NIOZ, the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research is the Dutch national marine science institute and amongst the most renowned internationally. Approximately 330 scientists, lab assistants, technicians, ship’s crew and auxiliary staff collaborate in world-leading marine research.NIOZ acquires and disseminates scientific knowledge on the world’s oceans and seas. Our multidisciplinary research is carried out in 6 scientific departments, which are divided over two facilities: NIOZ Yerseke in the south and NIOZ Texel in the north of the Netherlands. This position will be located on Texel.

The Netherlands Earth System Science Center (NESSC) is a virtual institute funded by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and founded in 2014. The aim of the NESSC is a better understanding of Earth’s climate system in past, present and future. The program is comprised of multiple projects each focusing on different aspects of the Earth’s climate system and from different disciplines, i.e. paleoclimatology, microbiology and modeling. The NESSC is a collaboration between the University of Utrecht, Radboud University, Free University of Amsterdam, Wageningen University and the NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research. At the NIOZ we will focus on developing novel tools for paleoclimate reconstructions and the generation of high resolution paleoclimate records.

The department of Marine Organic Biogeochemistry (department chair: Prof. Dr. Jaap Sinninghe Damsté), studies the application of both concentrations and isotopic compositions of biomarkers for applications in microbial ecology and reconstruction of paleo-environments.

As part of the NESSC, the department of Marine Organic Biogeochemistry (department chair: Prof. Dr. Jaap Sinninghe Damsté) is looking for a PhD-student.
Project title: “Towards reconstructing past atmospheric methane concentrations using organic biomarkers”
Vacancy number: 2014-057

Job description:
In this NESSC project we want to develop novel organic geochemical tools to reconstruct past atmospheric methane concentrations. A large number of diverse microbes are involved in the generation and consumption of methane, generally with characteristic biomarker lipids and a distinct isotope signature. A number of these are involved in the oxidation of atmospheric methane. Through cultivation and environmental studies we will investigate the (quantitative) relationship between atmospheric methane concentrations and the stable isotope and distribution of biomarker lipids of methanotrophic microbes. The project is in collaboration with microbiologists from the Radboud University of Nijmegen.

Requirements:
We are looking for highly motivated and driven individuals with excellent practical and cognitive abilities. Applicants must hold an MSc degree and have a background in biology, geosciences, environmental science or chemistry. Experience with (in)organic (bio)geochemistry or microbial ecology is beneficial; good English oral and writing skills are essential.

Conditions of employment:
We are offering fulltime positions for 4 years, a pension scheme, a yearly 8% vacation allowance, year-end bonus and flexible employment conditions. Conditions are based on the Collective Labour Agreement of Research Centers. The position will be located on Texel. Cost of relocation and help with housing is provided by NIOZ.

Further information:
Additional information about this vacancy can be obtained from:Prof dr. ir. S. Schouten, senior scientist (stefan.schouten<στο>nioz.nl) or Prof. dr. ir. J. S. Sinninghe Damsté, Department Head (jaap.damste<στο>nioz.nl)

Additional information about the procedure can be obtained from Sigrid Moerbeek, HR advisor, 
Sigrid.moerbeek<στο>nioz.nl. Further information on NIOZ can be found on the internet: www.nioz.nl

Applications:
A job you like? Visit www.workingatnioz.com find the job of your choice and fill in the application form. Make sure to mention the vacancy ID in the subject line of your email and/or your motivational letter.

Closing date: Applications can be submitted until January 15th 2015…