VLIZ recruits: PhD Researcher Marine Geology

Join our research team as a PhD researcher, working on palaeolandscape reconstruction of the Belgian Continental Shelf.

Background

We offer a 4-year PhD student position to map and reconstruct the Pleistocene palaeolandscapes of the outer Belgian Continental Shelf (BCS), their evolution through time and connection with adjacent regional palaeolandscapes of the Netherlands, France and the UK. As a PhD researcher you will use state-of-the-art acoustic techniques (high-resolution reflection seismic profiling, ultra-high-resolution sub-bottom profiling and multibeam bathymetric mapping), complemented by sediment (vibro)coring. In recent years a large amount of new acoustic and geotechnical data have been obtained in this area, which are of unprecedented resolution and quality and reveal for the first time that much more of the Pleistocene deposits have been preserved than previously thought. This opens perspectives to reconstruct the palaeo environmental evolution of the area during the Pleistocene, a period for which there are still many questions. As a PhD researcher, you will be based at the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ, Ostend) and enrolled at Ghent University (Department of Geology). The PhD supervisors will be Dr. Tine Missiaen, Dr. Ruth Plets and Dr Thomas Mestdagh (VLIZ) and Prof. Marc De Batist (UGent).

Candidate profile

• MSc in Geology, Earth Sciences, Physical Geography, or an equivalent degree in related fields pertinent to the research project. An MSc degree is required at the start of the appointment.
• A keen interest in marine geology, interpretation of marine geophysical data, palaeo-environmental reconstruction. Prior experience (e.g. via master thesis) in one or more of these topics is desirable.
• Willingness to participate in multi-day marine surveys.
• Good organizational and interpersonal skills; a team player.
• Excellent communication skills in English - both orally and written.
• Highly motivated to conduct scientific research.
• Critical and creative.
• Conduct research in accordance with the principles of scientific integrity.
• Open minded and taking initiative.
• Passionate scientist, willing to learn new skills and develop excellent research.
• Willing to work in an international context.

Main responsabilities

• Conduct an extensive review of existing literature and geological data.
• Process and interpret acoustic data.
• Integrate acoustic data with ground-truth data.
• Formulate research hypotheses and questions.
• Plan and perform surveys at sea.
• Collaborate with (inter)national researcher partners.
• Write high quality research manuscripts for submitting to peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Participate in and represent VLIZ at project meetings, follow up and deliver milestones and deliverables.
• Discuss planning and report progress to principal investigators.
• Present research at national and international conferences.
• Undertake the duties in such a way as to promote the project and enhance the reputation and public profile of VLIZ.

For each function, VLIZ considers enthusiastic involvement, collaborative and excellent professionalism, and integrity as important characteristics.

Our offer

• A contract of definite duration (4 years) as a (doctoral) researcher in a vibrant and international environment at Innovocean Campus. Employment will ideally start om 1st October 2024.
• According to the enrolment rules of Ghent University, there will be an evaluation after the first year. More information about doctoral research at Ghent University can be found here: https://www.ugent.be/en/research/doctoralresearch
• A competitive remuneration package based on the candidate's qualifications and experience according to the salary scales set forth by the Flemish Government on 01-01-2009.
• Additional benefits: holiday allowance, end of year allowance, meal vouchers, bicycle allowance, bicycle lease, free public transport between home and work.
• You will have access to an additional hospitalisation health insurance via VLIZ.
• A good work-life balance through a generous leave package, flexible working hours within a 38-hour working week and the possibility to work partly from home.
• Opportunities for personal development (training).

About us

Over the last 25 years, the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ) has become a knowledge institution indispensable to the marine research landscape. What started as an institute focusing on science support, has evolved into a national and international point of contact for marine research. VLIZ initiates and carries out multidisciplinary research and supports marine experts by providing research infrastructure, data, information and knowledge. VLIZ supports the blue economy and reaches out to a broad public. VLIZ further broadens its marine horizons and aims at becoming a world player in the field of marine and coastal research.A stimulating working environment forms the base of our flourishing knowledge institute. The well-being of our employees comes first. VLIZ is looking for colleagues who, with their passion and knowledge, want to strengthen our growing institute and face the blue challenges of the future.

Additional information

For more information concerning this vacancy, please contact:

- Tine Missiaen, head of the research unit Seascapes Past and Future: tine.missiaen@vliz.be

- Ruth Plets, senior researcher Seascapes Past and Future research unit: ruth.plets@vliz.be

Does this vacancy appeal to you?

Send in a cover letter and CV no later than 9th June 2024.

By post: Jan Mees, General director, InnovOcean Campus, Jacobsenstraat 1, 8400 OostendeBy mail: jobs@vliz.be with subject "Vacancy 2024_011_PhD Researcher Marine Geology"You can contact us by telephone on +32 (0)59 33 60 00.

VLIZ promotes equality and diversity in the workplace. You will be recruited based on competencies. Qualities of people are decisive, regardless of gender, religion, ethnic origin, age, sexual orientation, or any disability.Do you have a disability? Please attach a document to your application so that we can adapt our selection procedure where necessary. This information will be handled with discretion.

Procedure

Based on the received cover letters and CV's, a select group of candidates will be invited for a job interview in the course of June. In case you are selected for the interview, you will be informed by email. The job interviews take place in the offices of VLIZ (or online if necessary) on 1st July 2024. Employment can start immediately after the selection procedure and ideally not later than 1st October 2024.

Read this vacancy on the VLIZ website.