PhD position on ecosystem turnover across Early Eocene hyperthermals

  • Leuven, Vlaams Brabant
  • Tijdelijk
  • Voltijds
  • 3 dagen geleden
Offer DescriptionEarly Eocene hyperthermals provide a way to evaluate how severity of biotic changes scales with the magnitude of climate change. Nevertheless, a relation between the magnitude of change and the strength of ecological response during the early Eocene hyperthermals has so far not been constrained for shallow marine ecosystems. 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 demonstratable experience in paleontological, paleoecological or paleoclimatological research.
  • You have a keen interest in 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.: +32 16 37 77 80, 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 motivation3) At least two references (names, email addresses, phone numbers)Where to apply WebsiteRequirementsResearch Field Geosciences Education Level Master Degree or equivalentResearch Field Biological sciences Education Level Master Degree or equivalentLanguages ENGLISH Level GoodResearch Field Geosciences » Geology Years of Research Experience NoneAdditional InformationBenefits
  • 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.
Eligibility criteria
  • You hold an MSc degree in Geology or Biology, or a related field, with demonstratable experience in paleontological, paleoecological or paleoclimatological research.
  • You have a keen interest in 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 processFor more information please contact Prof. dr. Johan Vellekoop, tel.: +32 16 37 77 80, 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 motivation3) At least two references (names, email addresses, phone numbers)Website for additional job detailsWork Location(s)Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute KU LEUVEN Country Belgium City Leuven GeofieldContact CityLeuvenSTATUS: EXPIREDShare this page

EURAXESS