PhD position on ecosystem turnover across Early Eocene hyperthermals

KU LEUVEN; Belgique; Sur place; EUR 60 000 - 80 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A renowned academic institution in Belgium is offering a fully funded PhD scholarship focusing on the sensitivity of marine ecosystems to climate change. Candidates should possess an MSc degree in Geology or Biology, demonstrate research experience, and have a keen interest in paleoclimate interactions. The role involves analytical work and collaboration within a research group, with a starting date negotiable around November 2025.

Prestations

Fully funded PhD scholarship

Health insurance

Reduced public transport rates

Free bicycle use

Access to university sports facilities

Childcare opportunities

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in paleontological, paleoecological, or paleoclimatological research.
• Earlier experience with organic-walled dinoflagellate cysts or fieldwork is a plus.

Responsabilités

• Analyze drill cores and outcrops from Belgium and the UK.
• Work in collaboration with other PhD students.
• Contribute to teaching activities.

Connaissances

Interest in paleoclimate–biosphere interactions

Proficient in English

Experience with micropaleontological techniques

Formation

MSc degree in Geology, Biology, or related field

Description du poste

Offer Description

Early Eocene hyperthermals provide a way to evaluate how severity of biotic changes scales with the magnitude of climate change. The goal of this PhD project is to assess the sensitivity of marine ecosystems in NW Europe to climate change, using the different early Eocene hyperthermals (e.g., ETM2, ETM3) as analogues for different magnitudes of climate change. For this, the PhD student will analyze a selection of drill cores and outcrops from Belgium and the UK, using marine palynology (organic-walled dinoflagellate cysts), stable isotopes and Mg/Ca ratios on benthic foraminifera. The PhD student that will be hired on this project will work in close collaboration with two other PhD students in our research group.

• You hold an MSc degree in Geology or Biology, or a related field, with demonstrable experience in paleontological, paleoecological or paleoclimatological research.
• You have a keen interest in paleoclimate–biosphere interactions, micropaleontology and geochemistry.
• You are proficient in English.
• Earlier experience with organic-walled dinoflagellate cysts or other micropaleontological techniques and fieldwork are a plus.
• We offer a fully funded PhD scholarship, initially for a duration of 1 year, but extendable to 4 years after positive evaluation. Starting date: preferably by November 1st, 2025, but this can be negotiated.
• A full salary, in accordance with KU Leuven's doctoral salary scale.
• The candidate also takes up a limited amount of teaching activities.
• KU Leuven offers additional benefits in terms of health insurance, public transport at reduced rates, free bicycle use, access to university sports facilities, childcare opportunities – among others. You can find more information on working conditions at KU Leuven on the below mentioned website.

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Johan Vellekoop, tel.: [phone], mail: [e-mail]. To apply, submit your application to the KU Leuven online application platform. Please include: 1) Academic CV + pdf of your diploma’s 2) Letter of motivation 3) At least two references (names, email addresses, phone numbers).

Application and Eligibility

Eligibility criteria:

• You hold an MSc degree in Geology or Biology, or a related field, with demonstrable experience in paleontological, paleoecological or paleoclimatological research.
• You have a keen interest in paleoclimate–biosphere interactions, micropaleontology and geochemistry.
• You are proficient in English.
• Earlier experience with organic-walled dinoflagellate cysts or other micropaleontological techniques and fieldwork are a plus.

Selection and How to Apply

Selection process information: For more information please contact Prof. dr. Johan Vellekoop, tel.: [phone], mail: [e-mail]. To apply, submit your application to the KU Leuven online application platform. Include: 1) Academic CV + pdf of your diploma’s 2) Letter of motivation 3) At least two references (names, email addresses, phone numbers).