PhD-position: Biominerals, Crystals and Climate

The Department of Ocean Systems (OCS) at the Royal Netherlands Institute of Sea Research (NIOZ) is looking for a highly motivated PhD student with a background in cell biology, (bio)geochemistry, or chemical oceanography to investigate biomineralization in foraminiferal calcite and its relation to climate change.

The Department of Ocean Systems studies the role of the ocean in a changing climate from the equator to the pole, from the continental shelf to the deep ocean, and from the past to the present. The ocean is a major reservoir of CO2 and heat; its circulation, mixing, biogeochemistry and other marine processes impact global climate. Seafloor sediments record past changes, allowing reconstruction of ocean and land conditions and insights into feedbacks between oceanic processes and climate.

Within the BICYCLE research project (for a PhD position at NIOZ and an accompanying position at Radboud UMC in Nijmegen) we study the basics of calcification by foraminifera. This is directly relevant for marine carbon cycling, atmospheric CO2 levels and Earth’s climate. The project aims to construct a complete model of the calcification process by identifying which parts of the calcification pathway are affected by changes in temperature and CO2, to predict how calcification is impacted by climate change. This work will integrate biology with global carbon cycle models to improve predictions of the consequences of ongoing CO2 emissions.

Within this project, you will focus on biochemical and cellular processes responsible for calcium carbonate precipitation, in particular in relation to seawater pCO2 and temperature. Using analytical equipment at NIOZ (e.g., confocal laser scanning microscopy, laser ablation-ICP-MS), you will investigate ion uptake mechanisms and crystallization dynamics to predict future marine calcification rates and understand carbon cycling in a changing ocean. Collaborative work with the group of Sommerdijk at Radboud UMC will enable nanometer-scale analysis of the calcifying microenvironment in foraminifera. Techniques such as high-pressure freezing and fluorescent/cry-FIB SEM imaging will be applied and complemented by experiments at NIOZ. Handling living foraminifera is essential, along with high-resolution analysis of marine inorganic carbon chemistry. Affinity with chemistry, crystallography and cell biology is of added value. You are expected to contribute proactively to the exchange of ideas and results within our department and with international colleagues, present data at (international) conferences, and prepare scientific articles for publication in peer‑reviewed journals. Within OCS, you share knowledge and expertise with colleagues in an open, safe and inclusive environment.

We seek an enthusiastic and energetic student with a keen interest in marine biogeochemistry, cell biology and microscopy. You are a team player, with:

• An MSc degree in biology, earth sciences, marine sciences or a related field

• Experience and affinity with biogeochemistry and marine research

• Passion for chemical laboratory work and data analysis

• An open, communicative and collaborative attitude

• Strong communication skills in English

We strive for a transparent institute with a healthy working climate and an inclusive culture, where people from diverse backgrounds and genders bring their talents and develop them. We pursue inclusive decision-making and expect leadership to demonstrate commitment, awareness of bias, and cultural intelligence.

• Employment of this full-time position at Royal NIOZ is through NWO-I for a total duration of 4 years. The appointment starts with 1 year and, after a positive evaluation at the 9th month, will be extended to the full 4 years.

• Salary compliant with scales for PhD candidates (OIOs) and the CAO-WVOI.

• An appointment at NIOZ as a PhD candidate means working and learning according to the NIOZ PhD policy.

• 338 annualized holiday hours for a full-time 40-hour work week.

• Pension scheme via ABP, 8% holiday allowance and a year-end bonus of 8.33%.

• 2nd class public transportation travel is reimbursed 100%.

• Employment benefits plan to exchange salary for days off or vice versa, or to purchase a bicycle with tax benefits.

• Relocation support for employees from abroad and assistance with finding accommodation.

More information
For additional information about this vacancy, please contact Lennart de Nooijer. For information about the procedure, please email working@nioz.nl.

The closing date of this vacancy is 15 March.