time will be considered.
We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply
Comments