Postdoc - Gene expression related to calcification in scleractinian corals

Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research

The Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ) is the leading research institute in the Netherlands for the basic marine sciences. Five departments (Physical Oceanography, Marine Geology, Marine Organic Biogeochemistry, Biological Oceanography and Marine Ecology) carry out the multidisciplinary research of the institute. Approximately 250 persons are currently appointed at the NIOZ. NIOZ has a large variety of instrumentation and is operating modernly equipped research vessels for coastal and ocean studies. The institute is associated with the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO); it is located on the Wadden Island of Texel, close to the mainland. For further information see the NIOZ homepage at http://www.nioz.nl. The Department of Biological Oceanography (department chair: Prof. Dr. Marcel Veldhuis), performs research on chemical and microbial processes in the marine environment and has a vacancy for a Postdoctoral scientist Topic: Gene expression related to calcification in scleractinian corals Vacancy number 2011- 037 The project Multiscale modelling of calcification in scleractinian corals is financed by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research, NWO, research program Computational Life Sciences. The project is a collaboration with the research groups from Prof. R.P.M. Bak & Dr. J. van Bleijswijk (Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ), Dr. J.A. Kaandorp (Section Computational Science, University of Amsterdam) and Prof. D.J. Miller (James Cook University, Australia). Job description. In this project we aim to characterize the genes that control the differences in coral morphology. We do this by a quantitative comparison of gene expression patterns. We especially focus on genes involved in the process of calcification. As a start, we will analyse the transciptome of pooled Acropora millepora samples. Subsequently we will analyze spatio-temporal gene expression patterns of genes involved in the calcification process at different environmental conditions. A better understanding of calcification in corals is of fundamental importance in research on the potentially detrimental impact of increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations, reducing ocean pH and carbonate ion concentrations on the calcification process in corals and other calcifying organisms. In collaboration with a postdoc (University of Amsterdam) on the same project, a computational model of calcification in corals will be developed. Requirements: Candidates should have a PhD degree in molecular biology with an expertise in coral biology. The Postdoc is expected to collaborate with computational biologists. A strong research record, evidenced by a PhD thesis and papers published in peer-reviewed journals is required. Fluency in oral and written English is required. Motivation to work on an island and integrate efficiently in a new research team is fundamental. We offer a full-time postdoctoral position for 2 years, a pension scheme, a yearly 8% vacation allowance, year-end bonus and flexible employment conditions. Further information on the project can be obtained from Dr. Judith van Bleijswijk, Molecular Biology Laboratory, Royal NIOZ, tel +31 222 369521, E-mail: Judith.van.Bleijswijk@nioz.nl or otherwise from Jolanda Evers, Human Resources (E-mail: Jolanda.evers@nioz.nl, phone +31-222-369371) Applications: Applicants should send a cover letter with motivation for this project and vacancy number 2011-037, CV, a statement of research interest, pdfs of most relevant publications and the names, telephone numbers and email addresses of two referees who are familiar with your work, to the Human Resources Department attended to Ms. Jolanda Evers, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ), P.O. Box 59, 1790 AB Den Burg, Texel, The Netherlands or preferably by e-mail to: jobs@nioz.nl