The Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Ecology (ZMT) in Bremen is a member of the Leibniz Association, which is supported by the German Federal and State Governments. Through its research, ZMT contributes to developing science-based strategies for sustainable use of tropical coastal systems.
ACUTE (AquaCUlture practice in Tropical coastal Ecosystems- Understanding ecological and socio-economic consequences) is an interdisciplinary project funded by the Leibniz society and consists of several partners: AWI (Alfred-Wegener-Institut Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung, Bremerhaven), IGB (Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Berlin), ISAS (Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften, Dortmund), Marum (Zentrum für Marine Umweltwissenschaften, Bremen) and University of Bremen.
The overall goal of ACUTE is to examine impacts of aquaculture effluents on i) ambient microbial community structure, particularly the distribution and spread of pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes, ii) organic particle transportation and sedimentation rates of labile organic matter, iii) metabolic performance of cultured fish stock, and iv) a detailed investigation on human dimensions and stakeholder decisions towards aquaculture practices. The project combines field studies in Indonesia and the Philippines, lab studies, as well as experimental model systems.
ZMT is seeking for four scientists, each for a period of three years, starting earliest on October 1, 2015:
1 PostDoc (Reference number 1 – Genomics) will use a combination of metagenome and metatranscriptome analyses to select suitable tracer genes (type IV pilus, capsular polysaccharide biosynthesis, iron acquisition, extracellular enzyme and toxin) which are well related to pathogen proliferation induced by various aquaculture practices. The goal of this study is to develop an AquaHealthChip, which can be used for rapid monitoring of environmental health, without neglecting the potential importance of aggregates in pathogen transmission. The postdoc position will be based at ZMT with joint research stays at IGB Neuglobsow.
1 PhD (Reference number 2 – Biogeochemistry) will focus on organic aggregates from aquaculture practice to determine organic matter transport and turnover, as well as ecosystem consequences. This will be done by in situ optical systems, sediment traps, microsensors and biogeochemical measurements. This is important in the context of disease ecology with respect to the transmission of waterborne diseases from aquatic reservoirs to humans.
1 PhD (Reference number 3 – Ecology/Physiology) will focus on metabolism of cultured fish species through measurements of oxygen consumption, enzymatic studies and biomarkers. Experiments will be conducted both for resting and exercising individuals while environmental conditions will be manipulated. A comparison of aquaculture systems with different intensities will be undertaken and pioneer trials with IMTA setup developed with the goal to avoid or minimize nutrient output for management recommendations.
1 PhD (Reference number 4 – Socio-economics) will focus on the socio-economic consequences and collective action problems resulting out of increased aquaculture production. The candidate should have a background in a social science disciplines with a focus on the analyses of social-ecological systems. This should enable the candidate to do a (qualitative) comparative case study approach.
Applicants will hold a Diploma/M.Sc. (Ph.D. Student positions) and Ph.D. (Postdoc position) in a relevant field.
Application deadline: 31 August 2015
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